The Athletes Secret – CBD for Muscle Recovery, Stamina & Inflammation

     As every athlete knows, you must first break down old muscle in order to rebuild new muscle. “‘Any workout, especially a rigorous one, causes microscopic damage to the body’s muscles and tissues,” explains Dr. Alan Beyer, sports medicine doctor and executive medical director of the Hoag Orthopedic Institute in California. “It’s this inflammation that triggers the body’s repair processes, allowing tissues to grow back stronger and fitter.” Too much inflammation contributes to excessive muscle damage, low energy, poor workout results, pain, and may eventually even cause disease by lowering the body’s immunity and damaging cells.” Inflammation is also the main cause of exercise-related injuries, including strains and sprains,” Dr. Beyer adds. (1)  However, there is a nutritional supplement that is proving to be all that athletes need: Cannabiliol, or CBD, as it is known.

     CBD’s anti-inflammatory action keeps muscles cramp-free, prevent injuries and helps to while balancing dopamine at proper levels to promote smooth movement and balance.

     The World Anti-Doping Agency lifted its ban on CBD in 2018. Since then, many fitness professionals and athletes have used CBD for their high-performance fitness programs because of its ability to address so many issues. Not only has CBD been found to target inflammation, but studies suggest it may also help in the rebuilding of muscle and bone, overall pain reduction, boosting of stamina, regulating sleep and mood, and the list goes on. (2) CBD has a powerful anti-inflammatory effect on cells, including the immune system and musculoskeletal cells. CBD is just one of over 100 plant molecules currently identified in the industrial hemp plant. Unlike THC, CBD does not produce a mind-altering effects, and is involved in regulating and restoring balance in the body.  It is this balancing effect that reduces and prevents inflammation along with cellular damage, while at the same time alleviating pain brought on by injuries. Hemp is one of the most healing plants known to man, and its oil is one of the most nutritious superfood oils, containing two exceptionally rich essential fatty acids, linoleic (Omega-6) and alpha-linolenic acid (Omega-3). CBD communicates with cannabinoid receptors found throughout the body via the Endocannabinoid System (ECS). There are an abundance of CBD receptors located in the brain and nervous system, as well as the lungs, liver, and kidneys, and  it has also been recognized in the spleen macrophages and other cells of the immune system. Several studies have shown that CBD plays a vital role in suppressing cytokine and chemokine production, while increasing T-regulatory cell production, helping to keep  our body’s anti-inflammatory mechanism in check.

     Referencing a study performed at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem led by Dr. Raphael Mechoulam, who is known for discovering CBD, Mark J Rosenfeld, ISA Scientific Chief Executive Officer.  suggests that, since inflammation influences insulin resistance by inhibiting insulin signal transduction, CBD may actually suppress, reverse, and perhaps cure type 2 diabetes, , Chronic inflammation has long been established as a cause of insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes. Diabetes.co.uk reports the immune system, cell growth, sugar metabolism, and heart function all benefit from CBD’s anti-inflammatory properties. (3) When less insulin is present, less fat is stored, and  when less fat is stored, your body is able to construct healthier, stronger muscles. Your mood is also better regulated when your blood sugar is consistent. When blood sugar is regulated at a consistent level, mood and mind clarity is increased.

     CBD has also been linked to increased stamina. Recent research revealed that the ECS is actually responsible for what we all know as “runner’s high.” It’s the rush of anandamide that causes this euphoric, pain-free, and calming rush. Anandamide is a natural endocannabinoid compound regulated by CBD through the Endocannabinoid System. (4)

     The levels of  Cortisol, a steroid hormone, also decrease while using CBD. In high intensity workouts, cortisol secretion increases significantly and can cause high blood pressure, lower bone density, and destroy muscle tissue. A preliminary study published in September 2018 by the Brazilian Journal of Medical and Biological Research shows CBD works directly with the ECS to interfere with cortisol secretion. This suggests that CBD can slow the breakdown of muscle mass, suggesting it may help athletes to build healthier, stronger muscles over time. (5)

     Amidst its many other health benefits, CBD is one of the most powerful antioxidants, more powerful than vitamins A, C, or D. Antioxidants prevent and repair damaged cells, including damage that can accelerate aging. The ECS is responsible for regulating sleep and mood which can be directly related to increased irritability and stress. Almost 25% of people have difficulty reaching REM sleep. CBD assists in achieving regular deep REM sleep which is necessary for muscle recovery and balance of protein synthesis for building muscle along with the forming of new memories, stimulation of the central nervous system, and restoring the brain’s chemistry to a normal balance.

