From pros to weekend warriors, athletes are increasingly turning to cannabis products like CBD to help their performance and recovery. The convenient way to get a precise serving of CBD is through gummy supplements, which have exploded in popularity thanks to their ease of use, taste, and precise dosing. But how exactly can CBD gummies benefit athletes? Early research suggests CBD interacts with the body’s endocannabinoid system to regulate functions like pain response, sleep-wake cycles, immune function, and more.
Reducing exercise-induced inflammation
Intense training often causes microscopic tears in muscle fibers, leading to inflammation, which contributes to muscle soreness and fatigue. The anti-inflammatory properties found in CBD may help minimize excessive inflammatory response, allowing athletes to recover faster. That familiar post-workout muscle soreness typically peaks 24 to 48 hours after activity. Research indicates that CBD applied topically may reduce acute pain and inflammation, helping athletes avoid debilitating DOMS.
Promoting restful sleep
CBD may regulate sleep cycles disrupted by late training sessions by interacting with receptors involved in sleep and wakefulness. Improved sleep protects against overtraining and aids muscle growth. From joint discomfort to nagging injuries, CBD offers athletes a safer alternative to addictive opioid painkillers. Through numerous mechanisms, CBD decreases pain perception throughout the body.
Reducing anxiety pre-competition
Many athletes experience performance anxiety before the competition. CBD helps initiate the body’s built-in anti-anxiety response by activating serotonin receptors and reducing stress hormone production. Less anxiety may lead to better focus. Corticosteroids and NSAID pain relievers used long-term pose serious health risks with side effects. All-natural CBD presents athletes with a low-risk method to decrease pain and inflammation safely. Between demanding schedules and pre-competition nerves, many athletes struggle to get enough sleep. CBD has shown promise in improving sleep amount, depth, and quality leading to better restoration.
Identifying a quality CBD gummy for athletes
With CBD use rising, countless cbd gummies targeting athletes have flooded the market. But not all products deliver the benefits they claim. Here is what athletes should look for when choosing a CBD gummy:
Independent testing
Any reputable CBD company will submit its products to third-party labs for content analysis as well as screening for solvents, pesticides, and heavy metals. Checking the COA confirms athletes get what is advertised.
Full spectrum formula
Full spectrum CBD retains all the plant’s cannabinoids and terpenes, creating an “entourage effect” for amplified benefits compared to pure CBD alone. This maximizes anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving properties.
Organic and natural ingredients
Products made with high-quality organic and natural ingredients ensure athletes avoid consuming pesticides, GMOs, animal products, or artificial preservatives and flavors. It protects overall wellness.
Great taste
For some, pure CBD oil tastes earthy and bitter, but gummies mask the flavor with fruity flavors. Enjoyable taste ensures athletes will remain consistent with daily use.
Getting started with cbd gummies for recovery
Athletes ready to experiment with CBD gummies should follow this advice:
- Start low, go slow – Beginners should start with the lowest dosage, usually one half or one gummy daily. Give the body at least a week to adjust before modifying your dosage, if needed.
- Time it right – Consume CBD gummies 60-90 minutes pre-workout or competition to allow absorption before putting your body through exertion. You may also dose immediately after to help initiate recovery quicker.
- Avoid overdoing it – More CBD does not always equal better results. Find the lowest dosage that provides relief and performance enhancement without unwanted effects. More is not always better.
- Talk to your doctor – As athletes tend to use their bodies harder than weekend warriors, speaking with a sports medicine doctor ensures using CBD gummies as a supplement is appropriate for your personal health history and sports regulations.
By selecting superior quality gummies tested for purity and potency, athletes feel confident integrating CBD into their routines.