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CBD for Athletes: Advantages and Drawbacks

By McKayla D  •  0 comments  •   9 minute read

Athletic women using CBD on here elbow

As the world of athletics constantly evolves, athletes are continuously seeking innovative ways to improve their performance, optimize recovery, and manage the challenges associated with intense physical training.

In recent years, Cannabidiol, better known as CBD, has emerged as a promising possibility, gaining popularity among athletes of various disciplines. With its potential benefits, CBD has captured the attention of both professional athletes and fitness enthusiasts alike.

However, as with any new addition to your wellness routine, it is essential to approach CBD with a balanced understanding of both its benefits and potential drawbacks.

This blog aims to provide an insightful exploration of Cannabidiol for athletes. Shedding light on the advantages it may bring to their training and recovery routines. While also highlighting the possible limitations or concerns associated with its use.

This article will discuss the advantages of CBD. These include reducing discomfort, improving sleep, enhancing mood, and supporting overall well-being. We will discuss what athletes should consider when using CBD. This includes legal concerns, ensuring the product is high quality, and the limited research available.

Athletes can make better decisions about using CBD in their training and recovery routines by learning about its benefits and drawbacks.

So, whether you're a professional athlete, a weekend warrior, or someone looking to optimize their fitness journey, this blog will serve as your guide to navigating the fascinating world of CBD for athletes. 

 

Understanding CBD

Cannabidiol, or CBD, is a naturally occurring compound found in the cannabis plant, distinct from its psychoactive counterpart, tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). CBD is a cannabinoid derived from the hemp plant.

CBD indirectly interacts with the endocannabinoid system (ECS) by influencing cannabinoid receptors (CB1 and CB2) and enzymes that break down natural cannabinoids. Although CBD doesn't directly bind to these receptors, it affects their signaling pathways.

By inhibiting enzymes that break down natural cannabinoids like anandamide and 2-AG, CBD may increase their availability and effects. This interaction with the ECS is thought to contribute to CBD's therapeutic benefits for discomfort, mood, and sleep.

Its non-intoxicating nature, anecdotal evidence, and some scientific studies have sparked curiosity within the athletic community. Athletes are exploring the potential advantages CBD may offer, not only in terms of physical performance but also for mental well-being.

 

Potential CBD Benefits for Athletes

Athletes constantly push their bodies to the limit, and CBD is emerging as a potential tool to help them train, compete, and recover more effectively. Here's a deeper dive into some of the potential benefits:

Discomfort

During exercise, microscopic tears occur in muscle fibers, leading to post-workout soreness and swelling. CBD interacts with the body's endocannabinoid system, which plays a role in regulating discomfort perception and swelling. Studies suggest CBD may help reduce these sensations, allowing for faster recovery and potentially mitigating discomfort from old injuries.

Enhanced Recovery

Beyond pain relief, CBD's anti-swelling properties may also contribute to a smoother overall recovery process. CBD could help muscles repair faster and minimize exercise-induced tissue damage by reducing swelling and oxidative stress. Additionally, some research suggests CBD may promote better sleep quality, another crucial factor in athletic recovery.

Worry and Focus

Pre-competition nerves and performance worries can be significant hurdles for athletes. CBD's potential anti-worry properties may help athletes manage these worries, allowing them to stay calmer and more focused during competitions. This can lead to improved performance and a clearer headspace for strategic decision-making.

Improved Sleep Quality

Deep, restorative sleep is essential for optimal athletic performance. More research is needed, but some studies show that CBD might help improve sleep by promoting relaxation and reducing disturbances.

This can really help athletes who have trouble sleeping because of their busy training schedule or when they travel for competitions.

 

Potential Drawbacks and Considerations

While CBD holds promise as a supplement for athletes, it is crucial to consider some potential drawbacks and factors before incorporating it into training and recovery routines.

Limited Research

The exciting potential of CBD for athletes is balanced by the fact that research in this area is still emerging. While anecdotal evidence is promising, strong scientific data is crucial for definitive conclusions.

Athletes should consider:

  • Uncertainty about Long-Term Effects: Long-term impacts of regular CBD use, especially for frequently consuming athletes, are unknown. More studies are needed to assess potential long-term risks.
  • Optimal Dosage for Athletes: There is no one-size-fits-all CBD dosage. Research on optimal dosages specifically for athletes and their unique needs is lacking.
  • Potential Interactions: CBD can interact with the body's system responsible for metabolizing medications and supplements. Athletes taking various supplements should be aware of this potential interaction.

Consulting a healthcare professional familiar with CBD use in athletes can help navigate these uncertainties and make informed decisions.

Athletic golfers using CBD oil

CBD Quality

While CBD offers potential benefits for athletes, ensuring high-quality products is key. Unlike regulated substances, CBD isn't currently overseen by the FDA in the US. This can lead to inconsistent formulations and unknown contents.

To navigate this, prioritize third-party lab testing. Reputable brands will have independent labs verify CBD potency, the presence of other cannabinoids (including THC), and potential contaminants. Look for brands that readily provide Certificates of Analysis (COAs) for transparency.

Beyond testing, quality control measures throughout production are crucial. Opt for brands with a transparent approach: sourcing hemp from sustainable farms, using safe CO2 extraction methods, and clearly listing all ingredients.

By prioritizing quality and choosing reputable brands, athletes can ensure they're getting the most out of CBD and avoid any potential risks associated with products that don't meet high standards.

Medication Interaction

While CBD is generally well-tolerated, it's crucial for athletes to be aware of potential medication interactions. CBD interacts with the liver's cytochrome P450 system, a group of enzymes responsible for metabolizing many medications.