     There are a variety of different  ways to use and administer CBD. Depending on how you administer it and the dosage, your results will differ. Two of the most beneficial ways to use CBD in your workout regime are topically and internally. With topical use, you simply rub a CBD-containing product directly onto the area of the body you wish to treat, such as a sore muscle, sprain, or aching joint. CBD is absorbed through the skin and directly into the tissues, relaxing inflamed muscles, tissues and joints. When taken internally consistently, CBD balances and restores homeostasis throughout the entire body. This results in the reduction of inflammation, balancing mood and sleep patterns, calming pain, and protecting and repairing cells from damage.

     CBDAlign has created a product line that aligns perfectly with even the most intense of workout regimes. Our 2,000 mg, CBD WOWZER, Anti-Inflammatory and Pain Stick can be taken anywhere and everywhere! Including your gym bag, backpack or car. This mess-free application stick allows you to apply the CBD directly to affected areas. The high milligram CBD balm acts quickly and effectively to reduce pain (often within 5-10 minutes). We can ensure that there are zero harmful chemicals in any of our products, as they are third-party tested. Our high potency Medicinal and Supplemental oils are for internal daily use and are taken under the tongue for a period of 30 to 60 seconds for maximum absorption and bioavailability. Taken on a daily basis, users report better, deeper and more sound recovery type sleep, more balanced mood, increased feelings of well being, appetite regulation, quicker recovery times after workouts, reduction in anxiety and  stress, and much, much more. Let our Master Herbalist guide you through proper dosing for your specific needs. Our CBDAlign Restorative Bath Balms include epsom salts and 50 mg high-potency, full-spectrum CBD for a complete healing and relaxing soak after your workouts or stressful days. As mentioned above, all CBDAlign’s products are third party tested, so you know exactly what you are putting on and into your body. Check out our complete line of CBD products at www.cbhempalign.com.

CBD for exercise-induced inflammation is absolutely the next big area we need to explore. ~ Thorsten Rudroff – Exercise Scientist/Director of Integrative Neurophysiology Laboratory at Colorado State University & the Frontiers in Neurology study co-author.

Author Bio:  Candice Marley, MH, HHP, NC, is Co-Founder of CBDAlign along with Ashley McWhirter, PTA, MSOT, and Co-Founder of CBDAlign. Candice is a Master Herbalist, Holistic Health Practitioner and Published Author.  Born and raised in Denver, Colorado, where cannabis and hemp are used both therapeutically and recreationally. Once legalization occurred in January 2014, Denver became known as The Gold Standard in Cannabis Usage and Research.

Always fascinated with how herbs can help the body balance and heal, Candice became her own test subject after a difficult and high-risk pregnancy left her in significant and debilitating pain. Unable to walk or function normally on many days due to chronic and inflammatory pain, and with two small children to care for on her own, Candice turned to CBD after doctors recommended oxycodone or open-back spinal surgery, neither being a viable choice for her. The effects and benefits of CBD were both immediate in her case.​

 After researching and testing, Candice was able to create her own product that was 100% pure and organic, no additives, less than 0.3% THC, cost efficient, and highly effective.  Thus began her mission to create a product for the public that was both beneficial and cost effective, giving birth to CBDAlign, LLC!

Ashley McWhirter, PTA, MSOT, Co-Founder of CBDAlign. Ashley McWhirter has both an Associates degree as a Physical Therapist Assistant and a Master of Science degree in Occupational Therapy.  Graduating with her Master of Science in Occupational Therapy from Belmont University in Nashville, Tennessee.

References:

1. Can CBD Products Improve Your Fitness Results?, US News & World Report, May 2018
2. National Institutes of Health, www.pubmed.gov
3. CBD compound in cannabis could treat diabetes, researchers suggest, Diabetes.co.uk
4. Phys Ed: What Really Causes Runner’s High?, New York Times, February, 2011
5. Effect of cannabidiol on plasma prolactin, growth hormone and cortisol in human volunteers.https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/8257923