A Complete Guide To CBD Oils For Runners – 2022
Page Contents
If you are curious about the benefits of CBD for runners, you have come to the right place.
CBD oil has been proven to not only enhance recovery but also improve performance. That is why more runners are using CBD oils than ever before.
CBD is becoming more mainstream as well. You can find CBD infused in almost everything. This includes coffee, bath soaps, and even toothpicks, but is it worth it?
In this article, I’ll explain everything to do with CBD oil. This includes:
– What is CBD oil?
– How does CBD work?
– The benefits of CBD for runners
– How to start using CBD in your training?
– And more
So, Keep on reading to learn more.
What Is CBD Oil?
Cannabidiol oil (commonly known as CBD) is one of the 100 compounds derived from cannabis. It is found specifically in the seeds and stalks of cannabis plants.
While Cannabidiol oil comes from cannabis plants, it only has a natural concentrate of less than 0.3 percent THC. That means there is not enough THC to make you high, which makes it safe for treating pain, speeding up recovery, and much more.
In fact, your body already produces some cannabinoids. This is called the endocannabinoid system (ECS) which consists of nerves that help control your metabolism, appetite, stress, sleep, and immune function. That’s why CBD can have a dramatic effect on pain, stress, inflammation, sleep, and more.
So how does it work?
CBD oil interacts with your receptors within the ECS (Endocannabinoid System) (CB1 and CB2). It then starts to influence your brain and body’s response to things like pain, anxiety, and stress. Because of this and multiple research, they have found that it may support your body in keeping a balanced state.
Will CBD Oil Make You High?
It is a common question asked, and a reason why many people are scared to take CBD oil. This is because many people think, that because it comes from the same plant, it has a similar effect.
Unfortunately, this is untrue. CBD alone is non-intoxicating, and won’t cause you to get high. You may find it causes you to experience less pain, and give you a more mellow feeling.
CBD can also be extracted from hemp plants, which have no psychoactive properties. This is why you are more likely to find CBD oil from hemp plants in most places.
Will CBD Show Up During A Drug Test?
Many runners and sports people are scared that CBD will show up in a drug test. However, in most cases, it shouldn’t cause a positive test.
There are some exceptions though. Some CBD products may contain small amounts of THC or tetrahydrocannabinol which can show up on a drug test. That is why it is important to purchase CBD from a reputable company that is known for its quality control.
So, it is wise to be on the side of caution if you are an athlete or someone that gets tested regularly for work. If you still want to use these products for the many benefits they provide, search for THC-free products instead. There are many on the market.
Benefits Of CBD Oil For Runners
There have been many studies on the subject in the past few years. The most common studies you will find reference the benefits of reducing inflammation. So, if you are a runner CBD oil is a great option for speeding up post-run recovery, and reducing soreness and pain.
One example is a 2016 study that found that CBD oil drastically reduced joint swelling and pain better than other drugs on the market.
Below are some of the most recent studies on the subject:
2.https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s40279-021-01505-x
3.https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fphys.2021.722550/full
4.https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7338332/
Even though there are a lot of promising benefits, research is still going on. Because there are many legal challenges surrounding the supplement, dosage and delivery are still being assessed.
However, it is just a matter of time before more and more research is done, and more people will know about the effects of CBD oils.
How To Consume CBD Oil
CBD oils can come any many forms and are mixed in with many products. However, the most efficient way to take CBD oil is to have it with a meal. That means either mixing it in with a protein shake or a drink or having a post snack like chewing gum or sweets (with CBD included in the ingredients).
Adding CBD to your meal will help the body absorb the active elements in CBD oil much faster than having it by itself.
Tips For Using CBD Oils For Runners
If you are new to taking CBD, we have put together some tips to help you use CBD correctly.
1. First, for CBD to take effect, it needs to be used regularly. It is not something that will help you overnight. Results take time and the outcomes will vary from person to person.
2. Secondly, if you decide on using sublingual drops, the oil must be placed under the tongue to help it be absorbed through the mouth. Make sure you don’t swallow it.
3. If you don’t want to use sublingual drops, instead use creams. Creams work well for localized areas of pain. Since oil can be absorbed through the skin relatively quickly, it is a great alternative to sublingual drops
4. When it comes to the time you should take CBD oil, it can vary from one person to another. That means you will need to try different times of the day to see the best results. Some people may find that CBD oils cause alertness, which means these people are better off taking it first thing in the morning with food. Others may find it gives them a calming feeling, which means taking it at night time may be a better solution.
However, most experts recommend taking CBD at night. As it can promote better sleep and calmness. While runners may benefit more from taking it after a hard training session, as it can help reduce muscular soreness.
Conclusion – Is CBD Good For Runners
CBD is a great option for runners, as it can help reduce inflammation and reduce pain. Thus speeding up recovery and improving post-workout fatigue.
However, like any over-the-counter medicine, make sure you pay attention to the ingredients and where you purchase it from. Always buy from a reputable seller, as quality control will be much better and you won’t accidentally dose yourself with harmful chemicals.
While CBD has many benefits, it is not a magic pill. It can help soothe the pain but don’t expect it to cure a sprain or a stress fracture. If you are currently dealing with a groin sprain, ankle sprain or stress fracture, make sure you rest and reduce your training load. CBD can be then used to help reduce some of the discomforts you may feel when your dealing with a running injury.
