CBD or Cannabidiol is a cannabinoid. Cannabinoids are the chemical compounds that regulate the functioning of a part of the brain i.e. Endocannabinoid system (ECS). The main function of ECS is to maintain homeostasis in the body, calm the mind and relax the muscles. Our body has its own cannabinoids, but the lifestyle and stress these days need more doses of cannabinoids to remain calm even in messy times. CBD is gaining immense popularity in the health care, wellness, and fitness industries. CBD has entered the beauty industry too. CBD comes in various products like CBD oil, tinctures, capsules, gummies, balms, shampoos, etc.
Here we are going to discuss how CBD gummies benefit athletes. But before that let us talk about if CBD is legal for athletes?
The legality of CBD for athletes
To clear this doubt of ours, let me tell you that yes, CBD is legal for athletes. At the beginning of 2018, the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) eliminated CBD, Cannabidiol from the list of substances that were prohibited in or out of the competition. But there is a limitation to this. Only CBD was removed from the list and not THC. CBD & THC are both found in cannabis plants. So it should be noted that the products athletes consume should not make them positive for THC in and out of the competition. CBD products made from hemp plants have only 0.3% THC. Also, the urinary threshold for THC was increased from 15 to 150 nanograms per milliliter. This was done to avoid a positive response for the THC test if an athlete consumes outside of sports.
CBD Gummies & Athletes
There are a lot of products and methods athletes use to consume CBD. Athletes take CBD oil massage after workouts to release muscle tension, take CBD coffee or tinctures for energy shots. We will now unravel what benefits does the best CBD gummies holds for athletes.
- A tasty option for CBD consumption, unlike CBD oil which tastes bitter.
- Easier to carry on the go which is most beneficial for athletes as they need relief while traveling to or back from competitions.
- Athletes undergo immense physical & mental stress, CBD acts as a relief agent by speeding muscle recovery and relaxing the body.
- Gummies are known to provide stress relief so that they can be focused on their routines and competition.
- CBD gummies act as non-addictive and tasty pain killers.
- Helps to maintain the homeostasis and well-being of the body by regulating the secretion of stress hormone i.e. cortisol.
- CBD gummies engage with the body and help to protect the CNS during a high-intensity workout when it is continuously sending stress signals and cortisol levels shoot up. It helps in synchronizing the neural signals.
- Levels of internal cannabinoids get lower at night which might result in a disturbed sleep cycle. Athletes need an adequate amount of quality sleep to rejuvenate and recover their tired bodies. Consuming CBD gummies before bedtime balances the cannabinoid levels and helps them to have a restful and refreshing sleep.
- CBD gummy is an excellent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant product as just a little CBD in them reduces inflammation and muscle soreness due to oxidative stress.
All the abovementioned benefits are the reasons that doctors prescribe CBD gummies to athletes.
REFERENCES:
- https://trainright.com/cbd-for-athletes-cannabidiol/
- https://www.medsnews.com/health/why-doctors-recommend-cbd-gummies-to-athletes/
