How to reduce muscle soreness? Using CBD benefits can help support muscle soreness recovery. But where does it come from? How does it work? We answer all your questions.
Rarely does exercise make the list when reading reports on why individuals use CBD products or experience daily CBD benefits. However, professional athletes from various sports have embraced CBD as part of their rigorous exercise and muscle soreness recovery regimens.
The act of exercising subjects your body to significant levels of stress, necessitating several systems to restore balance. Nonetheless, CBD facilitates muscle soreness recovery by interacting with a network of cellular receptors that encourage this process.
Rarely does exercise make the list when reading reports on why individuals use CBD products or experience daily CBD benefits. However, pro athletes from various sports have incorporated CBD into their rigorous exercise and muscle soreness recovery regimens.
During exercise, your body undergoes significant stress. Several systems collaborate to restore your body’s equilibrium. Nevertheless, CBD interacts with a network of cellular receptors, promoting the process of recovering from muscle soreness.
Commencing our discussion on how CBD benefits aid athletes in optimizing their training, we can observe James “Flex” Lewis as an exemplary individual. This seven-time Olympia 212 champion attests to the efficacy of several cbdMD products. Undoubtedly, Flex’s intense exercise regimen serves as the ultimate test for CBD’s suitability as a workout tool.
To comprehensively explore the concept of CBD benefits in relation to muscle soreness recovery, certain pivotal inquiries must be addressed. These include:
1. The definition of CBD, its origin, and its interaction with the human body.
2. The physiological changes that occur in the body during exercise, and the role of CBD in facilitating muscle soreness recovery.
3. The most effective CBD products to integrate into your workout routine and the recommended methods of utilization.
With this in mind, let us commence our investigation.
CBD in a Nutshell
The primary focus of this discussion is the utilization of CBD to aid in the recuperation of muscle soreness following physical activity. However, prior to delving into this subject matter, it is vital to familiarize oneself with the various aspects and intricacies associated with CBD. While we will not delve into an exhaustive analysis of this topic at this moment, more comprehensive information can be found on our “What is CBD” page.
What is CBD?
Cannabidiol (CBD), a chemical compound discovered in cannabis plants, possesses various distinguishing characteristics from the multitude of other plant-derived cannabinoids that scientists have identified thus far. Unlike THC, the psychoactive component of marijuana, CBD does not induce a euphoric sensation, known as a “high.” CBD, categorized as a phytocannabinoid, interacts with the endocannabinoid system in both humans and numerous animal species. This unique chemical structure prompts diverse interactions within the body, signifying its derivation from plants.
Where Does CBD Come From?
The extracts derived from industrial hemp, classified as a low-THC variety of cannabis, are readily available for purchase in online stores. It is worth noting that these products are federally legal in the United States and do not induce any form of intoxication.
In adherence to stringent regulations, farmers cultivate and safeguard the harvested hemp plants to prevent the presence of illegal THC levels. Additionally, it is important to mention that THC does not possess any beneficial properties in terms of relieving muscle soreness.
Subsequently, specialized facilities meticulously process the raw hemp to extract not only CBD but also minute quantities of other phytocannabinoids, essential oils, and similar botanical compounds. These extracts are then further refined to varying degrees in laboratory settings to ensure suitability for consumer use. To delve deeper into the intricate extraction process, please find additional information here.
How Does CBD Interact with Your Body?
CBD’s effectiveness is directly linked to the endocannabinoid system (ECS) within our bodies. The ECS comprises a network of cellular receptors scattered across various bodily systems such as the nervous, digestive, and immune systems. Its primary function is to maintain harmony and equilibrium within the body.
Both endocannabinoids, produced internally, and phytocannabinoids, extracted from plants, activate these receptors in distinct ways, yielding diverse outcomes. These receptors also vary in prevalence across different bodily systems.
While scientists are still unraveling the precise mechanisms by which CBD benefits affect the ECS and other receptor types, regular users commonly report experiencing relaxation, enhanced sleep quality, expedited recovery from muscle soreness and post-exercise discomfort, as well as an increased sense of serenity during typical daily stressors.
CBD’s Role in Muscle Soreness Recovery
So far, this is our current progress:
Typically, the CBD found in consumer goods is derived from hemp plants with low levels of THC.
CBD has received a legal status at the federal level.
CBD interacts with the endocannabinoid system (ECS) as well as other receptors in our cells.
Individuals who consume CBD on a daily basis have reported experiencing advantages such as a feeling of relaxation and calmness, as well as improved recovery from muscle soreness.
Now, let’s delve further into the connection between CBD and its impact on exercise and the recovery of muscle soreness.
Your Body During and After Exercise
When it comes to the fundamentals, engaging in physical exercise deceives your body into believing that it must become more robust, quicker, and better equipped for any task at hand. As an illustration, regularly pushing yourself to the limit with pull-ups indicates to your body that you need to be capable of performing this type of work consistently.
During the actual workout session itself, some of the muscle fibers endure minuscule damage. Subsequently, your body reconstructs the muscle tissue, making it slightly stronger in the course of the healing process, thereby enhancing your ability to handle more demanding tasks.
