One name stands out when it comes to natural, holistic health treatments for athletes: CBD.
With CBD for athletes becoming increasingly popular, this article will dive into the potential benefits CBD offers and why more renowned athletes are turning to CBD to get an edge on their competition.
What Is CBD?
CBD (Cannabidiol) is a naturally occurring compound in cannabis plants such as marijuana and hemp. It doesn’t contain any psychoactive elements like THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), so it won’t make you feel “high” or give you any of the associated effects of using THC products. However, CBD does have many potential health benefits and is used for everything from reducing pain to managing stress and anxiety.
How Does CBD Affect Athletic Performance?
When it comes to CBD for athletes, the potential benefits are vast. CBD interacts with our body’s natural endocannabinoid system, which can help regulate sleep cycles and alertness, manage pain and inflammation, improve digestion, reduce anxiety and stress levels, and boost muscle recovery.
Benefits Of CBD For Athletes
CBD has been gaining much attention in the sports world lately as athletes have begun recognizing its potential benefits. Here are some of the most notable CBD-related advantages that could help athletes in their training and performance:
1. Reduced Pain & Inflammation:
CBD has been studied extensively due to its potential anti-inflammatory properties, which may benefit athletes suffering from soreness and joint aches. It can also help with chronic pain management, allowing athletes to perform at their peak without relying on potentially dangerous painkillers.
2. An Alternative To NSAIDS & Opioids:
NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) and opioids are often used to treat pain, but both can have serious side effects for athletes if taken in excess. CBD could provide a safer alternative that is just as effective, allowing athletes to maintain their desired level of performance without running the risk of addiction or other long-term damage.
3. Better Sleep & Less Stress:
Sleep is one of the most critical factors in recovery and performance, so CBD may be beneficial here too. It has been found to have a calming effect on the body, helping athletes to relax and fall asleep more quickly. Additionally, CBD can help reduce stress levels, which can be especially beneficial for athletes dealing with pressure from competitions or high expectations.
4. Muscle Recovery & Bone Health:
CBD may also be able to help with muscle recovery after strenuous exercise. It has improved circulation and eased inflammation, speeding up the healing process. In addition, CBD could potentially protect against bone loss and even promote healthy bones in older athletes.
5. May Improve Gastrointestinal Problems:
Gastrointestinal problems are common among athletes due to their high-energy lifestyle, and CBD could provide some relief here too. Studies have found CBD to be a powerful antiemetic, meaning it can help reduce nausea and vomiting and other gastrointestinal issues like indigestion and stomach cramps.
Top Athletes Who Use CBD:
More and more famous athletes are turning to CBD for its potential health benefits, from golfers like Bubba Watson to NFL players like Derrick Morgan. This renewed interest in CBD has sparked much debate about its use in the sports world, with some arguing that CBD should be regulated or even banned altogether.
1. Bubba Watson – Professional Golfer, for muscle recovery and pain management
Bubba Watson is a professional golfer who has been openly discussing his use of CBD for the past few years. He first turned to the natural remedy to help with his chronic back pain, which he was unable to control with more traditional methods like taking ibuprofen and prescription opioids.
2. Derrick Morgan – NFL Player, for managing stress and improving mental clarity
Derrick Morgan, an NFL player who recently retired due to injuries and age, is a notable athlete who has turned to CBD for its potential health benefits. An avid advocate of holistic health, Morgan found that using CBD allowed him to manage his stress levels more effectively and improve his mental clarity to make better decisions on the field.
3. Michael Phelps – Olympic Swimmer, for reducing anxiety and improving sleep quality
Michael Phelps is one of the world’s most renowned athletes and is also an advocate for using CBD. He has spoken openly about how CBD has helped him manage his anxiety, improve his sleep quality, and ultimately perform better at sports.
4. Nick Diaz – MMA Fighter, for reducing inflammation and promoting bone health
Nick Diaz is a professional Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) fighter using CBD to help with his training and recovery. He has openly spoken about the benefits of CBD, saying it helps him manage pain and inflammation, allowing him to perform at his peak.
5. Kevin Love – NBA Player, to help manage his depression
Kevin Love, an All-Star NBA player, has been using CBD to help manage his depression. He first started using CBD in 2017 after being diagnosed with panic attacks and anxiety and found that it could effectively reduce his symptoms and improve his overall mental health.
6. Megan Rapinoe – Soccer Player, to help her recover from an injury faster
Megan Rapinoe is one of the most decorated soccer players in history, having won multiple championships at the club and international levels. She recently turned to CBD to help her recover from a severe knee injury. Just a few months after the injury, she was back on the pitch and performing like usual again!
