Exercise, CBD & Muscle Recovery
By Dr. Diana Rangaves, PharmD, RPh on Jan 4th 2022
It seems like everywhere you look; CBD is taking the world by storm. Maybe that is because of all the anecdotal evidence that suggests this hemp-derived wonder compound has a dazzling array of health benefits for people of all ages and activity levels. CBD has been shown to be useful for people dealing with insomnia, mental health challenges and much more. The anti-inflammatory properties in CBD are revealing new uses for this versatile herb.
Emerging research is beginning to suggest that CBD might be effective in combating post-workout muscle soreness. Even more thrilling is that it might also help to shorten the recovery time following your workout. That is excellent news for both casual athletes and serious lifters.
The best part is that there are tons of different ways to get your post-workout CBD thanks to tinctures, salves, and bath soaks. Look for a company that believes in growing high quality hemp and turning it into broad or full-spectrum CBD products. Broad and full-spectrum CBD can have serious health benefits. Let us look at how taking CBD after a workout can give you an all-around better physical experience.
People get sore after working out because exercise causes micro-tears in your muscle fibers. Do not worry – that is precisely what you want to happen because the tears are what helps allow your muscles to grow. However, this tearing and rebuilding process also causes your muscles to become inflamed, and the result is soreness.
Next time you are feeling the burn after a tough workout, reach for CBD instead of an over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medication. Research has shown that CBD can suppress inflammatory responses in the body, which is one way to prevent and lessen the feelings of stiffness. Taking CBD might also help you sleep better. Since sleep is the cornerstone of proper recovery, it might help your muscles recover faster too.
How does CBD prevent inflammation?
The research is still emerging, but most studies indicate that CBD blocks inflammatory discomfort because it interacts with glycine receptors. Glycine plays a role in transmitting pain signals from your body to your brain. CBD can also help reduce overall oxidative stress in your body. Oxidative stress happens when there is an imbalance between free radicals and antioxidants in your body, and the result is inflammation.
Before you begin a regimen of using CBD after a workout, make sure you know exactly what is in the product you are purchasing. Not all CBD products are created equally, and since the industry is in its infancy, it is essential that you know and trust the company where you are getting your CBD.
Once you are solid with that, you might consider using a salve directly on your sore muscles or a CBD-infused bath soak. Both will work transdermal, which means the CBD will be directly absorbed into your skin. If you would like an immediate effect, you can always use a CBD tincture after a sweat session to help your body get everything it needs.
Remember that no one approach works for everyone, so be open to experimenting with a variety of products. To learn more, visit our "Learn" tab and get to know all about your Endocannabinoid System. Ready for relief? Check out our entire Gold Leaf Collection to find the right solution for you. Make sure to check out our #1 best-seller, the High Intensity Relief Stick!