When training, athletes are prone to physical wear and tear because of the constant stress and physical trauma that is constantly applied to the body. To cope with this physical strain on the body many athletes usually resort to taking over the counter pain killers and topicals, but they contain a lot of different chemicals and ingredients that may not be so good for the body with prolonged use.
An athletes body is their temple and so it is no wonder, more and more athletes are looking for natural and alternative ways to deal with pain management, stress management and even appetite control. One of the increasingly popular methods is by using CBD products (cannabidiols cbd) which is naturally derived from the cannabis plant.
This exciting and beneficial plant extracted oil has shown from studies that it contains anti inflammatory effects, which is no wonder professional athletes are supporting the use of CBD for training. Athletes such as the Diaz brothers, Mike Tyson, James Haskell and Eddie Hall all publicly advocate the use of CBD for their physical and general well-being.
Is CBD legal for athletes?
Yes, CBD is completely legal to use in the UK as long as the THC content is under 0.2%. CBD is not currently listed on the World Anti-Doping Agency’s list of prohibited substances. As a result, it is permitted to use in sport. (source UKAD) Drug testing in sports is mandatory to ensure no enhancers have been used that affect performance, so athletes can be safe in the knowledge that if they take CBD, it will not affect their drugs test results.
The intention of the regulations is to prohibit cannabinoids that activate the same receptors in the brain as activated by THC.
What is CBD and what does it do?
CBD (Cannabidiol) is derived from the cannabis (marijuana) plant and is the second most prevalent substance of the active ingredients found in the plant.
Whilst CBD is a component found in the marijuana plant, its actually derived from the hemp plant (a cousin of the marijuana plant). Unlike its marijuana counterpart, it will not get you “high” and is not addictive.
Researchers believe that CBD enhances the endocannabinoid system (ECS) in our body which is a complex biological system naturally occuring in the human body. So far experts know that the ECS regulates several major processes, including appetite, sleep, mood, pain relief and memory.
What are the benefits of CBD for athletes?
Pain reduction:
Studies have shown that CBD has a significant role in pain reduction by effectively blocking pain signals from reaching the rest of the body. The inference provides solace from aches, swelling, and discomfort. (source: health europa)
Many athletes use it to help with muscle soreness after a workout. Training and working out can take its toll, whether you are exercising routinely or just to maintain a certain physical fitness level, pain can become a performance inhibitor.
Reduced Inflammation for post work out recovery:
Studies suggest that CBD has been proven to show reduced inflammation of muscles which helps in pain relief and post work out recovery by interacting with the ECS. It helps shorten recovery time which in turn means less rest days or recovery days so athletes can fit in more training.
In the UK many athletes are prescribed Ibuprofen to help with their pain relief, but they have been shown to have many negative long-term side effects.
Cannabidiol is a natural and safer alternative to pharmaceutical drugs as it carries less negative side effects and has less, or even no harsh chemicals in the products.
Stress management:
Athletes face a lot of stress day-to-day due to constantly having to worry about performing better and making sure they are training hard. Pre-match nerves or pre-fight nerves can kick in which can lead to a restless nights sleep which in turn effects performance.
Taking CBD supplements can help with stress and anxiety relief because the effect of CBD on the body is to alleviate these symptoms helping the body and mind to be calm and relax.
Many people also take it to help with sleep. Taking Cannabidiol just before going to bed can help you fall asleep faster and also help you have a deeper nights sleep. This in turn helps your body feel well rested which is crucial for professional athletes before a big event.
How can you take CBD?
If you are an athlete and are looking to start taking CBD we always suggest that you consult with a medical professional first. If you are given the go ahead then you will find that there are many ways in which you can take CBD.
Before taking CBD you must always make sure it is of a high quality and has been lab tested and extracted using the right methods such as elitemii’s products.
CBD Oil droppers:
Dropper bottles or tinctures are one of the most common and effective ways of taking CBD. We suggest starting with a low dosage such as our 1000mg CBD oil and then working your way up to the higher dosage of 2000mg.
To take it, place a few drops under the tongue and hold it there for about 60 seconds then swallow. This is for maximum absorption into the body.
Droppers are a great way to get the benefits of CBD into the body as you can increase or decrease your dosage according to your needs by adding or taking away a few drops when needed.
CBD capsules.
Capsules provide a convenient way to take your CBD supplement and to keep track of how much you consume. Each of our capsules contain full spectrum, high strength CBD oil which is made using the supercritical CO2 method of extraction to ensure that all the valuable cannabinoids & terpenes are preserved.
Topicals
Applying CBD oil directly onto areas of the skin is a great way of relieving inflammation and pain. Use elitemii’s Massage oil or balm directly onto the skin after a hot bath or shower and massage it into the skin until it is absorbed.
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