Over a period of time, you gradually amass more muscle tissue, resulting in noticeable enhancements in strength.
However, the constant cycle of tissue tearing and repair places substantial stress on the body, leading to the discomfort of sore muscles (such as delayed onset muscle soreness), the secretion of stress hormones, and other issues concerning recuperation.
It is noteworthy to mention that a significant portion of this recovery process takes place while you are asleep.
Naturally, the intricate mechanisms involved in cellular biology play a substantial role in this phenomenon. Additionally, various systems contribute to the process of muscle soreness recovery.
How Does CBD Support Muscle Soreness Recovery?
The benefits of CBD lead us back once more to the endocannabinoid system.
Throughout the immune and peripheral nervous systems, CB2 receptors are present. Both systems play a vital role in the recovery from exercise and in determining one’s state of being during the process. Through its interaction with CB2 receptors and other non-ECS receptors, CBD seems to aid in maintaining a more normal level of functioning throughout this process.
Recovery is heavily influenced by the quality of sleep. As previously mentioned, while we are asleep, our bodies perform a significant amount of physical restoration. Experts unanimously agree that individuals who engage in intense training require more sleep than those who are less active in order to operate at peak performance levels.
CBD is well-known for its ability to induce relaxation. Consuming it near bedtime has been found to enhance the quality of sleep. As a result, it assists the body in recovering from muscle soreness.
So You Use CBD for Pain, Right?
Not exactly. CBD isn’t currently recognized or approved for pain relief. The concept of using CBD regularly for muscle soreness recovery after exercise is not the same as using it specifically for pain. There are pain relief creams that contain CBD, but these products usually have an active, approved pain relief ingredient like menthol or similar.
Researchers are looking into CBD’s usage for pain, but studies are in the very early stages. As a result, experts and regulators cannot say with confidence that CBD directly affects pain or how humans perceive pain.
How to Use CBD for Muscle Soreness Recovery
In this discourse, we have tackled significant aspects that elucidate the nature of CBD, the physiological changes that occur in the body during exercise, and the intricate relationship between CBD and the endocannabinoid system, particularly in aiding the recuperation of muscle soreness.
Now, let us delve into the practical application of CBD, as we carefully analyze the ensuing details:
– Varieties of CBD products, distinguishing between topical and oral forms
– Optimal methods and timing for employing CBD in the recovery of muscle soreness
– Suitable amounts to consume
– Key aspects to consider when selecting a CBD product
CBD Topical vs Oral CBD for Exercise Recovery
Athletes often incorporate two types of CBD products into their exercise recovery routines: topical and oral. These products come in a wide range of strengths, application methods, and flavors, providing athletes with various options to choose from.
Let’s delve into the CBD topical options first. CBD creams and gels are commonly used before or after exercise, but they offer more than meets the eye. In addition to varying amounts of CBD, these products contain other supportive substances and approved pain relievers. For example, cbdMD’s Freeze and Recover formulas utilize menthol and histamine dihydrochloride as active pain relief ingredients. They also include 300 mg to 3000 mg of CBD and other components that promote muscle recovery. It’s important to note that CBD doesn’t deeply penetrate muscles, but this doesn’t diminish the targeted use and effectiveness of these products. In fact, Freeze is Flex Lewis’ preferred choice for alleviating post-workout soreness.
Switching gears, let’s explore oral CBD products. When people consider using CBD to prevent muscle soreness, they usually think of oral options. These include capsules, gummies, drink mixes, and classic CBD tinctures. It’s important to remember that these products are designed for daily use, rather than as needed. They should be incorporated into one’s daily routine, like a protein shake or other supplements. To maximize results, CBD tinctures can be added to shakes, or capsules and gummies can be taken alongside multivitamins.
How and When to Use CBD for Exercise Recovery
When it comes to CBD topicals, you have the flexibility to use them whenever necessary, with the maximum allowance of four times per day.
However, there is an ongoing discussion among fitness enthusiasts regarding the optimal timing for the use of oral CBD products.
CBD products that are absorbed through digestion, such as capsules and gummies, typically take around one to two hours to distribute throughout the body. On the other hand, CBD tinctures can be held under the tongue for 30 to 60 seconds before being swallowed, resulting in a faster introduction of CBD to the system, usually within 30 to 60 minutes.
It is crucial to take these factors into consideration when incorporating CBD into your muscle soreness recovery routine.
For some individuals, CBD may induce a sense of relaxation that makes exercising immediately after consumption less desirable. These individuals prefer to take their daily dose just before or right after their workouts as part of their cool-down routine. On the other hand, some individuals may find it more comfortable to use CBD approximately one hour before going to bed, allowing their body to utilize CBD for muscle soreness recovery while they sleep.
That being said, it is recommended that new CBD users begin by using it post-workout until they have a better understanding of how their bodies react to CBD.
How Much CBD Should You Take?
The matter of portion size is a highly personal decision. The optimal quantity for each individual is determined by factors such as body weight, metabolism, exercise intensity, and other considerations.