This means CBD could potentially alter how your body processes certain drugs, making them less effective or even leading to higher concentrations in your system and increased risk of side effects.

Athletes taking medications for pain, allergies, or other conditions should consult with a doctor or pharmacist before using CBD. They can check for interactions and suggest safe ways to manage pain or inflammation without affecting your current medications.

Individual Variability

CBD affects individuals differently due to body chemistry, metabolism, genetics, and overall health. While some may experience significant benefits, others may have more subtle or minimal responses.

Athletes using CBD for recovery

Understanding this individual variability is crucial when considering CBD use. The ECS varies among individuals, affecting how CBD interacts with the body. Receptor distribution and sensitivity can differ, making responses to CBD unique. 

Dosage Considerations

Due to the individual variability in how bodies process CBD, there's no one-size-fits-all dosage for athletes. Factors like body weight, metabolism, and the desired effect all influence the amount needed.

It's recommended to start low and gradually increase until the desired results are achieved, typically waiting at least a week between dosage adjustments to gauge the effects. This helps you determine the appropriate dosage to achieve the desired benefits. It prevents unwanted side effects such as fatigue or stomach problems from taking too much.

Consulting a healthcare professional familiar with CBD use in athletes can be especially helpful. They can guide you towards a personalized approach based on your specific needs and training regimen. Additionally, they can ensure there are no potential interactions with any medications you're taking and provide valuable advice on reputable CBD suppliers and product selection, considering the importance of third-party lab reports for athletes. 

Legal Considerations

When it comes to CBD, athletes must navigate the complex landscape of legal considerations. CBD's legality differs by location. Athletes must know the rules for using it in their sport. CBD from hemp is legal in many countries, but CBD products must have legal THC levels to avoid breaking the law.

Some sports organizations have taken steps to accommodate CBD use by removing it from their list of banned substances. However, it is crucial for athletes to stay updated on the latest regulations and guidelines provided by their respective sports governing bodies.

Athletes should consider the potential consequences of using CBD products containing THC. Some competitions have strict rules prohibiting any amount of THC. It is important for athletes to be aware of these regulations before using such products.

Athletes should consult with their coaches, team doctors, or legal experts who are knowledgeable about sports rules. They should ensure they are following the rules and making informed decisions about using CBD in their sports activities.

 

CBD Products For Athletes

While research is ongoing, many athletes are finding CBD helpful for managing pain, inflammation, and anxiety. With a variety of CBD products available, here's a breakdown of what athletes might consider:

Delivery Method: Athletes have options for how they take CBD.

  • Topicals: Creams, salves, and lotions applied directly to sore muscles or joints for localized pain relief and reduced inflammation.
  • Orals: Tinctures (oils dropped under the tongue), capsules, and edibles (gummies, chews) offer a systemic approach that may take longer to kick in but can benefit overall recovery and promote better sleep.

 

CBD Type: The type of CBD extract can also be a factor.

  • Full-spectrum CBD contains all the cannabinoids naturally found in the cannabis plant, including trace amounts of THC (usually less than 0.3%). This means it may offer the entourage effect, where all the compounds work together for a potentially stronger benefit. However, there's a small chance it could show up on a drug test.
  • Broad-spectrum CBD removes most THC while keeping other beneficial cannabinoids.
  • CBD isolate is pure CBD with no other cannabinoids, offering the most control over dosage but potentially missing out on the entourage effect.

 

Athletes should check with their sport's governing body before using CBD. Choose a trusted supplier that provides lab reports to confirm the CBD content and ensure no harmful substances exist.

Athletes should prioritize quality, safety, and transparency when selecting CBD products, ensuring they are from reputable brands with third-party lab tests.

Athletes should begin with a lower CBD dosage. They should also consult with healthcare professionals before using CBD. This is especially important if they are subject to drug testing or taking medications. It is important to consider their individual needs, training intensity, and recovery goals.

Working CBD into your workout routines and schedules can be tough. Click here to learn how to integrate CBD into your workouts.

 

 

Athletes Currently Using CBD

CBD, a compound from cannabis, is now popular in wellness for athletes looking to improve their performance. Prominent sports figures underscore its rise to prominence with their endorsements. Figures include professional golfer Rickie Fowler, NFL star Rob Gronkowski, and MMA fighter Michael Chandler.

Fowler is known for his accuracy in golf. He has talked about how CBD helps him manage stress. CBD also helps him recover after tough training and tournaments.

Gronkowski, a strong NFL tight end, supports using CBD to reduce the physical strain of playing football. He believes it helps with his health after retiring from the sport.

Equally vocal is Chandler, whose mastery in the MMA arena matches his advocacy for CBD's benefits. He thinks CBD can reduce inflammation and muscle soreness and aid in recovery. This helps him perform better during intense training camps and fights.

In these reviews, people agree that CBD is more than just a fad for athletes. It helps their bodies naturally and makes a difference in their lives. As more people discuss it, they see CBD as a way to improve athletic performance. This is changing how athletes take care of their bodies after sports.

 

Sum It Up!

CBD is a popular supplement for athletes, helping improve physical performance and overall health. Athletes are interested in using CBD to help with pain, boost mood, and improve sleep during training and recovery.

However, athletes must approach CBD with a balanced understanding of its potential drawbacks and considerations. Limited scientific research, product quality variations, and legal considerations necessitate careful evaluation and consultation with healthcare professionals or sports medicine experts.

Athletes can stay informed by following the latest rules, researching, and putting safety first. Hopefully, this blog answers any questions you might have about the benefits of CBD for athletes. It is crucial to use it cautiously and customize its usage based on individual needs and sports requirements.

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