Peak Performance with CBD for Athletes

Every athlete knows the importance of optimum health for peak performance and unwavering focus.

If you’re reading this, chances are you may have heard about the increasing movement of athletes and sports professionals using CBD products.

Popular among the elite fitness network, CBD Pain relief cream, CBD Muscle rub, and CBD isolate products are now a daily training supplement.

The rising confidence in using CBD for athletes is being reflected far and wide, including a recent article by Train Right, who explore the many benefits of CBD for athletes.

When training and competing, athletes are putting their bodies to the test, and often pushing the limits under stress and strain. Obviously it takes some commitment to refine a finely tuned machine that is the body of an athlete.

However, the intense training and highly active lifestyle can inevitably lead to injury, inflammation and fatigue.

This has resulted in many sportsmen and women turning to over the counter anti inflammatory, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and pain relief options. These medications can subsequently have a number of side effects. Such treatments can actually become detrimental to health with long term and frequent use, and even highly addictive.

NATURAL SUSTAINABLE SUPPORT IS AT HAND!

CBD products and CBD for athletes is a growing market as high performance individuals seek a more natural approach to health, wellbeing and self-mastery. The continued extensive emergence of cannabidiol (CBD) appears to signify a critical turning point in how athletes are maintaining their peak performance. Key to this is not only high levels of focus and endurance, but also recovery time from training stress and managing pain. Multiple CBD products can, and should, be used frequently and over prolonged periods of time, without any significant side effects – as recorded in a 2019 report from the World Health Organization (WHO). The research indicates that CBD does not appear have the potential for misuse or dependence — unlike other pain-relieving substances. CBD products work with our own endocannabinoid system to create balance and harmony in our internal systems. Therefore, the stresses placed on the body during many endurance activities can be counter-balanced with regular sustained use of high quality CBD products. CBD for athletes can help control essential hormone levels, manage metabolism, improve energy levels during the day or before an event, and promote recovery.

CBD FOR ATHLETES IS FUEL FOR THE MACHINE

You will already know that the human body is a highly complex technology. Athletes are literally a high frequency machine. We host millions of cells with the human body, communicating simultaneously through hormones and receptors.

Hormones behave in a specific way – like messengers.

They act by binding to internal receptors that are produced within our cells. When a hormone binds to a receptor, the receptor carries out the hormone’s instructions.

This could either alter the cell’s existing proteins, or activate specific genes that will build a new protein.

Hormones within the body control or regulate many principal biological processes. CBD products have a direct specific impact on the regulation of the cortisol hormone,

Research has evidenced that CBD products are significantly beneficial for fighting stress and anxiety. These conditions are often caused by heightened levels of the cortisol hormone within the body.

This hormone is great at the time of high level impact, although not so great when it is time to rest and recover.

Many people also find that particular high quality CBD products can support healthier sleep patterns. Sleep disorders can be significantly eased with regular use of CBD products, by encouraging a decrease in the cortisol hormone.

This lowers the stress and anxiety levels and promotes relaxation of the body’s systems in the evening before going to bed.

Further studies have shown how CBD products can promote neurogenesis – which is the growth of fresh brain cells, neurons and neural pathways. This miracle process takes place in the hippocampus area of the brain, which is responsible for the management of emotions including fear, stress and anxiety among others.

This research also suggests that our endocannabinoid system plays a key role in the excretion of hormones from the hypothalamus, the very centre of our essential endocrine system.

Disruption and imbalance of hormones produced within the Endocrine system can impair athletic performance. This is where CBD products support and balance your internal systems.

Often there can be an imbalance between dietary energy intake, and energy expenditure through exercise and training.

The end result of such an imbalance can be a shift to an ‘energy saving mode’ in the Endocrine system, which can affect physical performance and overall health.

CBD for athletes can support homeostasis of these essential systems for optimum health, fitness and high quality performance.

The compounds work directly with our internal receptors and chemical messengers within our bloodstream, to encourage growth, and also repair and rejuvenate.

IS IT LEGAL?

