CBD, or cannabidiol, is an athlete's best friend, along with discipline, dedication and training, of course!
What is it about? CBD is a molecule contained in high concentrations in the cannabis plant - together with THC - and is considered an excellent supplement for those who practice sports at a competitive level . Furthermore, unlike THC , cannabidiol is completely free of psychoactive effects and does not influence in any way the behavior and brain function of those who take it.The main characteristic that makes sports professionals love CBD is its natural anti-inflammatory and analgesic action . Its regenerating and relaxing effect on muscles and tissues is also recommended for people who suffer from chronic pain or pathological and non-transient inflammation, as in the case of athletes.
Specifically, CBD is indicated for the muscle recovery phase , since it manages to limit the accumulation of lactic acid , thanks to its ability to relax the muscles. CBD improves and speeds up the body's recovery through the action it exerts on the receptors of our endocannabinoid system, allowing effective muscle relaxation and the consequent regeneration of tissues compromised by sporting effort.
What are the properties of CBD?
Researchers continue to study the interactions of CBD with the human body and to date there are already many positive effects ascertained by science. Below are some of the properties of CBD that can prove useful for those who practice sport at intense levels.
CBD appears to have analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties and reduces the perception of pain, thanks to its action on the endocannabinoid system. In fact, cannabinoids bind to receptors present in the brain and stimulate responses in different areas of the body , promoting beneficial neurological mechanisms. This allows faster muscle recovery even following intense training.
Known for its calming effects, CBD also offers energizing properties, thanks to its detoxifying action and ability to strengthen the cells of the human body , contributing to their correct regeneration. It is an excellent antioxidant, according to a 2008 study, even better than vitamins C and E.
CBD and sport: what are the benefits?
It is precisely its natural anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties that make CBD so precious for athletes. Its regenerating and relaxing effect on muscles and tissues is scientifically proven and cannabidiol is even recommended for people suffering from chronic pain or inflammation .The use of CBD is recommended by many sports trainers because it supports the body in the post-workout recovery phase , when tiredness and muscle discomfort are felt, especially in the case of prolonged efforts.
At the end of sporting activity it is essential to limit the accumulation of lactic acid and this can only be done if the muscles are relaxed. This molecule, extracted from Cannabis , improves and speeds up the body's recovery through the action it exerts on the receptors of our endocannabinoid system, allowing effective muscle relaxation and the regeneration of tissues compromised by effort.
Another important aspect for athletes is the influence that CBD has on the quality of sleep . Sleeping is essential to allow tissue regeneration and muscle relaxation; if you have sleep problems, the following day it will be difficult to get back on your feet recharged and ready to face another workout. Cannabidiol can help achieve a generalized state of calm and relaxation and, if taken regularly, supports the rebalancing of our psychophysical state.
CBD has proven to be a precious ally in combating even pathological insomnia. The precise mechanisms that regulate the action of CBD are not yet fully understood; However, it seems that its effects are truly comparable to those of conventional drugs.
CBD VS Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs
Inflammation after physical activity, although it represents a natural repair process of the human body, can lead to even serious negative consequences, such as chronic pain and more or less serious alterations of the tissues . For this reason, in case of inflammation, drugs are used to limit this process and limit the risk of worsening, especially in those who train daily at a very intense pace.
Muscle inflammation must be treated and the drugs used to treat them are mainly NSAIDs, i.e. non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs which, if used repeatedly, can have disastrous side effects on the functionality of the kidneys and stomach. Currently the abuse of anti-inflammatory drugs in the sports field is a real problem, which could be solved by using a natural supplement, free of significant side effects, which helps to find relief after excessive physical effort and injuries . It is a truly serious topic and CBD has already been chosen by many sports trainers who care about the health of their athletes.
The good news is that cannabidiol was recently removed from the list of prohibited substances of the World Anti-Doping Agency ( WADA ), a foundation at the forefront of the fight against doping in sport. Every year, WADA draws up a list of substances prohibited for professional athletes and finally, in 2018, cannabidiol was removed from the black list . It is the only cannabinoid currently excluded from the WADA black list.
This decision was supported by numerous scientific research which confirms the positive effects of CBD for those who practice sports intensively or for those who find themselves having to regain balance after a period of extreme physical effort or an injury. Furthermore, taking CBD appears to be completely free of side effects .
