Regardless of your fitness level or how often you exercise, your workout can leave you sore and achy. Overexertion to your muscles causes little tears to the small proteins that make up the cells of your muscles. Inflammation occurs, your body tries to repair itself and the result is muscle soreness, pain, and stiffness. Rest is the first option for treatment, but it takes a while to heal or help. There are over-the-counter drugs like Ibuprofen and Aspirin but they have side-effects, especially if taken for long periods. Ice is very helpful as long as it’s applied right after your workout. Physical therapy or massage therapy are both wonderful for reducing pain and stiffness but they can come with a hefty price tag. Thankfully, because of Cannabidiol, there is another option.
Cannabidiol (CBD)
CBD has gained quite a bit of attention and popularity recently. What exactly is this stuff and what does it do to help? Cannabidiol (CBD) is like a sibling to Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the psychoactive cannabinoid compound found in the cannabis plant. While closely related, there is a minuscule difference in the two, THC is what makes marijuana psychoactive, or affecting the mind. CBD will not get you high regardless of the amount.
Worldwide, CBD is not in the drug class in which THC is found. CBD is controlled as a nutritional supplement in most countries of the world. The products made may have some relaxing properties but it has been gaining recognition for many other benefits such as reducing side-effects of chemotherapy, aiding in the relief of some forms of epilepsy, alleviating anxiety, sleeplessness, pain, and inflammation. Premium hemp CBD oil products have also been said to improve the pain and mobility of individuals with multiple sclerosis. That said, the relief from the achiness and stiffness after a workout is easily understood.
Endocannabanoid System (ECS)
The Endocannabinoid System is a major balancing network that is a combination of the endocannabinoid receptors and hormones to maintain internal balance. CBD doesn’t stimulate the ECS but premium hemp CBD oil products give it a boost to help it run smoothly and more efficiently. CBD replenishes the ECS ensuring that the immune system, metabolism, coordination, energy, and concentration run like a finely tuned machine. Balancing the Endocannabinoid System activates the immune system.
CBD and Muscle Recovery
Inflammation helps muscles to recover by increasing blood flow to the area, and it encourages stem cells to make new muscle fibers. Recovery and muscle strengthening are faster. However, excess inflammation interferes with the recovery process and the damage after a workout is usually focused on certain areas of muscle. So inflammation that involves larger muscle groups will affect those areas and slow down the recovery process. By decreasing inflammation, it lessens the damage to the surrounding muscles.
CBD oil is thought to be a leading anti-inflammatory because it allows the muscles to heal quicker, but also, it allows individuals to sleep better. During sleep is when muscles do the most recovery. When you sleep your body produces Melatonin, which is a growth hormone that encourages muscle recovery. When your body loses sleep from restlessness or pain, full muscle recovery is hindered. Rapid recovery is important concerning how well you continue training and your performance. CBD attaches to brain receptors that handle emotions, mood, memories, and well-being, and it helps the body to use more of its endocannabinoid receptors.
How To Use or Ingest CBD
CBD Oil
CBD oil seems to be the most popular form of Cannabidiol because of its easy dosing, long shelf life, and its consistent helpful effects. As with any product, CBD oil has been produced to be an effective recovery help for muscles, it also attracts some inferior fakes. It’s important to check for and find premium hemp CBD oil products to ensure the best results possible. CBD oil can be used before and after a workout. Not only does it help with soreness after, but it also reduces blood pressure which allows you to extend your exercise time without the body fatigue.
CBD oil can be taken orally, can be added to protein shakes or even under the tongue after a workout. The taste is not very pleasant, giving off an earthy flavor, but a glass of water afterward will alleviate the taste since there is no aftertaste.
CBD Balm
Creams, lotions, and balms are a well-known way to relieve pain by impacting the pain’s source and having faster relief. Balms help reduce inflammation and easing chronic pain but it is not effective for full-body pain relief. However, using a balm or cream is perfect for pinpointing arthritis pain or specific muscle regions. Topicals are not absorbed into the bloodstream so it’s fine to use much more in a concentrated area, rubbed directly into the skin. Before using topical CBD in a large amount, it’s necessary to test it on a small area of your skin to check for allergic reactions.
CBD Edibles
Cannabidiol gummies can be used for pain, taken every four to six hours. Because of the flavors and sugary coatings, the taste is almost like eating candy. Gummies take much longer than the oil under the tongue, but after an hour, the relief is in full effect. A feeling of calmness and relaxation is conducive to healing.
Muscle recovery can be very complex but the fact is, CBD can be a great addition to your fitness regimen. There are some very simple yet important ways to enhance your recovery along with the use of CBD. Drink plenty of water to rid your body of waste, and get plenty of rest. Stretch and cool down after a workout and always listen to your body. If you have more than the usual soreness and achiness from a normal exercise routine, don’t self-diagnose. Seek a professional to avoid serious damage.
While CBD may not be the answer for some, it’s a treasure for others who are seeking an alternative to drugs and their serious side-effects or dependencies. As with any fitness approach, the focus should be well-rounded and incorporate a healthy diet, and good life choices.