Cannabidiol’s popularity has grown and reached many industries, including the athletes’ world. To meet users’ various needs, it is offered in various forms and potencies, including CBD topicals.
These topicals are beneficial, easy-to-use products that may be helpful to athletes. They are among the commonest products on the market.
Why are more and more athletes turning to CBD topical formulations? Below is a guide with the details you should know to ensure an informed purchase decision.
The Science Behind CBD Topicals
Experts elaborate that cannabidiol works by activating the endocannabinoid system (ECS). The system regulates bodily roles such as pain, mood, sleep, and immune responses to ensure balance.
The human body has endocannabinoid receptors in different parts, including the brain, skin, and gastrointestinal system. It stimulates these receptors to enhance the system’s function in regulating various bodily functions. These topicals stimulate endocannabinoid receptors in the skin to ease discomfort.
Preliminary CBD studies show promising outcomes. The cannabinoid has analgesic (pain-reducing) and anti-inflammatory properties that assist with aches for athletes. However, most studies involve animals, and more research with human participants is needed. Besides, there is limited research specifically on CBD topicals.
Nevertheless, studies that have already been done are encouraging. Moreover, feedback from people who have used topicals and other kinds of products shows that cannabinoid has the potential to support wellness in different ways. Researchers have to put in more work, especially after hemp was legalized in 2018.
The Legality Of CBD For Professional Athletes
Athletes can use CBD to support wellness. Since cannabidiol was taken off the World Anti-Doping Agency’s (WADA) list of prohibited drugs in 2018, professional athletes have been able to experiment with the products. Injuries, training, and workouts cause pain and inflammation among athletes. Pain medications help manage the discomfort.
Nevertheless, cannabidiol products like topicals provide an alternative way to relieve pain instead of addictive pills. Besides, if you are an athlete, confirm with your coach if you can use the products just to be on the safe side. It may be legal federally and in some states, and WADA may have allowed it for athletes. However, some sports organizations might still consider it unacceptable for their players.
The Reasons for Athletes to Using Topical CBD
Topical cannabidiol may help athletes relieve various symptoms to support their performance and overall wellness. Here are the reasons why more and more athletes are using CBD topicals.
Helps Relieve Pain
Training and workouts can sometimes leave athletes with pain and soreness. It has pain-relieving properties that might help one recover and achieve performance goals. Applying a CBD topical to the affected body alleviates pain and inflammation, fostering mobility. The product is easy to use, and brands provide it in different potencies to soothe mild and severe pain.
Potentially as Effective as NSAIDs
Medical practitioners prescribe NSAIDs (Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs) for pain. These medications are among the commonest painkillers. They may have unpleasant side effects such as stomach ulcers, a higher risk of heart attacks, and high blood pressure but are quite effective for inflammation and pain. Studies show it also has pain-reducing and anti-inflammatory benefits that might help athletes manage pain.
Possible Alternative to Opioids
Opioids relieve pain, but continued use can cause addiction. The United States has a huge opioid problem, with the medications causing addiction and abuse that leads to deaths due to overdose.
Because it is not addictive and does not make users high, it may help with pain, soreness, and inflammation without causing addiction and abuse.
It is deemed safe by the World Health Organization (WHO) and carries no danger of addiction. Besides, the cannabidiol in topicals does not enter the bloodstream.
Helps Reduce Inflammation
Anecdotal studies show that cannabidiol has anti-inflammatory properties, although more research is essential. An injury or overexertion can lead to inflammation, and it may be able to relieve the discomfort. Using CBD topicals for athletes provides relief to the inflamed area to ensure comfort and foster mobility. Besides, topicals contain components like menthol that soothe the hurting joints and muscles to support recovery.
Helps to Settle the Gut
Inflammation in the gut leads to discomfort and can affect an athlete’s performance. Endocannabinoid receptors are also present in the gut. Its anti-inflammatory benefits might help with inflammation in the gut for overall well-being. However, topical CBD is not effective here. One needs to use other CBD products like oil and capsules since topicals do not enter the bloodstream.
Can Improve Sleep Quality
Sleeping can be a challenge when there is pain or inflammation. CBD has the potential to ease these symptoms and ensure comfort, helping athletes fall asleep more easily. Besides, it has calming properties that can help athletes rest better, but oils, capsules, and edibles should be used in this case.
How Effective Is Topical CBD for Athletes
Topical CBD can help athletes relieve pain, soreness, and inflammation. It has anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving properties that alleviate aches. Besides, CBD topicals provide relief to the specific painful parts of the body, enhancing its efficiency. They also come in different strengths, both low and high, to ensure athletes get the cannabidiol potency they need for their pain intensity.
According to Dmagazine, if you need an effective CBD topical for pain, settle for one that has 400mg of CBD or more per container. Such potency is strong enough to offer relief from the pain.
Ensure you purchase high-quality, effective topical CBD for athletes. Such contains safe, all-natural components and has undergone third-party testing to ensure quality and a contaminant-free composition. If you are on any prescription drugs, speak to your doctor before using cannabidiol. It interacts with some medications, affecting how they perform in your body.
Are There Any Side Effects?
Premium CBD topicals for athletes are safe and do not endanger one’s well-being. Most people tolerate cannabidiol. It is unlikely for topicals to cause side effects since it does not get into your bloodstream.
However, other CBD products like oil and edibles may cause rare effects like diarrhea, fatigue, nausea, and drowsiness. Ensure you buy high-quality topicals and check the ingredients to ensure you are not allergic to any components that may irritate your skin.
Final Thoughts
CBD topicals are allowed for athletes. They may relieve pain, inflammation, and soreness from workouts and intense training. It is safe and does not cause addiction. If you are on medication, consult your doctor before using CBD products.
The topicals are unlikely to cause side effects and can be sued with other cannabidiol products. They are also an alternative to addictive opioids and promote wellness.