Sports Recovery and CBD
The Game-Changing Benefits of CBD for Sports Recovery
In the world of sports, recovery is paramount. As athletes push their bodies to the limit they are always dealing with the resulting muscle fatigue, inflammation, and pain. Enter cannabidiol (CBD): a natural compound derived from the cannabis plant that has garnered attention for its potential to revolutionize the way athletes recover. Research on CBD and its myriad of benefits is ongoing, with many tests currently being conducted, but here are a few reasons why CBD is emerging as a game-changer for athletes and why it might become the essential product in your gym bag.
When we exercise our muscles we are causing microscopic damage to the muscle fibers, which causes inflammation and triggers the body to respond and repair. CBD has been shown to modulate the body's inflammatory response by interacting with the body’s endocannabinoid system (ECS) a naturally occurring system in the body that works to promote homeostasis, or balance. A review published in Frontiers in Pharmacology in 2018 highlighted CBD's potential to reduce inflammation in various disease models, indicating its broad anti-inflammatory properties and potential therapeutic uses.
This anti-inflammatory quality of CBD means that when we have muscle soreness or joint stiffness after a long workout, using CBD topically like a lotion may provide relief as it works to reduce the inflammation surrounding the muscle tissues and joints, similar to how taking an aspirin might also reduce soreness after a work out. Topical applications of CBD are best for localized and acute pain, like those sore hamstring muscle or shoulders. Because Doc D loves refining the chemistry of all his formulations, he developed the Miracle Lotion with ingredients that carry the medicine of CBD through the epidermis and deep into the muscle, where it needs to go to reduce inflammation and increase repair and recovery. Our formulation finds the perfect balance between being fat-soluble, in order to dissolve and carry the CBD, and water-soluble, to transport the CBD deep into the tissue where it is most needed to help aches and pains and promote recovery. Plus, it means that the Miracle Lotion rubs in smooth and doesn’t leave a greasy residue after use!
Another benefit to switching to CBD after a workout is if you haven’t been using CBD, you may have been reaching for traditional pain medications like aspirin, ibuprofen, naproxen or other types of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). When used excessively these medications carry side effects and risks like indigestion, stomach ulcers, headaches, drowsiness, dizziness, or allergic reactions. CBD offers a safer alternative for managing pain as research has indicated its potential for being an analgesic, a medical term that means pain relieving properties, with little to no side effects. A review published by the International Journal of Molecular Sciences in 2020 stated “CBD is a well-tolerated and safe natural compound exerting analgesic effects in various animal models of pain, as well as clinical studies.” Even more good news, you cannot “overdose” on CBD, unlike other pain medications, and it is non-intoxicating.
Lastly, let’s talk about how quality sleep is essential for athletes to recharge both physically and mentally. CBD has been found to help improve sleep quality by balancing mood, promoting relaxation, and regulating sleep-wake cycles. A study titled "Cannabidiol in anxiety and sleep: a large case series" published in The Permanente Journal in 2019 found that CBD improved sleep for those struggling with sleep issues.
Here at Doc D’s we recommend two options for those interested in getting a better night’s sleep, our CBD Tincture and/or our Bath Bombs. If you’ve had a long workout or a stressful day, soaking in a bath full of Epsom salts, pure essential oils and 100mg of CBD may be exactly what you need to help you relax and get ready for sleep. However, if taking baths aren’t your thing, and you’re interested in more of a long-term wellness routine, we recommend incorporating our CBD tincture into your daily regime. Our tincture is formulated with organic coconut oil and plenty of CBD and we recommend a full dropper in the morning and at night to help achieve a more balanced mood and deeper sleep. If you want to learn more about tinctures read our blog, Tincture 101: What To Expect and How to Use.
CBD stands poised to becoming an integral part of athlete’s recovery regimes, helping them achieve peak performance and longevity in their sports, but you don’t have to be an athlete to start reaping the benefits of adding CBD into your lifestyle now! If you are someone who experiences aches and pains, or is simply looking for other ways to relax and recharge, CBD may become an integral part of your life too.
