CBD for recovery
While we’re still in the early stages of understanding cannabidiol (CBD) supplementation, there is a growing amount of evidence — both scientific and anecdotal — that suggests there are real benefits for CrossFitters and non-athletes alike.
For this blog entry, we’ll focus on how CBD can help our bodies recover from strenuous workouts, although there are benefits that include help with anxiety and depression, pain relief, and neuromuscular disorders. One quick disclaimer: Although some manufacturers have touted is as such, CBD is not proven as a magical panacea, including a cure for cancer. Be sure to do your own research to find out more.
How does CBD work?
CBD is found in cannabis plants, the same family which produces marijuana. And although CBD is closely related to tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), is is non-psychoactive, meaning it won’t make you high. Most CBD products are sourced from hemp, which contains only trace amounts of THC, although some CBD products are derived from marijuana plants from which the THC is mostly extracted. Be sure to read the label on the product to learn the source of the CBD and if there is any THC remaining.
CBD works through our endocannabinoid system, which helps our bodies maintain homeostasis, or balance. Certain metrics such as body temperature and hormone levels need to remain in a certain range for our bodies and minds to be healthy. If we get too far from these ranges for too long, that’s when we get sick, or even worse, die.
Basically, CBD allows our endocannabinoid system to work more efficiently, keeping our bodies important metrics in the right ranges.
Recovery
The debate around inflammation as it pertains to muscle recovery is evolving. There are benefits and drawbacks, but CBD shows promise in that it can provide the benefits of muscle inflammation without some of the negative effects.
When muscles are inflamed, there is a rush of blood to the region which helps provide oxygen and nutrients to help heal the damaged fibers. The blood also whisks away debris and byproducts of muscle contraction such as lactic acid. But this inflammation can sometimes cause collateral damage to other muscles and joints in the area that aren’t necessarily in need of repair, which prolongs the healing process.
CBD has shown the ability to stimulate stem cells in the area where muscles need to be rebuilt, and therefore, helping repair and build new muscle without affecting tissue around it.
Sleep
One of the most important pieces of recovery is sleep, and CBD has shown it can help promote both the quality and duration of sleep.
Sleep helps stem cells become new muscle fibers, allows blood to clean up cellular debris from damaged areas, and gives our liver to convert lactic acid into glucose (fuel for muscles).
Obviously, if we’re not getting enough sleep, we’re not giving our bodies a chance to repair itself.
Is CBD right for me?
Many pro and top CrosssFit athletes already regularly use CBD in their recovery programs. Research suggests that finding the right dosage is key. You can use this calculator to determine how much to use. And some users have reported feeling nausea, fatigue, and/or irritability while using CBD. One way to see if CBD is a good option for you is to start with smaller doses and increase until you reach your optimal level.