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If you’ve ever worked out, you know how fun the next day’s muscle soreness can be. Stretching it out can always help, but is there another way to get your body ready for the next round of action? Say hello to CBD. There natural alternative is becoming more popular among athletes for many reasons, one being increased recovery. CBD, though in early stages of study, is thought to have high anti-inflammatory properties, one of many major appeals to athletes.
What is CBD?
CBD, also known as cannabidiol, one of many naturally derived compounds found in cannabis and hemp plants. There are over 120 active compounds present in hemp and cannabis plants. CBD, along with other cannabinoids have been thought to help with an abundance of health and wellness related issues, from acting as a sleep aid, to stress reduction and pain management. CBD is the often-lesser-known cousin of THC, most commonly associated with marijuana. However, CBD is vastly different than THC and offers different therapeutic properties that can benefit athletes without causing issues in the direction of drug testing or an altered mindset known as the “high” that comes from THC. Finding the right CBD product, broad-spectrum and THC-free, is the key to reaping the benefits of CBD as an athlete.
How Does CBD Work?
CBD interacts directly with the human body’s endocannabinoid system, or the ECS. This bodily system is known for controlling and contributing to things like appetite, mood, pain management and inflammation. By interacting with the receptors within the ESC, specifically the CB1 and CB2 receptors, cannabidiol is able to impact the body and brain’s response to a number of things. This interaction has proven beneficial for people from all walks of life, including athletes.
Cannabidiol’s direct interaction with the endocannabinoid system is a major factor in CBD’s ability to aid in muscle recovery and strains. By attaching to the CB1 and CB2 receptors in the ECS, CBD could positively impact the management of pain and inflammation following a workout. Though research is still new and emerging, there is anecdotal evidence and a growing number of athletes that vouch for CBD as a natural recovery tool. CBD can be useful for limiting pain by blocking the stimulation of the receptors responsible for transmitting these messages. One of the most popular choices CBD product choices for athletes is a topical that can be applied directly to a problem area or injury.
CBD Topicals for Athletes
Utilizing a CBD topical can have multiple benefits for athletes. Using a topical prior to workout or training session could help keep pain at bay while you are in action. Similarly, using a CBD topical following a workout could help sore areas in recover faster. CBD topicals are great for sore muscles because of their anti-inflammatory properties, as well as their ability to impact pain levels.
A topical can range from a balm to a cream to a lotion or ointment. For most athletes, anything that requires a bit of rubbing or massing in is an ideal choice. By rubbing a CBD topical directly into a problem area, you may be able to find relief.
Real Tested CBD Top 3 CBD Topicals
First on our list is Elixinol CBD Sports Gel with the number one spot in our Best CBD Topicals category. This CBD topical tested above label claims and has an impressive 1300mg of CBD as well as a few of the rare cannabinoids we like to see. This CBD sports gel tested completely free of THC, making it an ideal choice for athletes or anyone with drug testing concerns.
Reefined CBD Full-Spectrum CBD Muscle Gel Roll-On – 1800mg
Now we bring you Reefined CBD’s Full-Spectrum CBD Muscle Gel Roll-On topical. This CBD topical ranks second in our Best CBD Topicals category. With an easy roll-on application method, this CBD topical is great for anyone seeking some targeted relief. This CBD topical tested well above the label claim for CBD with 2100mg of CBD and contains plenty of rare cannabinoids including 61mg of THC, 98mg of CBC and 49mg of CBG.
Receptra Naturals Serious Relief Targeted Topical CBD Stick
Third on our short list for CBD topicals for athletes is Receptra Naturals Serious Relief Targeted Topical CBD Stick. This CBD topical comes in an easily applied stick form and is packed with rare cannabinoids. Testing above the label claim for CBD with 700mg, this is a great CBD topical that passed all solvent and pesticide tests. If you are an athlete or someone seeking pain on the go, this could be a great choice for you. This CBD topicals ranks third in our Best CBD Topicals category.
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