If you are an athlete, chances are, you must be on some supplement to boost your performance on the track. So, have you heard of CBD or Cannabidiol? If not, well, then know that it is known for miraculously providing relief from chronic pain, inflammation, bad moods, and other human ailments. With it being still a new topic, it leaves many asking Can CBD help Runners & Athletes?
What wonders can full spectrum CBD do for runners can now be anybody’s guess. Still, there is very little scientific or medical research done on the therapeutic characteristics of CBD. Thus, one can’t reckon it in front of sports authorities to make CBD a part of their supplements. Even so, a lot of athletes or runners use CBD-infused products to improve their performance.
Can CBD help runners & athletes? Let’s find out.
CBD, or Cannabidiol, is a chemical compound formed in the cannabis plant. Yes, cannabis is also the parent plant of marijuana and hashish, but CBD is a bit different from them. It is non-psychoactive, which means it has only 0.3% of tetrahydrocannabinol or THC—the substance responsible for creating ‘high’ in the brains. CBD is non-intoxicating and, thus, now excluded from the list of ‘controlled substance’ (as per 2018 Farm Bill) in America.
Delta-8 THC is a close analogue of regular delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). However, delta-8’s molecular structure causes the compound to create a weaker bond with CB1 receptors in the endocannabinoid system. The result is a milder sense of relaxation and euphoria than its sister cannabinoid produces. Best of all, Pure Hemp Farms delta-8 flower is completely compliant with the federal regulations set out by the 2018 Farm Bill.
How does it help runners?
The wellness industry is at boom due to the therapeutic activities of Cannabidiol. CBD is ‘trending’ in the market for its invaluable medicinal values. For this very reason, CBD is growing popular among Americans quite a lot. So, how does it work to provide relief to the human body?
Well, CBD helps in balancing the endocannabinoid system (ECS) of the human body. For those who don’t know, the ECS is composed of endocannabinoids, which are neurotransmitters or receptors that help maintain homeostasis.
There are two types of receptors, named CB1 Receptors, which are responsible for mood, hunger and co-ordination, and CB2 receptors, which deal with the immune system and pain. CBD connects with the receptors in a way that the body starts producing more cannabinoids of its own.
In the case of runners, the release of anandamide, the bliss molecule,’ give them the runner’s high, which creates a similar kind of effect on the brain as THC. CBD puts the runners in that ‘zone’ as well; only it doesn’t have THC. CBD comes with a lot of benefits than putting your brain in a good mood.
What are the benefits of CBD for runners?
We all know that CBD has many therapeutic qualities. In the same way, CBD-infused products, when taken in the form of natural supplements, can help runners achieve incredible milestones.
If you are a runner looking to enhance your performance on the track, then these are the advantages CBD can provide you with.
- It combats inflammation: Do you know that most of the chronic pains in your body are a result of inflammation? The most common treatment for inflammatory illnesses is NSAIDs, also known as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. However, many people have claimed that CBD gives the same kind of relief as NSAID.
So, if you are a runner, it is frequent for you to suffer from muscular and joint pains. With a daily dosage of CBD, you can heal from it quickly, which will directly affect your performance.
- CBD also reduces anxiety and depression: As a runner, you need to relax your mind and calm your nerves. When you are relaxed, you get better sleep and can focus better on your goals. Thus, better performance on the field.
- It also treats insomnia: As a runner, you need to have a sound sleep. It keeps you physically and mentally healthy. However, due to performance pressure, a good night’s sleep seems like a fleeting dream. Enter CBD. It helps in reducing stress, which automatically helps you in falling asleep.
- Uplifts the mood and maintains mental health: When you recover fast from your pain and injuries, sleep well, experience a reduction in anxiety and other ailments, you will automatically feel good about yourself. Doing this also means that your serotonin balance will be maintained, and thus, your mental health will improve.
Can CBD Help Runners & Athletes?
Ever since the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) has removed CBD from its list of banned substances, it has become quite popular amongst athletes as well. In most cases, runners have experienced positive changes in their body and lifestyle. However, it is essential to be informed about the pros and cons of CBD on an individual level before a person starts consuming it.