You have probably heard about CBD or Cannabidiol, which is the non-psychoactive compound found within the cannabis plant.Lately it has been popping up everywhere. But what benefits will it offer you?
When you train your muscle fibres will develop tiny micro-tears, which when repaired will allow your muscle to grow back stronger than before.There are those who claim that CBD oil can help with pain relief and will, therefore, aid your own post-recovery routine.
The following article will look at CBD oil in more detail to discover whether using it will aid in your recovery.
Why Do Your Muscles Fatigue After Working Out?
If you have ever exercised intensely before then you have no doubt encountered DOMS (Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness) the following day and sometimes many days after too.
This fatigue is experienced due to the minuscule tears in your muscle fibres. While the tearing of these muscle fibres causes soreness and fatigue, it is the inflammation within the muscle that causes ongoing fatigue and soreness.
Inflammation is a natural reaction to muscle damage. Luckily CBD oil can help reduce this inflammation.
Cannabidiol has seen a surge in popularity over the past year, with many health shops, both in the high street and online stocking various CBD oil products.
It is a naturally occurring substance, that is extracted from the cannabis plant and then mixed with a carrier oil such as hemp seed or coconut.
CBD is one of 104 chemical compounds known as cannabinoids. It is not psychoactive, which means that using it won’t make you “high”.
Unlike marijuana, CBD oil is legal across the UK and in most US states for medicinal purposes.
To ensure the legality, the CBD oil must contain very little to no THC (the psychoactive cannabinoid). In the UK, CBD products must contain less than 0.2{8cb78a8e95e5d438fcccca925454f996a7f25fb6bb4e8b0107ef1962c7adc9a1} THC.
How Does CBD Oil Aid Muscle Recovery?
When you use CBD oil is will interact with the receptors of your endocannabinoid system. This helps to reduce pain and inflammation. It can also help to reduce stress and anxiety and will help promote better sleep.
CBD has been shown to interact with the following receptors of your nervous system:
Vanilloid Receptors
Research has shown that CBD can interact with your TRPV1 (Vanilloid) receptors.
It is these receptors that help regulate pain, inflammation and your body temperature.
When the CBD binds with these receptors your perception of pain can be altered.
GPR55 Receptors
Your GPR55 receptors are involved in a number of physiological processes that include the regulation of your blood pressure, your bone density and pain perception.
Research suggests that blocking these receptors can help reduce pain, and can also improve bone health.
It has been shown that when your GPR55 receptors are overactive increased bone reabsorption is common, which is associated with osteoporosis.
Serotonin 5-HT1A Receptors
CBD can help to activate these receptors, which will help to regulate anxiety, stress and your mood .
CBD Oil for Muscle Growth
When you are suffering from DOMS and other pain it can be difficult to find the motivation to train. By reducing this pain you are more likely to get off your butt to train.
Obviously, by training more you are giving your body more opportunity to grow.
Here is how you can use CBD for muscle recovery:
#1: You Can Apply Gels for Chronic Pain
There are gels and topical creams available that can be used to treat chronic pain.
We would suggest searching for topical oil-based products as they are easy to use on your joints and muscles. They can help to speed up recovery from the damage caused by intense workouts.
#2: You Can Stop Using Ibuprofen
Many of you will already be using painkillers like ibuprofen on a regular basis.
Due to the potential side effects of NSAIDs we would suggest using CBD as an alternative.
Potential side effects of NSAIDs include:
- Stomach pain and heartburn
- Stomach ulcers
- Headaches and dizziness
- Ringing in your ears
- Allergic reactions
- Liver and kidney problems
- High blood pressure
- Swelling of your legs
#3: Reduce Game-Day Anxiety
Anxiety can have a negative impact on your sporting performance.
By using CBD you can help relieve this anxiousness, allowing you to perform to the best of your ability.