Of the many reported benefits of CBD consumption, there is a continued focus on the role this potent cannabinoid plays in exercise recovery. Seasoned athletes and weekend warriors alike have benefited from the use of CBD to aid in recovery after a hard workout to keep aching muscles and sore joints at bay. Some people swear by the daily use of CBD and claim the benefits to be effective and immediate while others are still skeptical and see it as yet another passing trend in the health and fitness space.
How CBD Helps with Exercise Recovery
While the research into exactly how CBD helps with exercise is still growing, the main benefit of consistent use is the ability of the cannabinoid to decrease inflammation within the body. Studies suggest that CBD reduces inflammation by inhibiting cell proliferation, inducting apoptosis, suppressing cytokine production, and inducing T-regulatory cells [1].
In more common words, CBD reduces inflammation in the body in a variety of ways. During a hard workout, tiny tears occur within the fibers of the muscles being used. These tears trigger the body’s natural inflammation response which then causes the muscles to become sore, stiff, or even downright painful. CBD can help to reduce the inflammation that occurs after exercise thereby potentially allowing for a faster recovery and increased training volume. These are exciting benefits for an athlete looking to gain an edge over the competition or a novice looking to improve their overall physical health.
How to Use CBD for Exercise Recovery
There are several common methods to incorporate CBD into exercise recovery. Topical salves, rubs, and lotions are a popular means of delivery and can be applied directly to the skin over sore muscles or other areas in need of repair and recovery. The dosage or amount of CBD needed to have an affect with these topical products can vary for each individual so starting with a suggested dose and increasing from there is recommended until desired effects are reached. CBD can also be ingested via tinctures, pills, or oils to aid in the recovery process.
While the method of delivery is left up to the consumer, experimenting with both topical and internal consumption of CBD can alleviate inflammation, and thereby muscle stiffness and soreness, allowing individuals to recover faster from strenuous exercise.
Works Cited
- Nagarkatti, Prakash, et al. “Cannabinoids as novel anti-inflammatory drugs” Future Med Chem. 2009. 1(7): 1333-1349. Journal Impact Factor = 3.556 Times Cited = 48
