Cannabidiol, or CBD, is becoming increasingly popular, and it's easy to see why. Many people and professional athletes use CBD in hopes that it may improve symptoms related to sleep, mood, and discomfort. Cannabis has been used to assist with discomfort and aid recovery for centuries.
In fact, discomfort was one of the first reasons cannabis qualified for medical use. It isn't surprising that cannabis plant products like CBD have been used to assist discomfort, considering its impressive benefit profile.
With new and promising research regarding CBD and discomfort recovery, CBD is quickly becoming a must-have for those who dedicate time to exercise and strength. However, before we get into more details about CBD for muscle recovery, we must discuss what happens when you exercise.
Understanding CBD
Cannabidiol (CBD) is a naturally occurring compound found in the Cannabis sativa plant. We feel that it is essential to differentiate CBD from tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the psychoactive component responsible for the "high" associated with marijuana.
CBD is non-intoxicating and does not produce these effects. The cannabis plant contains various chemical compounds called cannabinoids, of which CBD is one, attracting attention for its potential therapeutic properties.
Scientific research is ongoing to understand how THC and CBD interact with the body. Current evidence suggests it primarily interacts with the endocannabinoid system (ECS), a complex network of receptors, neurotransmitters, and enzymes.
This network regulates various physiological processes, including mood, sleep, appetite, pain, and immune function. Athletes and active workout enthusiasts should avoid CBD products with THC. Even if the product only has 0.3% THC.
Through this interaction, it is suggested that CBD may help maintain homeostasis or internal balance. In summary, CBD is a natural, non-intoxicating compound derived from cannabis that interacts with the ECS, potentially offering a range of wellness benefits. We will now explore the different types of CBD oil available.
Building Muscle Through Recovery
Before diving into how CBD may help with muscle recovery, we need to understand how muscles are built and what post-workout recovery looks like. Although it sounds counter-intuitive, muscle is built by breaking it down.
Strenuous exercise causes microtears in the muscle. As these microtears heal, they bind together to create stronger muscle fibers and, in turn, stronger muscles.
Recovery from a strenuous workout can cause the discomfort that we all associate with working out. While this discomfort is not a fun side effect of working out, it is important in recovery and building muscle.
Most of the recovery is made while we sleep. Sleeping allows the body and mind to relax enough for the body to focus on the muscle fibers repairing themselves. This is a simplified explanation of building muscle and muscle recovery.
The most important factors regarding CBD and working out are sleep and discomfort. The process is complex, and there is much more to it, but we are just focusing on these factors and their correlation to CBD. Now that we have a little background, we will focus on discussing CBD's use for muscle recovery.
CBD and Working Out
CBD is mostly known to possibly help improve symptoms of mood, discomfort, and sleep. We are going to focus mostly on discomfort and sleep. As mentioned above, we focus on two parts of building muscle: the discomfort after working out and the importance of sleep in our recovery.
Luckily, CBD is associated with possibly helping with these two symptoms. You might be asking, "How could this work?" Let's dive into that next.
How Does CBD Work For Muscle Recovery?
The Endocannabinoid System (ECS) picks it up when CBD enters our body. The job of the Endocannabinoid System is to help the body stay in homeostasis, which is responsible for maintaining our body systems.
Our ECS then sends the cannabinoids in CBD products to the rest of the body to find the problem and help bring the body back into balance. For example, if you were to take CBD because of problems with discomfort, the CBD would stimulate those cannabinoid receptors where discomfort is experienced and send the cannabinoids to the area to try and help.
Working out and exercising, the discomfort and stiffness might discourage you from continuing to exercise, but this will stop you from building muscle and getting stronger.
If you are not sleeping well enough, your body cannot repair the microtears effectively and build stronger muscles. If this is the case for you, this is where CBD might be a good option.
Best CBD For Workout Recovery?
Knowing which CBD product you should use will typically depend on what area of the body needs assistance. The different forms of CBD include gummies, capsules, oil, and topical creams. Gummies and capsules will take longer to see the effects of CBD, but they may last longer while it is digesting.
CBD oil products deliver quicker results because the oil is placed directly under the tongue, allowing the CBD to be delivered right into the bloodstream. CBD Oil's effectiveness window may last an hour or two less than capsules, edibles, and gummies, but it will still last for up to six to eight hours. Topical creams react quicker but do not last as long as the other CBD products.
However, CBD Topicals have the advantage of spot treatments for delayed onset muscle soreness. In comparison, oral CBD products must rely upon the ECS to deliver CBD to the correct location.
How To Use CBD For Muscle Recovery
As an example, if you are using CBD for sleep, you may want the effects to last longer to get a good night's sleep. If this is the case, gummies, capsules, edibles, and oil would be a good choice. If you have difficulty sleeping, you may want to look at CBD oil since the effects may be felt quicker.
If you are taking CBD for the discomfort you feel after working out, the topical cream would be good to target a specific area with the possibility of quick relief. The only downside is that it may not last as long as you want it to.
The best method is to use topical and oral CBD together. That way, you get the spot relief from the outside and the inside. The a possibility that each form of CBD may help improve your symptoms; they just do it a little bit differently.
Remember, everyone's body is different, and many factors affect how well the CBD may work. Hopefully, this helped you see your options, but as always, please consult your physician before starting use or changing dosages of CBD.
When Is The Best Time To Take CBD?
Determining the optimal time to administer CBD depends largely on the intended purpose and the specific type of CBD product being used. This section will address timing considerations for various common applications.
For individuals seeking to utilize CBD to promote improved sleep quality and facilitate muscle recovery, it is generally recommended to administer an appropriate dose approximately 30 minutes prior to bedtime. This timeframe allows for absorption and potential onset of effects before sleep.
When utilizing CBD to manage discomfort associated with physical exertion, such as post-workout soreness, it is advisable to administer it after the exercise. This post-activity administration allows the body to recover and facilitates absorption, potentially maximizing the desired effects.
In the case of topical CBD creams or balms, an application can be performed as needed directly to the affected area whenever discomfort is experienced.
Sum It Up!
We are excited to see new research about CBD and its possible benefits for working out! It seems like CBD has some real potential for muscle recovery and even building muscle.
Whether you prefer popping a gummy, rubbing on a cream, or using an oil, there's a good chance you can find a CBD product that fits your routine and helps you on your fitness journey. Think of it as another tool for reaching your workout goals.
And hey, the world of CBD is constantly evolving, with new scientific evidence and information constantly popping up. So, if you're curious about other ways CBD might be able to support your overall wellness—whether it's related to workouts or something else entirely—do some digging! CBD is worth exploring to see if it's a good fit for you and your workout recovery.
GreenIVe CBD For Post-Workout Recovery
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We understand the importance of simplicity, so we've created a product description that's easy to grasp. GreenIVe CBD harnesses the power of nature to help you recover without the fuss. Our products are made right here in the United States.
No need for complicated terminology – just the goodness of CBD working harmoniously with your body. Elevate your post-exercise routine and embrace the simplicity of GreenIVe CBD for a refreshing recovery experience.
