CBD oil is becoming super popular for exercise and recovery supplements. Many athletes are raving about how it helps them after tough workouts. Plus, there’s new research coming out every day about its benefits.
Here are four reasons to consider CBD oil for muscle recovery and what you should know before you start using it.
CBD oil comes from cannabis plants. Unlike THC, which can make you feel high, CBD offers a bunch of health benefits without those mind-altering effects. Since 2018, it’s been legal and has gained a lot of attention in the health and wellness world.
One of the great things about CBD oil for muscle recovery is its versatility. You can take it as a liquid to ingest or apply it directly to your skin using a carrier oil or a salve. Applying it topically is perfect for targeting sore muscles after a hard workout, especially if you prefer this method over oral ingestion or are worried about competition rules.
If you take CBD oil orally, you can put it under your tongue or mix it into a drink. It’s a popular addition to protein shakes or fruit smoothies for fitness enthusiasts. Others might prefer using a vape pen or taking it in capsule form.
When you exercise, you’re basically causing small injuries to your muscles, which then repair and get stronger. This natural process can lead to inflammation and muscle pain. Studies suggest that CBD has great potential for reducing both short-term and long-term inflammation, which can alleviate muscle pain without needing synthetic anti-inflammatory drugs. This is particularly important for those who rely on such medications and want to avoid their side effects.
Proper sleep is crucial for muscle recovery. The relaxing and anti-anxiety properties of CBD oil can help you get better sleep, which in turn aids in muscle repair. Many athletes find it hard to sleep well after intense workouts due to muscle tension, and CBD can help break this cycle by promoting rest.
Getting enough sleep also helps your body function better overall, preventing injuries and mitigating the effects of overtraining.
CBD is a natural pain reliever because it interacts with your Endocannabinoid System (ECS), which helps regulate various physiological processes in your central and peripheral nervous systems. While we don’t entirely understand how CBD works with the ECS, it’s known to offer pain relief without the high associated with THC. This makes it helpful for chronic conditions like fibromyalgia and cancer.
Using CBD oil for muscle recovery can help you get back to your workouts faster and stay active longer, without causing more harm in the long run. If you suffer from delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS) that hampers your training, CBD oil might be the solution.
Remember, not all CBD products are made the same. It’s important to choose high-quality products without unnecessary additives. You should also carefully read labels to ensure the product doesn’t have a high THC content, especially if you’re buying from a place where marijuana isn’t completely legal.
Start with a small dosage and gradually increase it. People react differently to CBD oil, and some might experience mild side effects like stomach issues or drowsiness.
Treat CBD as a supplement for muscle recovery, not as the main focus of your fitness routine. Make sure you’re also drinking plenty of water, taking rest days, and eating well.
If you often have muscle soreness after training, give CBD a try and see if it works for you.