Professional athletes have been using CBD oil in growing numbers. So what about high school, college, or local athletes? There is some hesitation because there is still a stigma around CBD and what it does to your body. Let’s take a look at the facts and explore what it can do for you.
1. Boost Your Immune System
You have been training for months and right at game time, you get sick. Playing while sick is not recommended. Many athletes will do it but end up hurting themselves further and not playing at full capacity.
CBD is full of antioxidants that help prevent illness and can also help you recover quicker. It also works at keeping your heart healthy. It is far better than over-the-counter medication. CBD works faster than synthetic medicines and works with the body overall. Rather than target one thing with unwanted side effects.
Finding CBD is pretty easy. A google search for “CBD oil near me” will show you where to find it. Don’t be afraid to ask questions. Talk to your trainer about using CBD oil, they may have some great ideas and information for you. Dosing can be a bit tricky as there are so many ways to ingest CBD. CBD oil is popular for its quick effect on the body. CBD creams and salves are perfect for tired, sore, and injured muscles.
Vaping is popular for quitting smoking (some athletes do it!). Pills and gummies are an option for those who want to be discreet. Start off at a low amount and build it until you find the result you want. CBD works with every part of the body so pick one issue you want to deal with, let’s say sleep.
You take it before bed and up the dosage until you get the right amount for restful sleep. The CBD will help other areas of your body as well so you don’t have to stress on how much. If you want to just take a daily supplement, start low but up it until you feel like yourself.
2. Does CBD Get You High?
The short answer is, no. There is a distinct difference between CBD and THC.
Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is the component of marijuana that is psychoactive. We know it as a “high” where we feel euphoria, forgetfulness, and pleasure. CBD is derived from hemp and cannabis plants but is not psychoactive. At most, you will feel relaxed. CBD does a lot more than just relax you.
3. A Natural Pain Reliever
We are a country that is addicted to opiates and over the counter pain relievers. They are effective, yet they are destructive. After a major injury, opiates are commonly prescribed.
But opiates are highly addictive and a difficult addiction to overcome. It is a common addiction to athletes. NSAIDs (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) are another common pain reliever. Used rarely, it’s not that bad.
Use them frequently, or even daily, and you are causing damage to your digestion system. Stomach bleeding, stomach ulcers, and ruptures in the intestines are the most likely result. Older athletes may be prone to a stroke or heart attack. CBD oil binds with pain receptors and blocks the transmission to the brain and spine. Opiates and NSAIDs do not work with the body, CBD oil does. Personally, my favorite brand is Penguin CBD.
4. Reduce Inflammation
Some inflammation is a good thing. When we train, muscle tears occur in order to force the body to create more muscle fibers. With those tears comes inflammation.
If you overdo it, the inflammation can knock you off your training schedule and affect performance. CBD helps lower the inflammation and allow the body to get to work at recovering.
5. Ease Your Stomach
Many endurance athletes suffer from issues in the gastrointestinal region. Inflammation in the stomach and intestines can keep an athlete down. Dehydration and overheating are also common problems that lead to intestinal problems.
CBD won’t cure the situation but it can contribute to easing the symptoms. We already know it can work wonders for inflammation. It can also help the stomach relax and allow you to get yourself re-hydrated quicker.
6. Get A Better Night’s Sleep
While exercise is helpful for a body to sleep, many Americans still do not get enough sleep. Not only enough, but they aren’t able to get a deep and restful sleep. This can be due to their environment, brain chemistry, or anxiety that keeps them awake. Sleep medications are prescribed at an alarming rate.
These sleep medications work for some but also cause organ damage. Manufactured medicines often cause organ problems as a side effect. CBD oil contributes to your wake-sleep cycle. It works with hormones that promote restful sleep. It also inhibits overactive neurotransmitters. The calming effect of CBD won’t put you to sleep, it will allow your body to drift into sleep.
7. Reduce Anxiety
Professional athletes have discovered that CBD helps with game-day anxiety. CBD oil has a great antidepressant property that contributes to easing anxiety. Many people are using CBD to take care of general anxiety disorder and panic disorders.
Every athlete experiences game-day anxiety a few times. It may be the first professional game that the grandparents are coming to see. It may be that you have been off your game and now you have to perform. It may be the “big” game and your scared of messing it up. Anti-depressants are often prescribed for anxiety but CBD is a better choice. A few drops under the tongue and ease of mind hits you within seconds.
8. Keep Your Head Safe
In some sports, head injuries are common. Multiple head injuries can lead to serious problems with being able to play and function as a person.
CBD oil has been proven to help heal from traumatic brain injuries (TBIs). Not only can it heal, but regular use has shown that it can help protect the brain. Consider it a helmet on the inside. It won’t prevent but it will add some protection.
