CBD, or cannabidiol, is a compound found in the cannabis plant that has gained popularity in recent years due to its potential health benefits.
While CBD is not a cure-all, research suggests that it may be useful in helping athletes manage pain, reduce inflammation, and improve sleep quality.
Many athletes have turned to CBD as a natural alternative to traditional pain medications and anti-inflammatory drugs, which can have negative side effects and may be addictive.
CBD is non-psychoactive, meaning it does not produce the “high” associated with marijuana use, making it a safe and legal option for athletes.
Despite the growing interest in CBD for athletes, there is still much to learn about its effectiveness and safety.
While some studies have shown promising results, more research is needed to fully understand how CBD works and its potential risks and benefits.
This article will explore the current research on CBD for athletes, as well as the different types of CBD products available and how they can be used to support athletic performance and recovery.
Table of Contents
What is CBD?
CBD, or cannabidiol, is a naturally occurring compound found in the cannabis plant.
Unlike THC, which is another compound found in cannabis, CBD is non-psychoactive, meaning it does not produce the “high” associated with marijuana use.
CBD is typically extracted from hemp plants, which contain low levels of THC.
CBD has gained popularity in recent years due to its potential health benefits.
Research suggests that CBD may have anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving properties, making it a promising option for athletes seeking natural alternatives to traditional pain medications.
CBD may also help reduce anxiety and promote relaxation, which could be beneficial for athletes dealing with performance-related stress.
While CBD is generally considered safe, it is important to note that the FDA has not yet approved CBD for any medical conditions.
Additionally, CBD can interact with certain medications, so athletes should consult with their healthcare provider before incorporating CBD into their routine.
Benefits of CBD for Athletes
Pain and Inflammation Relief
One of the most significant benefits of CBD for athletes is its ability to relieve pain and inflammation.
CBD interacts with the body’s endocannabinoid system (ECS), which is responsible for regulating pain and inflammation.
Many athletes turn to CBD to help manage pain and inflammation associated with injuries, overuse, and other conditions.
Studies have shown that CBD can be effective in reducing musculoskeletal pain from exercise and stiff joints.
CBD is also known for its anti-inflammatory properties, which can help reduce inflammation in the body.
This is particularly useful for athletes who experience chronic inflammation due to intense training and competition.
By reducing inflammation, CBD can help speed up the recovery process and improve overall athletic performance.
Improved Sleep
Sleep is essential for athletes to recover and perform at their best.
CBD can help improve sleep quality by reducing anxiety and promoting relaxation.
CBD interacts with the ECS to regulate sleep cycles and promote feelings of calm and relaxation.
This can be particularly useful for athletes who struggle with sleep due to stress, anxiety, or other conditions.
Many athletes also turn to CBD as a natural alternative to sleep aids and prescription medications, which can have harmful side effects and lead to dependence.
Reduced Anxiety and Stress
Competing at a high level can be incredibly stressful and anxiety-inducing for athletes.
CBD can help reduce anxiety and stress by promoting relaxation and regulating the ECS.
Many athletes turn to CBD to help manage pre-competition nerves or to help them relax after a stressful event.
CBD can also be useful for athletes who struggle with anxiety or stress-related conditions, such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
Overall, CBD can offer a range of benefits for athletes, including pain and inflammation relief, improved sleep, and reduced anxiety and stress.
However, it’s important to note that more research is needed to fully understand the effects of CBD on athletic performance and recovery.
How CBD Works for Athletes
When an athlete consumes CBD, it interacts with the endocannabinoid system (ECS) receptors in the body, helping to reduce inflammation and pain.
This is particularly useful for athletes who engage in intense physical activities that can cause muscle soreness and joint pain.
Furthermore, CBD can help athletes manage stress and anxiety, which can have a negative impact on athletic performance.
By promoting feelings of calm and relaxation, CBD can help athletes stay focused and perform at their best.
