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Athletes are hard on their bodies. Whether they play basketball, swim laps in the pool, or lift weights, their athletic endeavors can lead to fatigue, muscle strain, injuries, and more. To optimize the post-workout recovery, many athletes are now turning to 100% legal, hemp-derived CBD oils and products.
The Health Benefits of Cannabidiols
CBD is a cannabinoid, a natural botanical compound derived from the hemp plant. Unlike other cannabinoids, like THC, CBD has no psychoactive properties; instead of producing mind-altering effects, it simply interacts with the endocannabinoid system. It helps this system, which governs physiological processes like appetite, sleep, and mood, to achieve homeostasis. This could have positive implications for athletes, who can’t achieve peak performance without perfectly regulated bodies.
Minimize Stress
When athletes exercise, the body overexerts itself. It registers this exertion as stress, and releases the stress hormone cortisol into the bloodstream. When cortisol levels are too high, it can negatively impact everything from sleep habits to mental health. CBD, however, helps to regulate the production of hormones like cortisol. It could be an effective therapy for athletes dealing with stress and anxiety.
Pain Relief
After a long workout, many athletes experience pain. Sometimes this pain is simply caused by tired muscles stitching themselves back together. On other occasions, it’s caused by the inflammation of old injuries. Regardless of the source of the pain, athletes often reach for OTC pain relievers after strenuous workouts. Because of the way it interacts with the endocannabinoid system, CBD helps to reduce pain sensations. It inhibits the absorption of anandamide, for example, a pain regulator that loses its efficacy once it’s absorbed into the bloodstream. CBD is also non-habit forming and free of major side effects. This makes it an ideal choice for athletes who need relief but don’t want to become dependent on prescription pain relievers.
Reduce Inflammation
CBD is also known for its ability to reduce inflammation throughout the body. By targeting certain receptors in the body, CBD can prevent inflammatory responses before they occur. This means CBD might be an effective alternative to post-workout recovery therapies, as it can relieve the inflammation found in sore, tired muscles. CBD comes in topical forms as well as oral ones; athletes can rub CBD cream directly onto the affected areas.
Weight Maintenance
One of the processes governed by the endocannabinoid system is weight management. Some studies suggest that the physical homeostasis achieved via CBD may help users manage their weight. This benefit could help athletes who need to maintain a certain weight to optimize their performance.
Hemp-derived CBD oil is in fact an excellent choice for body recovery for most athletes. Pain reducer, anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant, sleep promoter, and a contributor to a calm and relaxed mind aids in healthier and faster total body recovery.