As we move forward in 2023, more uses for CBD oil are being explored by researchers and everyday people alike. One of these is CBD benefits for muscle recovery, which is an exciting development for both athletes and fitness enthusiasts.
Can CBD oil help with physical discomfort after workouts? We're looking at the research and expert advice to make sure it's safe and effective. Check out what experts say to ensure a good experience. Let’s briefly discuss what CBD oil is and why it’s slowly becoming a darling among on-the-go, health-conscious individuals.
What Is CBD?
Cannabidiol (CBD) is a non-psychoactive compound extracted from cannabis plants. It is one of the numerous cannabinoids that is touted to deliver numerous health benefits, including possible relief from mental and physical discomfort as well as skin issues.
While research on the effects of CBD-based oils, tinctures, gummies, etc., is still in its infancy, anecdotal evidence suggests that they may help with muscle recovery after intense workouts.
CBD For Muscle Recovery
Many people who use CBD for recovery have reported feeling less soreness and stiffness in their muscles after working out. Additionally, athletes have also reported faster recovery times and increased stamina when using CBD oil regularly.
But can all these mean that CBD oil truly lives up to the hype? Or are these merely placebo effects?
Anecdotal evidence is not enough to prove that CBD oil can truly hold its ground in all its purported claims. More research is needed to determine the full extent of its effects on muscle recovery and overall health and wellness.
In the meantime, let’s all dig deeper into the 5 possible CBD benefits for muscle recovery and find out for ourselves what the literature is trying to tell us.
1. Reduce Muscle Soreness
Exercise can be intense by itself. Adding the body's delayed onset muscle soreness post-workout makes the entire experience something you'll dread.
Whenever we exercise, our muscles and connective tissues undergo some damage. This is completely natural and is necessary for muscle growth. But does it make the whole thing bearable? Not even one bit.
This is why fitness enthusiasts are constantly looking for ways to prevent or — at the very least — minimize the soreness after a fierce hour or two at the gym. Cue CBD oils and the growing theory that they may possibly assist with the physical discomfort after intense activities.
A 2020 narrative review of CBD’s role in improving sports performance found that CBD oil may have the potential to soothe physical discomfort after strenuous physical exercises.
The study's authors concluded that, while studies that conclusively prove CBD oil’s ability to help with physical discomfort remain scarce, it does show much promise in managing the side effects of intense workouts when applied through the right delivery system.
Again, more research is needed to confirm these findings and to determine the appropriate dosages and formulations of CBD oil for muscle soreness.
2. Swelling
Apart from muscle soreness, fitness buffs have another thing to look forward to after their workouts: muscle stiffness and decreased range of motion due to inflammation.
Whenever you work out, the micro tears that show up in the muscles and connective tissues trigger the body’s inflammatory responses. Again, this is completely normal and necessary for the muscles to come back bigger and stronger.
But is there anything you can do to prevent it?
Much like CBD oil’s perceived role in possibly assisting with muscle soreness, CBD may also play a part in faster recovery from physical discomfort after a workout.
A 2019 study shows that CBD is believed to have a variety of therapeutic effects, including the ability to fight oxidative stress.
The researchers found that CBD (being chemically similar to the body’s naturally produced endocannabinoids) can potentially manage oxidative stress and lessen the chances of damage to proteins, lipids, and DNA.
However, more research is needed to confirm these findings and to determine the appropriate dosages and formulations of CBD oil for specific health needs.
3. Sleep Quality
Good quality sleep (and getting at least 7 to 8 hours of it every night) is key to boosting muscle recovery and overall health and wellness.
A 2019 study conducted on 103 adult patients has shown some correlation between CBD oil consumption and better sleep quality.
In this study, researchers saw that CBD may potentially have calming effects that help with mental discomfort and possibly improve sleep in the process.
However, it’s worth noting that this study is a retrospective case series and not a case-controlled one. In simple terms, this means the results are not entirely reliable since case series studies lack the “control group” factor that is necessary to get more conclusive findings.
While we wait for more irrefutable evidence to support this claim, it’s good to know that users have experienced some benefits from taking CBD in terms of possibly assisting with their mental discomfort and, in the process, improving their sleep quality.