CBD can also aid in post-workout recovery by promoting better sleep.
Restful sleep is essential for muscle recovery and repair, and CBD can help improve the quality and duration of sleep.
CBD Dosage for Athletes
When it comes to CBD dosage for athletes, there is no one-size-fits-all approach.
The recommended dosages vary widely depending on factors such as body weight, tolerance, and the desired effect.
We always suggest starting with a low dose and gradually increasing until the desired effect is achieved.
When athletes start to use CBD, they should start with a dose of less than 5 milligrams, slowly working their way up to a dose that provides relief for the stated goal.
It’s important to note that CBD affects everyone differently, and what works for one athlete may not work for another.
Some CBD products come with recommended dosages printed on the label.
For example, our ProsperCBD Full Spectrum CBD Oil Tincture has 30MG in every dropper and the recommended dosage is one dropper daily. However, it’s important to note that these recommendations are not necessarily tailored to athletes or athletic performance.
Ultimately, finding the right CBD dosage for athletic performance may require some trial and error.
It’s important to start with a low dose and gradually increase until the desired effect is achieved, while also monitoring for any potential side effects.
CBD Products for Athletes
Athletes are constantly looking for ways to improve their performance and recover faster after intense workouts. Here are a few types of CBD products that athletes may find helpful.
CBD Oil
CBD oil is a popular choice for athletes because it can be easily absorbed into the bloodstream and provide fast relief.
It can be taken orally or added to food or drinks.
When choosing a CBD oil, athletes should look for a high-quality product with a high concentration of CBD.
Our Prosper Wellness Full Spectrum CBD tincture has 1000MG of full-spectrum CBD in every bottle, ~30MG in every dropper.
It contains just two ingredients: full-spectrum, organically grown CBD oil and a hint of peppermint flavoring. That’s it!
CBD Topicals
CBD topicals are creams, balms, and salves that can be applied directly to the skin.
They are a good option for athletes who want to target specific areas of pain or inflammation.
When choosing a CBD topical, athletes should look for a product with a high concentration of CBD and other natural ingredients that can help soothe sore muscles.
Our Prosper Wellness CBD Pain Freeze Cream is amazing for athletes. Each container features 150MG of pure hemp CBD extract plus aloe, castor oil, peppermint oil, arnica, green tea extract, willow bark extract, and menthol.
CBD Capsules
CBD capsules are a convenient option for athletes who want to take CBD as part of their daily supplement routine.
They are easy to swallow and provide a consistent dose of CBD.
When choosing a CBD capsule, athletes should look for a product with a high concentration of CBD and other natural ingredients that can help support overall health and wellness.
Our Prosper Wellness TurmeriCBD capsules should be your first choice if you’re an athlete.
Each bottle contains 30 capsules of two of the most powerful natural supplements – full spectrum CBD and turmeric – in one powerful, inflammation soothing formula.
Potential Risks and Side Effects of CBD for Athletes
While CBD is generally considered safe, it is important for athletes to be aware of potential risks and side effects when using CBD products.
Here are some of the most commonly reported risks and side effects:
- Fatigue: Some athletes have reported feeling tired or groggy after taking CBD. This may be due to the calming effects of CBD, which can make it difficult to stay alert and focused.
- Diarrhea: High doses of CBD may cause diarrhea in some people. This is because CBD interacts with the digestive system and can stimulate bowel movements.
- Changes in weight: While not a common side effect, some athletes have reported changes in appetite and weight when using CBD. This may be due to the way that CBD affects the body’s metabolism and appetite.
It is also important for athletes to be aware of the potential risks of using CBD products that contain THC or other prohibited cannabinoids.
Despite being removed from the WADA prohibited list in 2018, there is still a risk of THC and other prohibited cannabinoids being present in CBD products in quantities that could produce a urine sample greater than the current threshold.
This could result in a positive drug test and potential disciplinary action.
Additionally, some athletes may experience interactions between CBD and other medications or supplements that they are taking.
