As a runner, you go through rigorous training that puts a lot of stress on your body. The stress your body endures can be useful, as it boosts your stamina and performance. Over time, however, heavy training can cause a wide range of injuries, including muscle pains and tendinitis.
To counteract the strain and treat the injuries associated with prolonged training, more and more runners are turning to cannabidiol (CBD).
What is Cannabidiol?
CBD is a compound of the cannabis plant that is categorized as a cannabinoid. It offers a wide range of health benefits, and a stand-out characteristic of this compound is that it is non-psychoactive. If you consume CBD, you will not get high or intoxicated. In fact, your cognitive abilities may be boosted when the CBD takes effect.
CBD is only non-psychoactive if it is derived from the hemp variant of the cannabis plant. If extracted from the marijuana strain of cannabis, you could experience euphoria and restricted cognitive functionality.
Why Do Runners Prefer CBD?
Anti-Inflammatory Properties
Professional runners often suffer from exercise-induced inflammation. The non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs that are prescribed to athletes can be effective, but regular use can, ultimately, result in severe conditions like kidney disease, gastrointestinal ulcers, and cardiovascular conditions.
CBD, on the other hand, has anti-inflammatory characteristics, but without the side effects associated with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.
Anxiety
On the day of a sporting event, the pressure to succeed can sometimes restrict a runner’s performance. Medications to help a runner cope with stress and pressure often have sedative side effects or may cause them to become drowsy.
CBD interacts with anxiety receptors in the body to achieve a calming effect, but without the side effects.
Focus
Focus is paramount to ensure a successful race. A runner can easily become distracted by conditions on the track, their own limiting beliefs, or their competitors. Taking CBD can help a runner to relax and focus on achieving their goals.
Intestine Inflammation
Endurance runners often drop out of races because of the discomfort caused by inflammation in the small and large intestines. There are three primary causes of stomach problems during races: overheating, dehydration, and underlying inflammation.
CBD will not be able to prevent discomfort as the result of overheating or dehydration, but it can prevent inflammation, as it interacts with the CB1 and CB2 receptors in the colon.
Proper Sleep
Many runners have post-exercise insomnia after marathons, long workout sessions, or sports events. An athlete needs high quantity and quality sleep to restore the health of their muscles and brain.
Conventional medication to treat insomnia can result in a lack of concentration. CBD is a viable alternative to insomnia mediation as it promotes REM sleep while keeping the mind sharp and focused.
How to Use CBD
There are many innovative CBD products on the market, with new ones being introduced on a monthly basis. CBD products for runners include, among other, capsules, edibles, topical gels, vaping liquids, sports drinks, and sublingual drops.
Products that have to be digested take longer to kick in than other products. If you want quick results, consider a vaping pen or sublingual drops.
Dosages
Unfortunately, CBD products are not well-regulated, and it is not possible to consistently take a standard dose with some products. For example, sports drinks or CBD vapors have varying CBD levels. If you want precise CBD dosages, opt for capsules or a specific volume of a tincture, like this 500mg CBD tincture by Royal CBD.
To Sum It Up
CBD oil can help athletes relax while combatting inflammation and keeping focused on their race.
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