How to Use CBD for Avid Runners
As hemp products become more popular, the variety of people purchasing these products likewise become more diverse. Athletic users or users who follow exercise programs may be hesitant to add this supplement to their strict diets. There may be some confusion over the benefits and drawbacks of CBD for runners.
CBD’s health benefits extend to a broad amount of people, including athletes. This article will discuss how this hemp compound may complement the runner’s life.
Does CBD Help Athletic Performance?
Brands extract cannabidiol, or CBD, from the hemp plant. Consuming cannabidiol may help strengthen the immune system of users. Studies have shown that this hemp compound helps regulate the immune system, helping users become more resistant to infections.
Scientists have conducted multiple tests to analyze CBD’s ability to reduce stress and anxiety. Scientists have found that cannabidiol may be able to modulate serotonin levels in the brain. Serotonin is a neurotransmitter that is directly connected to how the brain processes happiness.
Low levels of serotonin may lead to chronic anxiety or depression.
High stress levels can tire out the body the same way physical exertion can. Runners who take CBD products can enjoy stress-free runs and improve their athletic performance as well as their physical activity.
Does CBD Help Runners?
Researchers have conducted some studies to analyze the possible relationship between CBD and energy levels. Scientists found that dosage plays a key role in CBD’s effect on energy.
Low amounts of cannabidiol may work as a stimulant for users. On the other hand, an increased amount of dosage can make users feel lethargic.
Most of the benefits of CBD is rooted in the compound’s interaction with the endocannabinoid system (ECS). Cannabidiol’s contact with certain receptors in the ECS may cause a protein synthesis in the hypothalamus which, in turn, affects the alertness of users.
This potential extra boost of energy may be helpful to runners.
Is CBD Safe for Runners?
The World Health Organization (WHO) has declared CBD isolates to be safe to use and consume. There are generally no adverse effects in consuming this product. However, it is important to note that the manufacturing process of some companies may affect the safety of the compound.
The hemp community unfortunately struggles with issues of cross-contamination and mislabeling. Some brands add more than the legal amount of 0.3% THC in their full-spectrum CBD products which may adversely affect their consumers. These products contain more than trace amounts of THC.
Unlike THC, CBD is non-psychoactive. Although both of these compounds are extracted from the cannabis plant, their side effects differ from one another. THC is responsible for marijuana’s infamous “high.” In contrast, no amount of CBD taken will cause a psychoactive episode.
To avoid consuming products with questionable ingredients, users should only purchase their hemp products from trusted retailers.
Brands that place their products through a third-party lab testing process will allow users to see the exact chemical breakdown of the products.
How to Use CBD for Runners
The boom in the green market has allowed brands to truly diversify the consumption of hemp products. Consumers have an unlimited amount of choices when it comes to consuming their CBD dosage.
CBD oil is perhaps the most popular form of hemp for runners. This sublingual product is consumed by placing the desired amount underneath the tongue, holding the liquid there for ten seconds, and then swallowing.
The sublingual glands underneath the tongue absorb the hemp compound directly into the bloodstream.
This can be done before a run, or alternatively, the oil can also be mixed into protein shakes to be consumed post-run. Research has shown that CBD for runners is able to relieve inflammatory pain and taking one’s dosage post-workout may support one’s workout recovery.
It may also help relieve chronic pain that flares up after physical exercise.
For users that want a more subtle dosage, CBD edibles are readily available to be purchased in trusted retailers. These products usually come in inconspicuous forms and in many delicious flavors. Edibles can be eaten quickly before or after a run to reduce inflammation.
How Long Does CBD Last in the Body for Runners?
Typically, cannabidiol remains in the system for two to five days. However, this number is not universal to all users. There are several variables that make this number not applicable to all people.
The dosage amount and frequency play key roles in how the body metabolizes the hemp compound. CBD for runners builds up in the body over time and how much product and how frequently the user digests this product changes how the body processes CBD.
Another variable to consider is the user’s body type. BMI and metabolism rate both affect how long CBD stays in the body.
All users should check with their doctor to find out how much CBD is safe for runners to take given their exact body type and lifestyle.
Is CBD Legal? Hemp-derived CBD products (with less than 0.3 percent THC) are legal on the federal level. Moreover, these statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease and products that have not been FDA approved. Likewise, you must be at least 21 years old to purchase these products. Talk to your physician or medical doctor for additional information.
