CBD products benefits on athletic individuals:

Unfortunately, cannabinoids do not have a very good reputation in our society. These molecules, however, have been used for at least 3,000 years in traditional Chinese and Indian medicine. Nowadays, scientists are finally taking a serious interest in cannabinoids by analyzing and proving their medicinal properties.

The two most studied and effective cannabinoids are THC and cannabidiol (CBD). Research findings converge towards the same conclusion: Preparations containing CBD can overcome the effects on mental state (found in THC) and offer unique benefits, including for athletes.

It seems that sport (including high-level sport) and cannabis have a common future. Despite prejudice, many cannabinoid consumers are dynamic and competitive people, and many professional athletes use cannabinoids for post-performance recovery. These compounds have analgesic (relief from pain), anti-inflammatory, antispasmodic (reduces abdominal pain and helps digestion) and tranquilizing properties that are finally used in sports medicine.

Why are CBD products common among athletes? And how do they promote a better recovery? The purpose of this article is to provide you with all the answers you are looking for.

The importance of CBD products for athletes:

Athletes put their bodies under a lot of stress. After intense training or competition, they feel tired, sore or even nauseous. Snapped ligaments or muscles, bone fractures and all kinds of trauma are common. A single common accident can cause long-term pain or even early retirement. In the United States, many disorders threatening professional and amateur athletes are beginning to be openly treated or prevented with cannabinoids.

A 2011 study by researchers at the University of Washington in St. Louis found that 71% of retired National Football League (NFL) players reported some form of pain medication abuse. At the same time, it appears that at least 50% of current NFL players use cannabinoids in one or more of the different medical forms. The situation is the same in the NBA, where it is estimated that 80% of NBA players often self-medicate with CBD products.

Retired and active NFL players believe that CBD products are an effective alternative to the pain and anti-inflammatory drugs prescribed during their careers. More and more athletes with traumatic injuries or chronic pain are using these products to treat pain and muscle spasticity. In the United States and Canada, the majority of athletes today believe that professional athletes should have the right to use cannabinoids derivatives as a recovery tool, without facing penalties.

How does CBD promote a better recovery?

It allows effective pain management:

Effective pain management with minimal side effects is a challenge for many patients, athletes, and physicians. CBD products are proven powerful painkillers and anti-inflammatory agents, and the advantage of cannabidiol is its ability to be used during and after exercise, due to the absence of euphoria effects. The same anti-inflammatory action of CBD protects the heart, lungs, and brain just after an injury and during its treatment. The reduction of muscle spasms (painful contractions) is another post-training application of CBD extracts, while the antiemetic (anti-vomiting) effect of this cannabinoid reduces nausea in athletes.

Through these various effects, the consumption of CBD products after intense training limits the duration and intensity of pain and promotes rapid recovery.

It stimulates the appetite:

A clinical trial in athletic patients (participating in sustained sports activity at least 3 times a week) showed that those who consumed a controlled dose of CBD had a greater appetite and lost less weight compared to patients who received a placebo.

As the body of athletes is under great stress, a sufficient caloric, protein and vitamins intake is essential in the recovery process. A preserved appetite promotes muscle anabolism and provides the body with all the nutrients it needs to achieve optimal athletic performance.

It improves sleep quality:

In addition to the previous properties, the role of CBD in regulating sleep is another interesting effect that athletes are looking for. Good quality sleep every night is essential for muscle growth and recovery. Sleep quality can strongly influence athletic performance, and pre-performance stress can lead to sleepless nights. The relaxing effects of cannabinoids are well known and many people that consume CBD products report having a better sleep pattern and less insomnia. Hemp products rich in CBD are preferred to improve the quality of sleep, providing both physical and mental recovery

A significant study was also carried out on patients suffering from chronic pain. This group was split into two groups: the first received controlled doses of CBD, and the second had only placebos. Patients who received low doses of CBD in spray showed better pain control and less sleep loss compared to patients who received placebo.

It protects the brain from concussions and trauma:

A study in the journal Cerebral Cortex shows that in mice, CBD reduces brain contusions and supports healing mechanisms after a traumatic injury.

It improves athletes' mindset:

In 2010, researchers at Harvard Medical School suggested that some of the benefits of CBD might indeed be to reduce anxiety, which would improve mood and act as a concentration enhancer.

There is a series of cases where patients inhaling CBD were less anxious, in a better mood, and with a better sense of well-being than before. Indeed, thanks to the latest research results, we can see that there are fewer cannabinoids in the brains of people suffering from anxiety and panic attacks. When consuming CBD, there is an increase in the cannabinoids contained in these areas of the brain. This provides a state of well-being that is conducive to optimal recovery and better athletic performance.

Cannabidiol (CBD) is a cannabinoid with a wide range of therapeutic benefits, even in small doses. This molecule can reduce pain and injury, inflammation and muscle spasms, even without the use of a pharmaceutical drug. When consuming these products, the appetite is increased, the sleep quality is enhanced and the healing process after possible injuries is shorter. These properties make CBD very interesting for athletes who want to achieve a short and optimal post-performance recovery.

For more information on the benefits of CBD for athletes, see the US Anti-Doping Agency's take on this growing supplement at https://www.usada.org/six-things-know-about-cannabidiol/

To start your journey with the Coach's CBD products and begin promoting your athletic performance, see our CBD selection at https://coachsreserve.com/collections/cbd-products

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