Is CBD Good for Muscle Recovery?
Many health enthusiasts are using CBD for muscle recovery. Adding to this the casual users that prefer the cannabinoid for its many benefits to the body, it is little wonder to anyone that this hemp-derived compound is in high demand. Whether you want some relief from the soreness of an intense workout or just anticipating the usual body pains, cannabidiol (CBD) is your friend.
A byproduct of cannabis plants, mostly from the hemp variant, CBD is only one of the hundreds of active chemical compounds found in the organic plant species. Unlike tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), this hemp derivative is non-psychoactive. The World Health Organization has deemed it a generally safe substance, lacking in potential for abuse or dependency.
This is one of the main reasons people with active lifestyles like athletes prefer CBD over other cannabis products. It essentially gives users most of the benefits, including pain relief, lessening anxiety, helping with sleep and relaxation, and many others — all without any intoxicating side effects.
Read More: CBD For Pain Guide
Is CBD Good for Muscle Recovery?
While discovered only fairly recently compared to sister-cannabinoid THC, cannabidiol has displayed remarkable potential health benefits. Recent studies found that CBD oil can help reduce inflammation in the body, improve pain and mobility, lessen infection spread, and even improve cognitive and memory skills.
The compound has anti-inflammatory, antioxidative, and neuroprotective properties that could help with many conditions, including muscle recovery. Many people, common users, and experts alike have also tried CBD for migraines, stress relief, sleep problems, and more long term conditions such as cancer, epilepsy, and multiple sclerosis.
Now, plenty uses CBD for muscle recovery, and most consider the supplement as anti-inflammatory prevention or solution. The former is for those who want to take it if they feel incoming body aches, and the latter is for those looking to remedy their torn muscle fibers and aid with post-workout recovery in a more organic way. Either way, CBD works for them, and it could work for you, too.
Another aspect of using CBD for aiding with muscle pain and inflammation is its ability to help users achieve a better quality of sleep and rest. A good night’s sleep is the optimal time for muscles to recover and heal from their strenuous use. Melatonin, a growth hormone, is stimulated during this time, helping the process progress faster.
Read More: How Does CBD Make You Feel?
Can you Use CBD Oil in Recovery?
One good news for current and future users of this hemp-derived cannabinoid is that it comes in plenty of varying forms. CBD oil can be taken orally via tinctures, pills, gummy candies, or topically via creams, salves, and gels. Some also prefer to smoke CBD flowers or vape juice. It is really up to your preference which product would be best suited for your needs.
The end goal is to make CBD work well with the body endocannabinoid system or ECS. The ECS is a significant network in the body that regulates many functions. These include metabolism, digestion, energy balance, hormone stimulation, coordination, and others. If CBD works well with the receptors located in the ECS, the compound could help support all of these processes in the body. In short, CBD could help the body function at its very best.
Even professional athletes have been known to use CBD for ECS support and aid the recovery process after their training or competition. The fact that the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) has prohibited all cannabinoids except for CBD speaks for itself. Cannabidiol is not psychoactive, but WADA does warn athletes of using full-spectrum products that may contain THC and could be detected in certain drug tests.
Is CBD Good After Workout?
Thanks to its anti-inflammatory and relaxing properties, CBD can be used before, during, or after a workout. Initially, health enthusiasts used it as a post-recovery supplement, but many are now taking the cannabinoid beforehand to relieve muscle tension and afterward to relieve muscles and joints soreness.
Not to mention, some have discovered that CBD can naturally boost energy levels and improve mental concentration. Users have sworn that taking their favorite hemp-derived products have elevated their overall performance, not just physically but mentally as well, in and outside of the gym. There may be some truth to this, as studies say CBD has anxiety relief properties as well.
More recent research has shown that the compound can reduce and manage withdrawal effects and symptoms such as cravings, restlessness, agitation, and nausea. This could be good for those looking for an organic supplement to fight against addictive substances or recreational activities.
