Using CBD for Workout Recovery
Using CBD for Workout Recovery
CBD products have flooded the market since its legality was established in the United States and CBD was cleared by the World Anti-Doping Authority (WADA) for professional athletes. From hemp extract oils to creams, there are several delivery methods and different products to suit every need.
CBD for Athletes
Research shows Cannabidiol (CBD) may be a powerful aid for recovery. Athletes are turning to CBD for its relaxing, sleep-aiding properties as well as its ability to return the body to homeostasis and reduce stress-related inflammation. Better sleep and less inflammation are two of the most important keys to helping athletes recover faster and feel better day in and day out.
What is CBD?
Cannabidiol (CBD) is a chemical compound found in cannabis plants. It is actually one of the hundreds of different compounds known as cannabinoids. Although many types of cannabinoids exist, there are two which are the most popular and well-known. CBD is the relaxing, anti-inflammatory oil that benefits athletic recovery. THC is the compound contained in marijuana which is known for its recreational properties and the stereotypical euphoric ‘high.’
CBD offers therapeutic benefits without the high, allowing you to seek athletic recovery, anxiety relief, and improved sleep without any psychoactive changes in your mental state. Cannabidiol shows promise as a treatment for a wide range of conditions.
CBD Targets Inflammation
You’ve probably heard that every time you work out, your muscles get micro-tears. This cues an inflammatory response to begin healing those tears, helping your body rebuild itself stronger than before. However, too much inflammation can slow down your recovery time.
Athletes who are engaged in consistent training are used to a state of constant inflammation. While the body’s natural reaction to training and duress is some degree of hormones that ultimately aid in the recovery process, prolonged training blocks can lead to a level of inflammation that is detrimental to well being and athletic performance.
Reducing recovery time allows you to train more efficiently and effectively within the same time frame, thus keeping you at peak performance and potentially allowing for quicker performance improvements. Research suggests that hemp extract has anti-inflammatory properties which may help your body recover faster.
Hemp Extract For Workout Recovery
Like everything you put in your body, you’ll want to find a high-quality CBD extract to use in your recovery routine. Start by looking for full spectrum hemp extract instead of an isolate. Hemp-derived CBD isolate only contains pure Cannabidiol. While this might sound nice, CBD isolate is stripped of all the other beneficial compounds in hemp plants like phytocannabinoids, terpenes, and other cannabinoids naturally present in the plant. A CBD isolate is the hemp equivalent of cheap canola oil versus high-quality olive oil. Both are oils, but only one contains the richness of nutrients and minerals associated  with a more intensive filtering and extraction process.
Research indicates that the compounds in hemp work synergistically. This phenomenon is known as the entourage effect.
Best Way to Integrate Hemp Extract into Your Routine
Taking hemp extract sublingually (under the tongue) will help your body absorb it faster and is the least intrusive way to incorporate a full-spectrum CBD product into your routine. High-quality hemp extracts, especially those made with athletes in mind, do not contain any THC and will not have psychoactive side effects or lead to a failed drug test at work or with the WADA or USADA.
Using hemp extract as part of your fitness and recovery routine may provide you with the edge you need to recover faster and train at a high level without experiencing as much stress-related fatigue or soreness.
At iKOR, we are all athletes and we design our products with athletes in mind. You can learn more about iKOR hemp here and follow along with our athletes as they tackle the world’s toughest events.
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FDA Disclosure
These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.