4. Improved Stamina
Stamina is a critical component for athletes and fitness enthusiasts who want to perform at their best.
Preliminary results from a 2022 study show that CBD oil may possibly boost relaxation levels in people who suffer from mental discomfort, which could potentially improve their physical performance.
In another 2014 study, CBD’s lack of psychoactive properties (along with a slew of other health and wellness benefits) is found to possibly assist with boosting wakefulness, energy levels, and focus and, in effect, potentially improve physical performance.
Thanks to these promising discoveries, we can hopefully look forward to seeing conclusive evidence of CBD’s role in boosting stamina in the near future.
5. Regulating The Endocannabinoid System?
The endocannabinoid system (ECS) is a far-reaching network of receptors and chemicals that has been a big part of mammalian biology for over 5,000 years.
The ECS has been helping manage bodily organs and systems and ensuring that internal physiological parameters stay within ideal ranges. Ironically, despite its extensive history, very little is still known about the ECS.
However, new developments in cannabis research show that future CBD-based products may have a big role to play in terms of possibly helping the ECS do its job better.
This idea stems from the theory that the cannabinoids from hemp and the endocannabinoids naturally produced by our bodies are structurally similar and may possibly trigger the same responses.
But How Does It Work Exactly?
Some literature states that potent CBD oils may possibly increase the levels of endocannabinoids, which then bind to CB1 and CB2 receptors and help regulate various bodily functions.
With this in mind, users (with guidance from their healthcare providers) can safely take CBD oil daily to possibly increase endocannabinoid levels, regulate the ECS, and promote overall health and wellness.
However, as we always say, more research is needed to fully understand the role of the ECS in the body and the potential benefits of CBD oil in regulating it.
Possible Drawbacks to CBD and Recovery
It's essential to acknowledge that individual responses may vary, and there could be some drawbacks to consider. Firstly, the regulatory landscape for CBD products is still evolving, and there's a lack of standardized dosing guidelines.
This makes it challenging to determine the optimal CBD dosage for muscle recovery, and there's a risk of either taking too much or too little. Additionally, the quality and purity of CBD products on the market vary widely.
Some products may contain contaminants or inaccurate CBD concentrations, which could impact their effectiveness and safety. It's crucial for consumers to choose reputable brands like Zatural that provide third-party lab testing to ensure product quality.
Another consideration is the potential interaction of CBD with other medications. While CBD is generally considered safe, it can interact with certain medications, especially those that come with grapefruit warnings. Individuals on medication should consult with their healthcare providers before incorporating CBD into their routine to avoid any adverse interactions.
Lastly, while CBD's properties may aid in muscle recovery, relying solely on CBD without addressing other aspects of recovery, such as proper nutrition, hydration, and rest, may limit its effectiveness. It's essential to view CBD as a complementary component of a holistic approach to muscle recovery rather than a standalone solution.
Is CBD Considered an Illegal Substance in Sports?
The legal use of CBD in sports has gained traction in recent years as more athletes explore natural alternatives for recovery and wellness. CBD, derived from hemp plants, is not a banned substance by major sports organizations.
Professional athletes turn to CBD products for their potential swelling and discomfort relief properties without the psychoactive effects associated with THC. The World Anti-doping Agency has even approved CBD for its workout recovery benefits.
It's essential for athletes to be aware of the regulations regarding THC content in CBD products to ensure compliance with anti-doping policies. As acceptance grows, CBD is becoming a popular choice among athletes seeking a holistic approach to managing their well-being, both on and off the field.
Final Verdict: Is CBD Oil for Muscle Recovery Effective?
Depending on what your needs are, CBD oil may provide you with all the benefits you need as you move forward in your health and fitness journey. CBD isn't the only thing you need for muscle recovery, but it could be a great addition.
As more reliable studies come forth we will continue to update this blog to provide important information on the subject. As with any new substance, take a cautious approach to CBD oil consumption by veering toward reputable sellers who only provide top-quality, organic, and third-party tested products.
While CBD oil shows promise as a natural health aid for muscle recovery, readers should always consult with their healthcare professional before pursuing CBD therapy.
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