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CBD, or cannabidiol, is not for couch potatoes looking for a psychoactive experience. Many healthy individuals enjoy the benefits of non-addictive CBD oil as it supports an active lifestyle.
The mitochondria are the “powerhouses” of human cells. They convert the energy from food to ATP. This energy form works like a battery for the cell, powering most of the functions that the cell performs, including cellular regeneration.
In 2012, a French research team confirmed the presence of cannabinoids on mitochondrial membranes. CBD can affect the mitochondria positively and directly by activating the organelles’ cannabinoid CB1 receptors. This activation can decrease the activity of the mitochondria, protecting the cell from apoptosis and oxidative stress.
Fitness training causes low grade oxidative stress and inflammation. Powerfully anti-inflammatory, CBD oil is a stronger antioxidant than both vitamin D and vitamin C. It is a safe, natural alternative to corticosteroids. It can aid in the recovery of stressed tissues and reduce delayed-onset muscle soreness, which gets athletes back into the gym or on the track sooner.
Cannabidiol can also bind to other receptors, such as the mitochondria’s sodium-calcium exchange (NCX). This bond opens an ion channel, allowing charged calcium ions to flow from areas of high to low concentration. Under the stressful conditions of intense exercise, the high levels of intracellular calcium are ushered inside the mitochondria if the NCX is open. This regulated, bidirectional flow of calcium ions is one way that CBD supports homeostasis.
Mental recovery is just as important, post-workout, as physical recovery. Resistance moves like dead-lifts or intense cardio task the nervous system significantly. Cannabis helps not only the body, but also the mind relax. Unlike marijuana, CBD oil does not provide a psychoactive high; athletes can use CBD for mental relaxation without losing their productivity.
Quality sleep is crucial to muscle recovery, as it is during sleep that the body repairs damage at the fastest rate. CDB acts on the receptors of the endocannabinoid system (ECS) and the mitochondrial NCX to maintain homeostasis. It has also been shown to reduce anxiety. These two characteristics work synergistically, resulting in deeper, more regular sleep to grow and repair the muscles.