Did You Know? More athletes are turning to CBD
Athletes of all levels are looking for ways to feel better on and off the court without using over the counter medications.
Is CBD the answer?
While more research on CBD and its potential benefits for athletes is needed, there is no question about the rising popularity of CBD among weekend warriors and elite athletes.
Keep reading to see why people are using CBD to reach their fitness goals.
What is CBD?
CBD, or cannabidiol, is a compound found in the cannabis plant. It is known for its potential therapeutic effects, such as reducing inflammation and discomfort. It does not produce the psychoactive effects associated with THC, another compound found in cannabis.
CBD use in athletes
People who play sports causally or competitively may struggle with muscle soreness and joint discomfort. While over the counter medications are an option, many athletes are looking for a more natural approach.
CBD use in athletes was approved by the World Anti-Doping Agency in 2018. Since then, there has been an increase in athletes of all levels incorporating CBD into their wellness routines.
Some athletes choose to use CBD topically by applying CBD infused creams to specific joints or muscles, while others opt for taking CBD as a supplement to feel its affects throughout the body.
Let’s dive in to three main reasons athletes love using CBD: muscle recovery, discomfort relief, and better sleep.
Athletes are using CBD for muscle recovery
Athletes are using CBD post workout since it may help reduce the inflammation that causes muscle soreness.
Muscle soreness after exercise may be caused in part by inflammation. While some inflammation is needed to help muscles repair and grow stronger after exercise, too much inflammation is uncomfortable.
CBD has antioxidant properties which may help neutralize free radicals. Free radicals are unstable molecules that can cause further damage to cells and tissues, and are created in larger amounts during exercise. This damage can lead to inflammation, and the body will try to repair the affected area. Antioxidants like CBD may help mitigate this damage, which could help reduce muscle soreness and recovery.
Athletes are using CBD for discomfort
One recent study found that the main reason athletes use CBD is for discomfort relief. 
While research on CBD supplements and discomfort relief is still evolving, CBD is widely anecdotally reported to provide joint and muscle discomfort relief. One of the few studies available on CBD use for discomfort relief in athletes found that topical use was both safe and effective, which is promising.
Back to back tournaments or simply getting back on the court can lead to aches and pains, so it’s no wonder people are looking for relief from things like CBD.
Athletes are using CBD for better sleep
Athletes know that sleep is important for better muscle recovery. But, insomnia or stress can get in the way. This is why some athletes are using CBD to get better sleep.
Research suggests that CBD may help improve sleep. CBD has been shown to have anxiolytic effects, which means it may help reduce anxiety and improve sleep quality. Additionally, CBD may have sedative properties, which could also contribute to its sleep-promoting effects. More research is needed in this area to fully understand the effects of CBD on sleep, but the results are promising so far.
How athletes can take CBD
There are a few ways to take CBD, but our favorite way is our CBD and Turmeric Sports Recovery Drinks. These drinks are delicious, easy to take on the go, plus have other anti-inflammatory ingredients that can help with muscle recovery. It’s the most convenient (and delicious!) way to get in the ingredients you need to play longer and recover faster.
Summary
Athletes are increasingly turning to CBD for muscle recovery, discomfort relief, and better sleep. CBD use in athletes was approved by the World Anti-Doping Agency in 2018, and since then, there has been an increase in athletes of all levels incorporating CBD into their wellness routines. CBD has therapeutic effects that may help reduce inflammation that causes muscle soreness, provide joint and muscle pain relief, and improve sleep quality. For these reasons, CBD is popular among weekend warriors and elite athletes alike.
Try it for yourself! Enjoy our CBD and Turmeric Sports Recovery Drink today.
Written by Katie Mednick, RD
