When the 2018 Farm Bill was passed, hemp with less than 0.3% THC was removed from the definition of marijuana. This opened the floodgates to a market we’ve never encountered before and CBD was all the rage.
While there is only one FDA-approved drug, Epidiolex, independent manufacturers have come out with all kinds of CBD-infused products. From edibles to vapes, there really is no shortage of how you can apply it.
While CBD is effective in treating chronic pain such as arthritis and multiple sclerosis, more studies are showing that CBD oil has a range of benefits for the average person who incorporates these products into their wellness routine. Naturally, this would be music to any fitness junkie’s ears, and many have pounced on the opportunity to reap the benefits of CBD oils with the hopes of leading healthier lives.
In this article, we’ll take a look at how fitness addicts use CBD in their lives. Disclaimer: This is not a how-to guide, and anyone who is considering consuming and/or using CBD products should consult a medical professional.
Post-Workout Recovery
If there’s one thing all-natural fitness freaks want, then it’s the ability to quickly recover after those gruesome workouts! When you’re working out, you’re essentially breaking down your muscle fibers. These “microtears” trigger an inflammatory response and are crucial in kick starting the recovery and muscle building process.
However, smaller muscles that are overused, such as those around the rotator cuffs may not fare as well as the larger counterparts. They can cause a lot of pain when inflammation sets in. CBD has shown to reduce inflammation and can alleviate some pain.
As there is still no solid evidence that points out which method of consumption works well for post-workout recovery, it’s up to you to decide on whether you’d like to rub it on pain-prone areas of ingesting it.
Sleeping Aid
Everyone who works out knows the importance of getting a good night’s sleep after a workout. If you’re training and diet are on point but you’re missing out on this vital aspect, you’re not letting your muscles grow.
Also, just from a wellness perspective, getting adequate sleep is important for your overall health!
CBD could be just the lifeline you need if you have trouble tucking in at night. Our bodies have an endocannabinoid system which plays a crucial role in maintaining bodily functions such as our circadian rhythms and sleep. Within this endocannabinoid system are a network of receptors.
Cannabinoids such as CBD are said to bind to certain receptors that affect our sleep and wake cycle. While researchers aren’t sure if CBD enhances sleep quality, current studies have pointed out that it increases sleep duration.
There are a few ways to take CBD before bed. For best results, taking a capsule a few hours before bed should do it. However, some prefer applying tinctures sublingually 30 minutes before they tuck in.
Relaxation
The stress of modern life has contributed to the decline of the population’s mental health. Anxiety disorders affect 18.1% of American adults each year and in 2016 6.7% of adults experienced at least one episode of depression.
Surely, those who keep their physical fitness in check would also want the best for their mental and emotional health.
While it’s not understood how exactly CBD affects our mood, it is said that it interacts with the CB1 receptors in the brain. Bottom line, researchers think that it alters serotonin levels which is the key hormone in stabilizing mood.