7. LeBron James – NBA Player, for overall wellness and relaxation before games
LeBron James is one of the top players in the NBA and has been using CBD for a few years to help him stay at the top of his game. LeBron recently revealed that he takes CBD every day for overall wellness and relaxation before each game and for post-game recovery.
8. Jerry Rice- NFL Hall of Fame Wide Receiver, for pain relief after workouts
Jerry Rice, a Hall of Fame wide receiver in the NFL, is another famous athlete that has found relief with CBD. His 20-year-long career as one of the greatest football players of all time resulted in multiple injuries and chronic pain. After turning to CBD, Rice experienced a noticeable improvement in his physical and mental well-being.
9. Alex Rodriguez- MLB All-Star & World Series Champion, to reduce stress levels while competing in high-pressure sports
Alex Rodriguez, an MLB All-Star and World Series champion, found relief in CBD regarding managing his stress levels while challenging himself in a high-pressure sport. He first discovered CBD after experiencing severe pain due to multiple injuries and decided to try it as an alternative therapy.
10. Floyd Mayweather Jr.- Boxer & Multiple Weight Division World Champion, to improve focus while training.
Floyd Mayweather Jr., a multiple-weight division world champion boxer and one of the most celebrated competitors in the world of sports, has been known to use CBD for its potential health benefits. As a professional athlete who has always pushed himself to the limits, he found that CBD could provide him with an edge in training.
Types Of CBD Products Athletes Can Use
Athletes can use CBD in various forms depending on their specific needs. Tinctures, oils, and capsules are athletes’ most popular CBD products, but CBD-infused topical creams and salves can also be helpful for localized pain relief. Additionally, CBD edibles such as gummies or lollipops may offer a convenient way to take CBD before or after workouts. You can find lots more products at our shop.
How to Use CBD
The best way to use CBD is to start with small doses regularly, gradually increasing the dosage as needed. However, it’s important to remember that CBD works differently for everyone, so it’s best to experiment until you find the amount and type of CBD that works best for you. Additionally, it’s always a good idea to consult your doctor before trying CBD, especially if you are already taking medication or have any existing medical conditions.
How Much CBD to Use
The amount of CBD to use will depend on the individual and their needs. Generally speaking, CBD should be taken in small doses throughout the day rather than one large amount at once for maximum effectiveness. Additionally, CBD products come in various concentrations, so it’s best to start low and work your way up as needed.
Conclusion
CBD is quickly becoming popular among athletes looking for an alternative to traditional pain management methods or pharmaceutical drugs. Its potential therapeutic benefits range from reducing inflammation and pain to improving sleep quality and muscle recovery, making it a promising option for those looking to enhance their performance while avoiding the risks associated with more potent medications. While CBD is not yet regulated by sports organizations, more and more athletes are turning to CBD for its potential health benefits, and it’s only a matter of time before the sports world fully embraces CBD.
CBD can be an effective tool for athletes looking for a holistic alternative to their pain management plan or simply looking to improve their overall performance. It’s important to remember that CBD works differently for everyone, so it’s best to consult your doctor before trying CBD and experiment until you find the amount and type that works best for you. With CBD’s growing popularity among athletes, it may soon become an accepted part of any serious athlete’s training regimen.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is CBD legal?
Yes, CBD is legal in most parts of the world. However, sports organizations do not yet regulate CBD products, so it’s best to check with your local organization before using CBD.
What type of CBD should I use?
The type of CBD you should use will depend on your individual needs and preferences. Generally speaking, CBD oil or capsules are the most popular forms of CBD as they are easy to take and have a variety of concentrations available. Additionally, CBD-infused topical creams and salves are now available for targeted relief from pain and inflammation.
How much CBD should I take?
The amount of CBD you should take will depend on the individual and their needs. Generally speaking, CBD works best when taken in small doses throughout the day rather than one large dose all at once. Additionally, CBD products come in various concentrations, so it’s best to start low and work your way up as needed.
Are there any side effects associated with CBD?
Generally speaking, CBD is well-tolerated by most people and has few known side effects. However, individuals may experience mild side effects such as nausea, fatigue, or changes in appetite or weight. Therefore, it’s always a good idea to consult your doctor before trying CBD, especially if you are already taking medication or have any existing medical conditions.
Are there famous athletes who use CBD?
Yes, many famous athletes, such as UFC fighter Nate Diaz, NFL player Derrick Morgan and NBA player Al Harrington have all spoken out about the potential benefits of CBD for athletes. Additionally, CBD is quickly becoming popular among amateur and professional athletes.