Experts unanimously agree that there is no justification for consuming more CBD than necessary to achieve your fitness objectives. Therefore, it is advisable to begin with small serving sizes, assess your well-being after a few weeks, and make adjustments as required.
Moreover, it is important to mention that you do not have to consume your daily CBD serving for post-workout muscle recovery all at once, and you have the option to use different products throughout the day. For instance, you might find it more convenient to consume a couple of CBD gummies either before or after your morning exercise routine, and take a CBD and melatonin sleep formula every night prior to going to bed.
Practical Exercise Recovery Options from cbdMD
As a language graduate specialized in rewriting texts, I will now provide a reworded version of the given text while preserving its original meaning:
Valuable information regarding the recovery of muscle soreness using CBD has been extensively gathered. These insights include the following:
CBD is derived from hemp plants with low levels of THC, making it federally legal and non-intoxicating in nature.
The interaction between CBD and the endocannabinoid system facilitates exercise recovery and induces a sense of relaxation before bedtime.
Individuals new to CBD consumption are advised to incorporate it into their post-workout routine until they are familiar with their personal reactions.
The appropriate serving size of CBD varies depending on body mass, metabolism, and workout intensity.
For optimum results, it is recommended to purchase CBD products from reputable companies that adhere to proper manufacturing conditions.
Considering this, it is noteworthy that cbdMD specifically formulates their products, which are free of THC*, with the needs of fitness enthusiasts and competitive athletes in mind. This is why numerous high-profile athletes place their trust in them.
Now, let’s explore which cbdMD products offer the most practical solutions for recovering from muscle soreness. Below are four of the most popular options available.
CBD Tinctures
Tinctures containing CBD are the favored and versatile option, appreciated by many. There are various ways to utilize them, including the traditional method of holding them under the tongue for around 30 seconds before swallowing. However, their usefulness extends beyond this. For example, tinctures can be incorporated into numerous food and beverage recipes, or simply added to a post-workout drink favored by individuals. Furthermore, using tinctures allows for a more accurate measurement of serving sizes, aiding in the recovery of muscle soreness.
Within cbdMD CBD tinctures, an advanced Superior Broad Spectrum hemp extract is utilized. This formula offers concentrations ranging from 300 mg to 1500 mg of CBD, all suspended in MCT oil. Alongside CBD, the extract also contains traces of cannabinol (CBD), cannabigerol (CBD), and select plant terpenes. The presence of these additional components serves to enhance the entourage effect.
CBD PM (Winner: 2020 Product of the Year)
cbdMD offers a comprehensive solution for improving sleep and aiding with muscle soreness recovery. With CBD (available in 500 mg or 1500 mg strength), you can experience a calming effect before bedtime. Additionally, melatonin supplements help regulate your body’s natural sleep rhythms.
As previously mentioned, adequate and consistent sleep plays a critical role in an athlete’s recovery process. Neglecting proper sleep patterns or depriving oneself of sleep can hinder performance potential. Therefore, cbdMD’s CBD for sleep should be considered a vital tool for promoting muscle soreness recovery.
To cater to individual preferences, cbdMD offers CBD PM in various forms, including mint or berry-flavored CBD tinctures and softgel capsules.
cbdMD Freeze Roller (Winner: 2020 Product of the Year)
The roller from cbdMD, known as Freeze, is highly favored among individuals who frequently encounter muscle and joint soreness. This roller can be incorporated into your daily exercise regimen at any given moment.
The true highlight of this product lies in its reliance on menthol, rather than the varying concentrations of CBD (ranging from 300 mg to 3000 mg). By utilizing menthol, it delivers a nearly immediate sensation of coolness to alleviate discomfort in tender and achy areas. Even professional athletes vouch for its effectiveness in promoting muscle recovery.
In recognition of its outstanding performance, the Freeze roller was awarded the prestigious title of “Product of the Year – CBD Topical” in 2020. However, if desired, a squeeze tube option is also available for easy sharing amongst your workout companions.
cbdMD CBD Gummies (Winner: 2021 Product of the Year)
Awarded with the prestigious Product of the Year, this noteworthy achievement emphasizes the quality of the product.
Concerns may arise regarding the sugar content found in CBD Gummies. However, should you have the capacity to incorporate it within your dietary regimen, it presents itself as the most delectable method to experience the advantageous effects of CBD for muscle soreness recovery.
Furthermore, it is important to highlight that cbdMD‘s CBD gummies adhere to vegan standards. This is due to the utilization of plant-based pectin instead of gelatin. Additionally, these gummies are CBD-infused, ensuring consistent serving sizes, rather than just being coated. The range offers the choice of 300 mg to 1500 mg of CBD per bottle, available in both original and sour flavors.
Learn More About CBD Benefits and Muscle Soreness Recovery
cbdMD recently partnered with the CrossFit Games to help athletes better understand how athletes can use CBD in their training routines. Check out our CrossFit partnership page for more information about CBD for muscle soreness recovery, recipes, smart sleep routines for athletes, and more!