The use of substances to enhance performance is a taboo subject for athletes. Steroid use is certainly frowned upon, but there are many supplements and tools that athletes can use to maximize performance, improve recovery times, and leave athletes feeling better.
They might use protein powders, BCAAs, or other supplements that come highly recommended at the gym. Another trend in athlete performance and recovery is the use of CBD products.
You can buy CBD oil and products online or at dispensaries where cannabis products are sold legally. Some of the best CBD oil companies are found online, but it may be worth checking out a local dispensary.
Even though you’re buying CBD from dispensaries that also sell marijuana, that doesn’t mean they’re the same product. CBD is non-psychoactive, meaning you can’t get high. That also means you can enjoy all the benefits of CBD for athletes without altering your mental clarity.
When you’re ready to try CBD, it’s important that you understand the many benefits you can gain when using it. Here’s a comprehensive list of how CBD will change your life as a dedicated athlete.
1. Speed Recovery
A fast recovery is invaluable for athletes after an injury. You can’t always avoid these painful events, but if you take good care of yourself and supplement with CBD, you can see a faster recovery and get back to doing what you love.
CBD helps by minimizing inflammation and reducing pain (more on that later). It also reduces oxidative damage, which allows your injuries to heal better and help you return to full functionality despite the setback.
2. Help You Sleep
Sleep is one of the most important components of any athlete. Your body simply can’t perform at full capacity if you don’t get a restful night’s sleep every night. It gives your body the time it needs to recover from that day’s activities, restoring energy levels and muscle movement.
Additionally, it’s an essential component in injury recovery. While you sleep, your muscles and cells get to work making repairs and strengthening torn muscles. Try to get at least 8 hours of restful sleep each night for optimum benefits.
Many celebrity athletes have shared their successes with a better night’s sleep when using CBD. PGA Tour golfer Scott McCarron, for example, swears that CBD is the best thing he’s ever used for better sleep. I personally recommend using penguincbd.com if you’re in the market for CBD.
3. Reduce Inflammation
Our bodies have an amazing ability to heal themselves, but sometimes, their natural responses get in the way of our recovery. Inflammation is the most natural response after an injury as the blood rushes to the site to start healing. However, the inflammation also prevents healing, so it must be reduced in order to continue the process.
NSAIDs, ice, compression, and other tried-and-true methods for reducing inflammation are recommended, but CBD can help. It’s a natural inflammation reducer and is often used by those who suffer from chronic pain and inflammation, like those with arthritis or fibromyalgia.
4. Relieve Pain
Serious athletes can’t avoid injuries—it’s a hazard of the practice. While the inflammation goes down, the pain at your injury site will also decrease. CBD can also interact with your body’s endocannabinoid system to dull pain sensors and increase an overall feeling of health and wellness.
The best part is, CBD is non-addictive. Unfortunately, addiction to painkillers among athletes has labeled a drug crisis with as many as 70 percents of athletes admitting to opioid misuse at some point. CBD prevents the risk of getting addicted to painkillers while healing from an injury.
5. Provide More Energy
A lot of finishing a workout is mental, but it’s hard to get to the end if you’re lacking energy. You’re also more likely to make mistakes that can result in an injury. Being alert and energetic is an important part of any athlete’s day.
You may currently be using a pre-workout energy booster, but those often come with side effects like headaches, diarrhea, rapid heart rate, dizziness, and more. CBD lacks significant side effects but can effectively raise your alertness throughout the day.
6. Minimize Anxiety
You may experience anxiety as a result of a diagnosed anxiety disorder, or it could be the result of environmental stressors or triggering events. For example, you might feel anxious when training for a major event or suffer performance anxiety that prevents you from performing at peak capacity.
In any case, CBD is one of the best anxiety treatments. It’s considered by most users to be as effective if not more so than their prescription anti-anxiety medications but without the side effects.
7. Settle Your Stomach
Whether you’re nervous about a game or struggling to eat right due to appetite problems, CBD can help to settle your stomach. It naturally cures feelings of nausea and dizziness.
It also boosts your appetite so that you can prep for game day uninhibited. Nerves won’t prevent you from getting adequate nutrition before working out when you use CBD.
8. Avoid a Positive Drug Test
You might have noticed that there are a few similarities between the effects of using marijuana and the effects of CBD, other than the fact that you won’t get high. However, you don’t have to worry about getting in trouble for using CBD.
CBD is essentially harmless with no psychoactive properties. It doesn’t register as a drug on athletic tests, and it’s not to be confused with steroids. You can simply enjoy all the amazing benefits of the substance without worry about being kicked out of your sport.
