Cannabidiol (CBD) continues to rise in popularity, thanks to the long list of medical conditions that cannabis extract can treat or prevent. In addition to the health and wellness industry, CBD has since made its way into various other sectors, including the food and beverages, cosmetics, and even pet care industries.
And now, it turns out that you can use CBD to optimize your workout routines. But as you might expect, there are a few things to know before integrating cannabidiol into your fitness routine.
Read on as we explore the top things to know about CBD and exercise.
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CBD Can Boost Your Workouts
CBD comes with powerful analgesic properties, which might help to mediate exercise-induced pain. The substance mostly helps to reduce the severity of the Delayed Onset of Muscle Soreness (DOMS).
DOMS refers to the pain that you experience in your muscles about 24 – 72 hours after engaging for example in a strenuous 4 day split dumbbell workout. CBD relieves DOMS and other forms of exercise-induced pain by improving the pain-signaling mechanism in your endocannabinoid system.
Another way CBD can boost your workouts is by alleviating inflammation. Inflammation is part of the body’s natural defense system. It occurs when your body increases the flow of oxygen and nutrients to torn tissues and muscles caused by intensive workouts.
CBD is an effective anti-inflammatory compound, which explains why researchers recommend it for inflammatory diseases like arthritis and cancer.
Other ways CBD increases your workouts include boosting concentration by relieving anxiety and promoting post-workout recovery by improving sleep quality.
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Different CBD Products Have Varying Effects
CBD products come in various shapes and forms, including;
- Edibles like CBD and weed gummies
- Inhalable like CBD-infused vape juices
- Smokables like dried cannabis extracts
- Topicals like CBD-enriched cosmetic products
- Oral tinctures
Each of these methods has its advantages and drawbacks. Smokables, inhalable, and oral tinctures have a faster onset time, but their effects wear off much faster. On the other hand, the effects of edibles take considerably longer to kick in, but those effects last longer.
It’s imperative that you know which product works best for your workout routine. For instance, edibles would be ideal if you’re seeking to relieve persistent feelings of DOMS and insomnia.
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CBD Doesn’t Work For Everyone
With its long list of benefits, it’s logical to assume that CBD works for everyone. Far from it. Like most conventional medications, there are a few reasons why CBD might not work for you.
First off, CBD will not work for your workout goals if you’re presently on medications that cannabidiol interacts adversely with. Generally, CBD inhibits the activities of some liver enzymes, such as the cytochrome P450 enzyme system. One of the results of those interactions is a decline in the rate at which those medications are metabolized, thereby weakening their effects as well as the effects of CBD.
CBD may also not work if you consume too much of it. While this may sound counterintuitive, too much CBD in your system is counterproductive.
CBD can help boost your workouts. But it pays to familiarize yourself with the substance and its perceived benefits, delivery methods, and possible side effects. As a general rule, always consult your fitness trainer or doctor before using CBD for exercise.
Reference Links
The influence cannabidiol on delayed onset of muscle soreness
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4093435/
https://www.spartan.com/blogs/unbreakable-race-stories/cbd-oil-and-exercise
