Athletics have been a part of our culture for centuries. The greatest part of athletics is it transcends social and economic class for athletes with talent. An important aspect of being an athlete is staying in shape, which includes proper rest and recovery. Depending on how intensely an athlete goes, wear and tear can be harder to come back from. This can also impact an athlete’s ability to rest, creating a cycle of being unable to fully bounce back and improve.
Today, there are remedies, both medically and naturally, to improve athletic performance and recovery. One of those methods is cannabidiol, commonly called CBD. CBD is one of the many compounds found in cannabis and hemp plants. Unlike THC, CBD has medicinal properties, including PTSD and lowering high blood pressure, without producing a high effect. Because of them being similar to endocannabinoids, a naturally-occurring compound produced by the body, CBD elevates mental, physical, and emotional wellness.
Six Ways CBD Elevates Athletic Performance
1. CBD helps reduce anxiety and stress levels.
Anxiety and stress can heavily weigh on an athlete’s performance. If an athlete relies on their talent to pay bills, having the right frame of mind can make or break their finances, which can create additional stress. CBD works with brain receptors to alter the way someone responds to anxiety and stress. Routine use of CBD will improve an athlete's ability to let go of negative mental stimuli and perform at a higher level.
2. CBD improves sleep quality.
When it comes to being a top performer, getting adequate amounts of rest is essential. The body needs enough time to repair after constant activity. Putting physical stress on the body also causes mental and emotional problems, which can make it difficult to sleep. If an athlete does not sleep, their muscles will further fatigue, which can lead to more severe physical problems.
By taking CBD, sore muscles have the ability to relax long enough to get quality sleep. CBD also relieves pain, which is a common cause of poor sleep. Better rest allows for better focus, reaction time, as well as higher endurance levels.
3. CBD oil helps with inflammation.
Oftentimes, athletes at their peak put their bodies through intense training. The harder athletes train, the more prone they are to experience injuries and inflammation. Although inflammation is a natural part of the athletic process, it interferes with productivity and can be extremely painful. Many athletes also underestimate the consequences behind excess inflammation. For instance, inflammation can negatively impact the immune system, making the body prone to sickness. Inflammation also slows down the metabolism, which makes it harder for the body to digest food and have the energy to quickly get back to performing.
CBD is great for regulating inflammation levels. Due to its anti-inflammatory properties, CBD can help with serious inflammation-related conditions, including chronic pain, Alzheimer’s disease, and irritable bowel syndrome. If athletes have existing conditions that require medication and experience chronic inflammation, speak with a healthcare provider prior to taking CBD to avoid interference with medications.
4. CBD helps with exercise-related nausea.
Athletes that frequently have intense workouts may not consistently hydrate themselves, which can lead to nausea and vomiting. If this occurs on a regular basis, it can severely damage the throat as well as cause esophageal tears. Excess vomiting can also lead to intestinal issues and encourages bloating, diarrhea, and constipation.
When athletes take CBD, the anti-emetic properties help relieve nausea both before and after intense workouts. CBD works with the brain’s receptors to release serotonin, which helps alleviate nausea symptoms.
5. CBD helps increase appetite.
To ensure a proper recovery, athletes need both rest and a well-balanced diet. Proteins and other foods help rebuild muscles and tears that occur during physical activity. If athletes have difficulty eating enough foods to repair their bodies, CBD can help increase their appetite. The best part about CBD is the athletes increase their appetite similar to using marijuana without getting high. CBD is also anti-catabolic, which minimizes the deterioration of lean muscle mass. This is great for people trying to gain muscle mass.
6. CBD protects the central nervous system.
To be a top-performer, the mind and body have to be in sync. The brain’s central nervous system is responsible for using signals to communicate with nerves and neurons for proper function. Using CBD helps protect the central nervous system, allowing it to work at a higher level. A high-functioning nervous system also boosts the athletes energy levels when they are on the verge of a burnout.
How to Use CBD
CBD has a number of methods for athletes to use. A popular method is topically. Since its legalization, many companies have produced oils and lotions that help soothe joint and muscle soreness. Athletes can also ingest CBD via edibles and tinctures. There are even protein bars infused with CBD for a nutritious boost. Tinctures can be taken orally in its natural form or can be added to herbal teas or water to relax after a strenuous workout. Visit to learn how to follow the instructions accurately.
Be sure to speak with a healthcare professional for potential side effects that can occur when mixed with medication. Although CBD has less than one percent of THC, it can produce a false positive on a drug test. Professional athletes should consider this when purchasing CBD products.