Cannabidiol, or as it is popularly known as 'CBD, is everywhere these days and various forms. There are CBD gummies, capsules, oils, balms, cocktails, tinctures, and even some people's coffee. It has become an excellent health and wellness remedy as its market share is growing daily. Experts estimate that its value in this market will reach a cool $2 billion by the start of 2022.
There are a lot of purported medical advantages of using CBD in the human body. Some have been proven with scientific evidence to back these claims. All these are significant breakthroughs in the world of medicine, all thanks to CBD.
It also helps with the menial stuff, like helping your muscles recover after a work-out. This is all thanks to the anti-inflammatory properties it contains. Interesting, isn't it? If you'd like to know more about CBD and its interaction with muscle recovery, you'll find more details below.
So, What Exactly Is CBD Again?
CBD is among the many chemical compounds found in the cannabis plant. There are over 100 chemical compounds present in this plant, with THC and CBD being the most important ones.
You can think of these two as close cousins. THC, or tetrahydrocannabinol, is the chemical compound that causes a psychoactive effect when you use marijuana ' or what gets you high.
CBD is one atom arrangement from being THC. This minute and the microscopic difference is enormous in how these two compounds affect our bodies. Insomniacs use CBD as a sleep aid, and even children who have epilepsy, especially the Dravet Syndrome variant, can reduce the number of seizures they experience thanks to CBD.
There are also reports that it helps with libido, so you can use it the same way you'd use syn pharma overdrive. It's also great for muscle recovery from an intense work-out, and it speeds up the process.
Is it legal to buy CBD?
The growth, sale, and distribution of hemp is allowed in the U.S. This means it can be cultivated for any use, including the extraction of CBD.
You are generally allowed to buy and use CBD in whichever manner you desire. There are also several countries like Cyprus, Czech Republic, Argentina, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Greece, Brazil, Canada, Chile, Lebanon, Ecuador, and Finland, just to mention a few.
The World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) also removed it as a prohibited substance in 2018. So, even professional athletes can gain from this wonder compound, especially after a hard day at practice.
Why Do We Get Sore After Working Out?
Regardless of how fit you are, getting sore is something you can avoid. Depending on the intensity of exercise, you could be sore for days. Working out is stressing the muscles hard enough to tear them, hoping that they get much bigger and stronger when they repair.
The pain you feel after working out, or soreness is simply your muscles repairing themselves.
How CBD Helps Fight Post-Workout Muscle Inflammation
According to a review published in Frontiers in Neurology, CBD reduces inflammation in the body and helps improve mobility and pain, especially in patients with multiple sclerosis. It can also work well for post-workout inflammation.
'It is anti-inflammatory, antioxidative, antiemetic, antipsychotic, and neuroprotective,' the author of the review wrote.
It decreases inflammation when rubbed on the affected muscles as an ointment or taken orally. Cannabidiol can also help reduce muscle tension related to injuries and Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness, DOMS. This is a condition most athletes and people who work-out intensely experience and use ice to treat.
CBD and GABA Receptors Interaction
CBD works by affecting the GABA receptors. These receptors play a crucial role in regulating muscle relaxation in the body. It also inhibits the transmission of pain in the spinal cord and the brain.
CBD will also reduce other forms of pain from your work-out as it's a general pain reliever. It is great for soft tissue discomfort, chronic pain, nerve pain, and the type of soreness.
How to Use CBD for the Best Recovery
CBD is usually safe to use. High doses of around 1,500 mg daily can generally be tolerated by the body. As a rule of thumb, however, 1-6 mg of CBD for every 10 pounds of your body weight based on pain levels is advisable.
You can also begin with 5-10mg daily and increase it by the same amount until you achieve full recovery.
There are several trials and errors involved with CBD and discussing with your doctor before you start using it is advisable. Apart from CBD oils and tinctures, there are also CBD-infused balms, edibles, lotions, and balms. You just have to decide the best way to use CBD, ingesting it or rubbing it for relief.
Conclusion
If you're looking for something to help with muscle tension and pain without having to take over-the-counter medication, CBD is a safe alternative. In case you've not tried CBD before, consult with your doctor. Once they say it's okay, you'll be in it. It's a great alternative to the usual anti-inflammatory drugs, plus it's all-natural. Just try it for a couple of weeks and see what works for you. You never know. You could be on your way to muscle recovery much sooner than expected and just in time for leg day.
