The use of CBD supplements amongst athletes is steadily increasing. With various research papers showing the potential benefits that CBD can have on recovery, inflammation, and performance anxiety, supplementation is now accepted and used throughout the sporting world.

In 2018 the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) took CBD off their list of substances prohibited from use by professional athletes. This removal came in response to the recognition of the scope of befits that CBD can have on the human body.

That said, some CBD products contain traces of THC, the psychoactive compound responsible for the ‘high’ in recreational marijuana use. Therefore many athletes must discontinue the use of CBD products before they enter a competition.

Alternatively, they can ensure that the CBD product they purchase contains little to no CBD. This helps to avoid accidental violation of anti-doping legislation.

Using CBD in sports may provide the following benefits:

Strengthened Immune System

Some of CBDs properties could help athletes to strengthen their immune system, making their body more resistant to infections and stress. This helps to keep all the vital organs in premium condition.

Decreased Stress and Anxiety

In the run-up to a competition, the body can experience anxiety and stress after intense exercise and training. When this happens, athletes can become too tired to continue training. CBD could help the body to alleviate stress and anxiety, assisting athletes in pushing through tough times and maintaining their training.

Faster Recovery

CBD oils, capsules, and e-liquids are used to help alleviate the pain associated with sports recovery. This is mainly because the anti-inflammatory effects of CBD can accelerate the recovery process.

Pain-Relief

When the body is overtrained, pain can flare up across the muscle and ligament areas. Muscle strain can have a significant impact on the career of an athlete. CBD can help athletes to reduce muscle cramps while increasing their pain threshold.

Improved Sleep and Relaxation

CBD may help to promote a sense of calmness, helping athletes to increase periods of sleep and relaxation. Sleep is a vital process in the recovery of the human body, especially when an athlete wants to achieve peak performance.

CBD could help athletes to wake up feeling rested and energetic, feeling motivated and ready to win.

Inflammation Prevention

One of the most promising features of CBD for athletes is its anti-inflammatory effects. Inflammation is our bodies natural response to excessive exertion or bodily injury. Inflammation can stop athletes from training on time or participating in competitions, depending on the severity of the condition.

Thanks to the anti-inflammatory properties of CBD in sports, CBD supplements could suppress symptoms of inflammation. 

Decreased Appetite And Control Over Weight Gain

Weight is an essential factor in certain competitive sports, especially boxing or any sport with specific weight classes for competitions. Studies have confirmed that CBD could help reduce cravings for food, therefore diminishing hunger. This could be beneficial for athletes that struggle to control fluctuations in weight.

Increased Endurance And Fitness

CBD helps to activate and balance the bodies endocannabinoid system. When the bodies CB1 and CB2 receptors are activated, athletic ability to withstand physical endurance may be strengthened. As a result, it can be suggested that CBD provides an athletic advantage to sportspeople.

Increased Muscle Gain

As CBD can enhance the recovery process and prevent inflammation in athletes, regular supplementation may help to retain and increase muscle mass faster. This is particularly beneficial to athletes whose main goals are muscle gain and power building.

Although concrete scientific evidence only backs up a few of these points. Anecdotal evidence suggests that CBD can be beneficial in many ways to improve the overall wellbeing of an athlete.

Scientific research is ongoing, and we recommend discussing CBD supplementation with your trainer or physician for approval. This is particularly important if you are currently prescribed any medications.

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