Experts warn, however, that CBD oil is meant to be taken as a supplement. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) would agree with this, as they have not approved nor evaluated any hemp or cannabis-derived product circulating in the market. Cannabidiol products are not replacements for prescription medication for pre-diagnosed medical conditions.
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How Much CBD Should I Take for Muscle Recovery?
The exact dosage of CBD supplement for every person may vary according to multiple factors. First, what are you using it for? If it is intended to be an addition to your health routine, experts agree that new users should slowly introduce CBD into their systems and let the body adjust for a time. Start with the lowest suggested dosing and observe your body’s reaction.
The second factor is body weight. As the general rule, the more substance is taken, the more potent it will be to enter the bloodstream. Consider your current body mass index when doing the guesswork of CBD dosing. Another thing to consider is the type of product use. Isolates will be more potent compared to full or broad-spectrum because it is pure CBD.
How often will you take it? The frequency of intake will also affect cannabidiol’s effectiveness. Pain tolerance could also be another factor, especially if you are using CBD for muscle recovery. Some may find that 25mg to 50mg per intake is enough to stave off the joint pains, but others may need a higher dosage than that.
Medical experts have found that up to 1,500 milligrams of CBD are still safe, albeit high, a dose even when taken daily. Your metabolism will also play a part in how fast it will absorb CBD. There have been no cases so far of any overdose on the compound, so most users agree that it is pretty safe to increase dosage as you please.
Everyone is different in terms of many of the factors that were mention. The important thing to remember is also consistency. If you are a new user, the cannabinoid aid may not work for you immediately. Give it some time and keep taking it unless adverse reactions are showing up. If you are still unsure about dosage, check with your attending physician first.
Read More: How to Use CBD Topicals for Pain
Summary
A real holy grail for those first-timers who want to dip their toes into the cannabis world but are too intimidated by hallucinatory side effects, CBD products are a great way to begin your journey. Using CBD for muscle recovery is something that many fitness enthusiasts and professionals have been doing for years.
Health experts and fitness coaches may have varying opinions on this. Still, the continuing rise in popularity of this hemp-derived cannabinoid is a testament to its benefits to millions of users. Unfortunately, popularity means an increase in demand, and consumer demands must always be met, no matter the consequences.
With that said, many fake or duplicitous CBD products have surfaced over recent years. As a consumer, it is your responsibility to look out for your best interest. In this case, the CBD industry is highly unregulated, and many brands try to fake it until they make it. Avoid buying possibly fake products by only purchasing from reputable brands.
Good brands will always provide a Certificate of Analysis (COA) for their products. This analysis is a report that you conduct by a third-party laboratory that lists all ingredients of use, methods of use, and manufacturing details of the CBD product. A certified hemp company produces high-quality output, not to mention safe from contaminants or harmful toxins.
CBD for Muscle Recovery FAQs
Can CBD help muscle growth?
CBD aids muscle growth by helping with better quality sleep or rest. During sleep, cortisol levels are at a minimum, which allows for protein synthesis. This synthesis happens when the body is building muscle tissue. CBD indirectly helps muscle growth by promoting the process that makes it possible.
Is CBD a muscle relaxer?
Cannabidiol has relaxing properties that help with a multitude of anxiety-related symptoms. This includes muscle and joint tension. However, unlike psychoactive compounds like THC, CBD does not cause impair body coordination. It can help muscles relax without losing control of them.
Can you take CBD in recovery?
Many take hemp CBD before, during, and after any physical recovery. Not just workouts and muscle recoveries either, but injuries, surgeries, and mental-related recovery. Much is still unknown about CBD, but the thousands of user testimonials are hard to disprove. Use at your discretion.
Is CBD good for inflammation?
One of this cannabinoid’s main health benefits is its anti-inflammatory properties. Studies have found that CBD’s molecular structure is similar to non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, making it a viable and suitable alternative for pain relief. It is also highly accessible nowadays in the U.S.A.
