The positive link between CBD and sport is confirmed by numerous scientific research that highlights the enormous benefits of cannabidiol on the body on a daily basis.
In particular, thanks to its anti-inflammatory, analgesic and muscle relaxant properties, the CBD it is increasingly appreciated in the sporting field since promotes physical and muscular recovery, soothes anxiety, reduces stress and improves sleep quality; all factors that positively impact athletic performance.
The 5 benefits of CBD for an athlete
A study published in Sports Medicine-Open confirms the strong point link between sport and CBD, stating that cannabidiol has anti-inflammatory, neuroprotective and analgesic effects, which impact the performance of athletes.
Athletes themselves are recognizing the benefits of this substance, openly declaring that CBD is useful in reducing inflammation and the side effects of training that are too long and intense.
Among these we find the Olympic gymnastics champion Gabby Douglass, Rob Gronkowski former New England Patriots of the NFL, the MMA champion Nate Diaz, who, at the end of a meeting, showed up at a press conference vaping CBD, claiming that "helps the healing process, inflammation and everything else. So I smoke before, after the match and during training." .
For its anti-inflammatory properties
Following particularly intense training, athletes are often affected by prolonged muscle pain and inflammation. Tensions that could cost the athletes a delay compared to their opponents, who have already started preparing for a competition. Or worse, due to strains, it may happen that athletes even have to give up competitions or participate without being able to give their best.
Cannabidiol-based products, thanks to anti-inflammatory properties of CBD, act effectively against muscle pain and prevent inflammatory processes, thus preserving muscle cells and ensuring always efficient performance.
It is a natural analgesic
With intense and frequent workouts, the body can begin to manifest tiredness in the form of pain, also associated with chronic inflammation caused by sports injuries. Pain that can impact an athlete's career, both in terms of performance and during preparation.
From the proven ones analgesic properties, CBD can provide relief for pain, but also prevent trauma and muscle cramps, so as to limit injuries and, thanks to the sensation of well-being released by the active ingredient, improve athletic performance.
Reduces performance anxiety
Professional athletes, before a competition or in the preparation period, are often subject to states of anxiety and stress caused by strong psychological pressures and intense physical efforts, which inevitably compromise performance.
CBD is a well-known natural remedy for soothe anxiety, which promotes a positive reaction from the body and allows the athlete to continue with training and aim for excellent results.
Speeds recovery from injuries
Daily physical activity can generate health problems muscle microlesions which, in the long run, can cause inflammation, muscle pain and tiredness.
CBD regulates the production of anti-inflammatory cytokines and contributes to one better immune system response, shortening the necessary healing times, promoting muscle recovery and reducing periods of forced rest.
It promotes sleep and relaxes the muscles
From quality sleep comes from quality performance, therefore we understand how sleeping well is fundamental for an athlete and, in general, for any being.
Alas, often after long training sessions repeated daily without respite it can be difficult to fall asleep and rest well. Lack of rest that it entails physical tiredness and lack of clarity which flow into daily activities and sports performance.
The anxiolytic and muscle-relaxing qualities of cannabidiol can help relax muscles, calm our nervous system and, consequently, ensure a deep and restful sleep, essential for recovering the energy needed to face the upcoming training sessions and competitions with vigor.
CBD and doping: can athletes take it?
The CBD is one safe substance, suitable both for those who practice at an amateur level and for athletes who do competitive activities. In fact, since 2018, the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) removed CBD from the list of prohibited substances and doping for professional athletes.
However, the WADA directives are very clear and are keen to point out that, although cannabidiol extracted from cannabis plants may contain traces of other cannabinoids, these remain strictly prohibited.
Among these the THC, the psychoactive component of cannabis, sometimes present in minimal concentrations (according to legal limits) in products with high CBD content. Therefore, to avoid failing any doping tests, incurring sanctions and being disqualified from the competition, it is essential to ensure that CBD has been strictly separated from any other cannabinoid.