Hemp-derived CBD products (with less than 0.3 percent THC) are legal in the UK. CBD isolate products carry no THC, have no psychoactive effect, and are totally legal and safe to use. It’s a win, win. The use of CBD for athletes is widely accepted across numerous sporting bodies and is not prohibited by the WADA (World Anti-Doping Agency). Most major sports leagues and athletic organisations do prohibit the use of THC. Taking CBD shouldn’t cause you to test positive for THC, particularly if you choose CBD isolate products. It is worth mentioning that the risk could increase if you buy CBD products from an unreliable source, as there is limited regulation in the field. If you do choose to join the ever growing CBD movement, be mindful to read product labels and do your own research to be sure you’re getting a high-quality pure CBD product. CBD for athletes is being investigated for numerous potential therapeutic effects. Early research in the field has already shown CBD to be useful in supporting general health and wellness. Using a topical application of CBD muscle rub, or a CBD pain relief cream every day is just one of several ways you can support your system in managing your optimum health.

HOW MUCH SHOULD I TAKE, AND HOW OFTEN SHOULD I TAKE IT?

Well here is the glory of CBD. There is really no one set prescription, as every athlete will absorb supplements in their own unique way. CBD products can adapt with our endocannabinoid system (ECS) to assist with what the body needs, when it is needed.

The key is a consistent approach, in the same way we commit to healthy foods and supplements every day, at various times throughout the day.

It is advisable to start with low doses of CBD products when taken internally. As you become used to its effects, you can start to use higher doses and consider taking it before physical activity.

Topical CBD products are thought to provide the same benefits as other ingestion methods, though instantly localised effects are reported.

Used daily pre work out and competition preparation, and post work out and competition recovery, using a CBD muscle rub can help to rejuvenate cells, and reduce inflammation.

In addition, a top quality joint relief cream can provide daily comfort and relief to aching, swollen or painful joints.

Using multiple CBD products throughout your day, and incorporated into your daily training regime, can support your system to stay in your desired optimum healthy state. These quality CBD products can also reduce inflammation, support speedy recovery and keep you in tip top condition for training.

All of this being said, if you do have any existing medical conditions, it is always wise to consult a physician or medical professional if you feel the need.

SUPPORT YOUR RECOVERY WITH CBD PRODUCTS

Many athletes understandably place their main focus on the training, strengthening and competing. Of course this drive and ambition is essential for the mind-set of a high functioning individual. However consistent self-care, recovery and rest is just as key when considering ultimate wellness and prime health. Our bodies need sufficient care, the right environment, quality rest, and nutrition to perform at peak capacity, and recover quickly. Without sufficient recovery time and space after exercise, particularly in the athletic arena of endurance, your muscles and tendons are unable to heal fully. Sometimes unseen damage may be caused during heavy training and workout sessions, and as a result, your stamina and performance will begin to suffer.

There are many methods of supporting your wholesome health regime with CBD. Not limited to, but including:

–  Wind down with CBD in a bath before bed, to totally relax your system into a restful sleep.

–  Morning and evening, treat your joints and muscles to a CBD rub.

–  Use a lip balm during the day. The lips are super absorbent and this is also a great way to take in the benefits of CBD.

–  A roll on organic CBD skincare product can be a quick and easy way to absorb the benefits of CBD when you are on the go.

–  Taking CBD as an oral supplement during the day can aid your focus, and at night to help you relax.

–  Hydrate often – try adding a few drops of CBD oil into your water.

THE FUTURE OF CBD FOR ATHLETES

Research and studies continue to broaden in this ever expanding area. However it is safe to summarise that CBD for athletes offers excellent potential benefits and very few risks.

CBD for athletes improves recovery and promotes healing as a pain reliever, anti-inflammatory, and sleep aid. CBD products are therefore showing great potential in supporting sporting and athletic performance.

A recent article by Evopure lists sixteen elite athletes, including world famous boxer Mike Tyson and rugby international all star James Haskell, who are advocates for CBD aiding their performance.

If CBD products can further support athletes to reduce consumption of NSAIDS, opioids, and prescription pain killers, those who are using CBD products to support their health are certainly winning.