Ever since the World Anti-Doping Agency removed CBD oil from the list of prohibited substances in 2018, many athletes began to wonder about the potential advantages of taking the now-legal substance.
Already, cannabidiol has received endorsements from professional athletes such as MMA fighter Nate Diaz and NFL player Derrick Morgan.
To learn more about the potential benefits of CBD for athletes, continue reading.
Alleviate Pain
It’s no secret that sports can take a physical toll on the body. Between daily strenuous workouts and intense competitions, it’s rare for an athlete to finish their career without at least one injury.
Whether you’re dealing with a slight muscle sprain or a persistent injury, CBD oil can help alleviate some of the pain without the need for pain medications that may include harmful side effects.
Decrease Inflammation
To help decrease inflammation caused by injuries or intense workouts, many athletes take nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as Advil or Tylenol.
These drugs are typically safe for occasional use, but they can have serious side effects when taken frequently or over a long period of time. These side effects may include stomach pain, trouble breathing, heartburn, vomiting, renal damage, and constipation.
Prolonged use of CBD oil, however, only has mild side effects such as drowsiness or dry mouth. As such, taking CBD oil is a safer alternative to NSAIDs for treating inflammation.
Reduce Stress
Between the pressure of competitions and the strain of daily workouts, sports can place a large amount of stress on athletes’ bodies and mental state. Some pre-competition nerves are normal and even beneficial, but too much can hinder performance.
The calming effects associated with CBD oil may be beneficial for athletes with particularly incessant pre-competition jitters.
Shorten Recovery Time
When they’re suffering from sports injuries, most athletes want to get off the sidelines as soon as possible. Taking CBD oil may help them do just that.
CBD oil has a number of potential health benefits—for instance, it can help reduce oxidative damage and suppress inflammation in the body, which may help injured and overworked muscles recover faster.
CBD oil is also known for improving sleep quality, which is essential for a swift recovery.
Treat Concussion Symptoms
Concussions can be common in contact sports such as football and wrestling. CBD may help treat concussion symptoms, especially headache pain.
Taking CBD oil may also help reduce inflammation in the brain, promoting the healing of neuropathways after an injury.
