Swift muscle recovery is essential in maximizing an athlete’s potential and sustaining high performance. This is because frequent training can be coupled with intense sessions without the risk of overtraining or injury. It can, therefore, boost an athlete’s performance considerably by such accelerated recovery and support in longevity in their sport.
Herbal supplements like ginseng and green tea have long been prevalent methods sought by athletes to support their recovery. After the discovery of the therapeutic goodness of CBD, however, more and more sports enthusiasts are choosing it as their preferred method to accelerate recovery, and it is not hard to see why. In this comprehensive guide, you will discover the benefits of CBD for sports recovery and how athletes can maximize the use of CBD by adding these natural solutions in their wellness regimen.
Reasons Why We Are Sore After Exercise
They say exercise is good for you. But have you ever wondered why our muscles ached severely after doing an activity that is supposedly good for our bodies? This post-workout muscle soreness we commonly encounter has an actual scientific term: delayed-onset muscle soreness, or DOMS for short. This discomfort common to every exercising individual peak at around 24-72 hours after exercise and is characterized by stiffness, tenderness, and general muscle pain. But what is the reason behind all this?
The simple answer is this: whenever we engage in activities requiring intense muscle use, our muscle fibers accumulate tiny tears in them. Not to worry though, for these microtrauma are a natural part of muscle growth and adaptation. The body repairs these tears by initiating an inflammatory process whereby there is increase in blood flow and supply of cytokines–the agents that stimulate tissue repair and regeneration. Although discomfort-inducing, this inflammation is necessary for healing.
Additionally, high-intensity exercise produces metabolic by-products (i.e. lactic acid) that gets piled up inside the muscle fibers. This is what contributes to that burning feeling during and immediately right after tough training.
CBD and Its Utility for Sports Enthusiasts
Pain Relief
Cannabidiol is sought-after for its potent analgesic effects. CBD works with the ECS of the body, which is responsible for regulating the sense of pain. Through the modulation of this system, CBD can reduce muscle pain and discomfort from soreness or injuries.
Anti-Inflammatory Properties
One of the reasons why athletes are reaching for CBD is its ability to reduce inflammation. Left untreated, chronic inflammation drastically hinders performance and recovery. So, with anti-inflammatory properties, CBD can help alleviate some of that inflammation, giving a better recovery rate to athletes and granting them the ability to maintain optimal performance levels.
Improved Sleep
Adequate sleep is essential in recovery and general athletic performance. It has been shown that the administration of CBD improves the quality of sleep among people with sleep disorders, anxiety, and pain. Thus, one can enjoy better sleep, along with improved recovery and performance.
Reduced Anxiety and Stress
Most athletes usually feel some form of anxiety and stress during competition and training. CBD is known to have anxiolytic effects; hence, it causes a reduction in levels of anxiety in this athlete category. Fourthly, this puts them in a usually calm mental state, so recourse to it in such high-pressure situations should be very effective.
Muscle Recovery
It can reduce muscle spasms and, in turn, improve circulation, helping the muscles to recover faster. CBD helps augment blood flow and relax the tension inside muscles, thereby accelerating the healing of micro-tears in muscle tissue. This reduces muscle soreness and speeds up the recovery process.
Safety Profile and Proper Dosing of CBD
Although CBD comes with a long list of potential benefits, the safety profile and proper dosing must be known to use this compound effectively and safely.
Safety Profile
For most people, CBD is relatively safe. It is well-tolerated by the human body (thanks to our naturally-occurring endocannabinoid system) and has a good safety profile. However, it’s important to note that potential side effects could include dry mouth, diarrhea, reduced appetite, drowsiness, and fatigue. Another thing: CBD can interact with certain medications, so that’s something you want to explain to your healthcare provider before you start taking CBD if you’re on other drugs.
Proper dosing
The correct CBD dosage will differ from person to person and is based on variables such as your weight, metabolism, the severity of symptoms, and the health condition being treated. Here are some general guidelines:
Start Low and Go Slow
Start with a low dose of CBD, such as 5-10 mg per day, and go up until you’ve reached your desired effects. The basis upon which you can then tell how your body responds to the substance would be this approach, which further reduces possible side effects.
Consider the Form
CBD comes in a variety of forms: oils, capsules, edibles, and topical creams; all of these can affect the onset and duration of effects. For example, the sublingual tincture might act faster than capsules or edibles, which are metabolized in the gut.
Consult a Professional
It is advisable to consult with a health professional who is informed on CBD before you incorporate it into your wellness routine. They will help you in giving personalized dosing recommendations based on your needs and current health conditions.
Wrapping It Up
CBD appears as a very promising supplement for athletes or sportive people aiming to arguably enhance performance, recover faster, and maintain well-being. Comprehension of exactly why you feel sore after exercise and the potential benefits of CBD will help athletes optimize their training toward some meaningful goals achievement. Used carefully, with due respect to proper dosing and under the supervision of healthcare professionals, CBD could be a very useful addition to an athlete’s toolkit in the pursuit of peak performance.
