What You Need to Know About CBD for Athletes

From bikers to runners, weigh-lifters and triathletes, CBD can have huge benefits for all athletes. No matter what sport you play or what type of workouts you do, there’s no doubt you end up with aches and pains that throw off your game. It can be tempting to reach for over-the-counter pain relievers, like ibuprofen, to get some relief. But these can cause more damage than good in the long run; research shows that frequent use of ibuprofen can cause intestinal damage and even disrupt how fast your body repairs tissues and cells in your body. So, if you’re looking for a natural alternative for effective pain management, CBD could be your answer.

“Write your injuries in dust, your benefits in marble” - Benjamin Franklin

Curious about CBD for athletes?

What is CBD?

CBD (cannabidiol) is a naturally occurring compound in cannabis and hemp plants. Don’t worry; you won’t get high when you use CBD since it doesn’t contain any psychoactive elements like THC. In recent years CBD has garnered a lot of well-deserved attention in the fitness world, but you’re probably wondering, does it actually work? Research has proven that CBD is a promising option for pain relief, sleep issues, and anxiety, and it could even provide a solution to some chronic illnesses.

Can athletes take CBD?

Using CBD as a natural alternative for pain relief is an ideal choice for athletes because it doesn’t appear on drug tests, so there are no worries about getting disqualified or kicked out because you used CBD. Even though the World Anti-Doping Agency removed CBD from their list of prohibited substances, they caution that some CBD oils and tinctures may contain THC and other cannabinoids that are prohibited and would result in a positive test. So, it’s essential to read your labels and err on the side of caution if you’re worried about it.

How can it benefit athletes?

Ok, so we know what CBD is and if athletes can take it, but what are the benefits that athletes can get from CBD? We did the research, so you don’t have to. Here are 4 benefits of CBD for athletes.

Alternative to NSAIDs

NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs), like ibuprofen, tend to be a go-to for many athletes searching for pain relief. But, they pose a lot more dangers than most people realize. As we mentioned earlier, drugs like ibuprofen and Advil have been shown to cause several health issues, like heart problems and intestinal damage. CBD is an analgesic which can help relieve pain before, during, and after exercise. It’s a great alternative to potentially damaging NSAIDs that can help you manage post-workout pains, from muscle aches to joint pain.

Reduces inflammation

Intensive workout sessions can cause tears in your muscle tissues and cause muscle inflammation. While the inflammation is part of what helps your body build muscles, it can also lead to more pain and potential injury if you don’t let your muscles recover post-workout. Research has proven CBD to have anti-inflammatory properties that can help reduce pre and post-workout inflammation. This means it can help avoid delayed muscle soreness and help your muscles recover faster, which means you can get back to work faster, improving your training efficiency.

Help your gut health

Inflammation isn’t exclusive to just your muscles; it also happens in your intestines. This can cause discomfort that can throw you off and keep you from performing at your best. CBD’s anti-inflammatory properties can also provide athletes with a solution for gastrointestinal issues and help you eliminate that uncomfy gut feeling that’s ruining your day.

Improve sleep quality

Everybody needs sleep. Getting proper sleep is critical for an athlete's performance and recovery. On the other hand, athletes tend to live pretty high-stress lives. The pressures of staying on track, reaching your goals, and being the best can take a toll on your mental health, which ruins your chance at a good night’s sleep. CBD can help reduce anxiety and stress levels, which means better sleep. CBD can also be helpful in stressful situations. Research shows that when taken as a pre-workout supplement, CBD can help reduce pre-workout muscle soreness and inflammation and calm the mind to improve your focus when taken as a pre-workout supplement.

It’s time to unlock the powerful benefits of CBD with our complete CBD collection. Designed by athletes for athletes, this collection does it all: from pre-workout and pain relief to repair and recovery. Head to dryworldcbd.com to get yours today!

“I think the biggest thing for all athletes is recovery; being able to bounce back from week to week, practice to practice, to come back in top form.” — Larry Fitzgerald