CBD can interact with certain medications, including blood thinners and antipsychotic medications, so it is important to talk to a healthcare provider before using CBD products.
While CBD is generally considered safe and well-tolerated by most people, it is important for athletes to be aware of potential risks and side effects when using CBD products.
By staying informed and using CBD products responsibly, athletes can safely incorporate CBD into their training and recovery routines.
CBD for Athletes FAQs
Is CBD good for athletes?
CBD has been gaining popularity among athletes as a natural alternative to traditional pain-relieving medications. CBD is believed to have anti-inflammatory properties that can help reduce pain and inflammation caused by intense physical activity. Additionally, CBD may help improve sleep quality, reduce anxiety and stress, and promote relaxation, which can be beneficial for athletes looking to recover and recharge after a game or workout. However, more research is needed to fully understand the benefits and potential risks of using CBD for athletic performance and recovery. It is important for athletes to consult with their healthcare provider and ensure they are using a high-quality CBD product that has been third-party tested for purity and potency.
Can NFL athletes use CBD?
According to the sources, the NFL does not specifically test for the presence of CBD in its drug testing program, but only looks for the presence of THC in a player’s body. However, the NFL still bans THC, which is found in some CBD products. The NFL has held forums to discuss the use of CBD for pain management, and the league has included CBD in its new collective bargaining agreement. While THC can be used to relieve pain and reduce inflammation, CBD also shows promise in helping athletes with these issues. Therefore, it seems that NFL athletes can use CBD as long as the product they use does not contain THC. (sources: CBD Oil Review, Healthline, Jointly, NFL, Hempzilla CBD)
Does CBD help with sports performance anxiety?
There is some evidence to suggest that CBD may be helpful for reducing anxiety in stressful situations, including those related to sports performance. However, the research in this area is still limited and primarily based on preclinical studies and a limited number of clinical trials in non-athlete populations. While some studies have suggested that CBD may be anxiolytic, meaning it can reduce anxiety, more research is needed to fully understand how CBD affects anxiety and whether it can improve sports performance. It is important to note that the effects of CBD can vary depending on the individual and the dosage used. Additionally, athletes should be cautious when using CBD products, as some products may contain THC, which could result in a positive drug test. (sources: PubMed, Forbes, Cleveland Clinic)
Does CBD affect gym performance?
There is limited research on how CBD affects gym performance. Some studies suggest that CBD may help to reduce pain and inflammation caused by exercise, which could potentially improve overall gym performance. Additionally, CBD may help to improve sleep quality and reduce anxiety, which could also be beneficial for gym-goers. However, more research is needed to fully understand the effects of CBD on gym performance, and it is important to note that the effects of CBD can vary depending on the individual and the dosage used. Athletes should be cautious when using CBD products, as some products may contain THC, which could result in a positive drug test. (sources: Healthline, US News & World Report, Muscle & Fitness)
Wrapping Up
Overall, CBD has become an increasingly popular topic among athletes due to its potential therapeutic effects.
While there is still much research to be done, the current evidence suggests that CBD may help reduce inflammation, muscle soreness, and improve recovery time after exercise.
CBD is typically well-tolerated, with the most common side effects being mild.
It is important to note that CBD is not a miracle cure and should not be used as a substitute for proper medical treatment.
Athletes should always consult with their healthcare provider before using CBD or any other supplement.
When using CBD, athletes should also be aware of the potential risks and legal implications.
While CBD is legal in many countries, the laws surrounding its use can vary.
Athletes should always check with their local authorities and sports organizations before using CBD.
Despite the potential benefits of CBD, it is not a magic solution for all athletic woes.
Athletes should continue to focus on proper nutrition, hydration, and training to optimize their performance.
CBD may be a helpful addition to their regimen, but it should not be relied upon as the sole solution.
Overall, CBD is a promising supplement for athletes and offers a range of potential benefits!
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