CBD Oil for Athletes: How it Can Help Tackle Inflammation

January 29, 2023

As an athlete, you're always looking for ways to improve your performance, recover faster, and reduce your risk of injury. One supplement that's been gaining a lot of attention in recent years is CBD oil. But what exactly is it, and how can it benefit athletes? In this post, we'll explore the science behind CBD oil and inflammation, and explain how it can help athletes stay on top of their game.

There's another part that grabbed our attention as Australian veterans; The Department for Veterans Affairs has begun funding trial research for pain management allowing veterans to participate at a fully subsidised cost. You will need a GP referral to a pain specialist to go down this path. 

First, let's talk about what CBD oil is. CBD stands for cannabidiol, which is one of the many compounds found in the cannabis plant. Unlike its more well-known cousin THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), CBD does not have psychoactive effects, which means it won't make you "high." Instead, it's believed to have a variety of therapeutic properties, including anti-inflammatory effects.

Inflammation is a normal response to injury or infection, but chronic inflammation can contribute to a host of health problems, including heart disease, diabetes, and certain cancers. Athletes are particularly susceptible to chronic inflammation, due to the wear and tear on their bodies from training and competition. This is where CBD oil comes in; it's thought to have anti-inflammatory effects that can help reduce pain, swelling, and stiffness in the muscles and joints.

One of the ways CBD may help reduce inflammation is by modulating the body's endocannabinoid system. This system is made up of receptors throughout the body that respond to naturally occurring cannabinoids, as well as those found in CBD oil. By interacting with these receptors, CBD is believed to help balance the body's immune response, reducing inflammation and promoting healing.

In a study of rats, researchers found that CBD was able to suppress inflammation and improve recovery time following muscle injury. In another study, CBD was found to reduce inflammation and improve joint mobility in rats with osteoarthritis. While more research is needed to fully understand the mechanisms behind CBD's anti-inflammatory effects, these preliminary studies are promising.

CBD oil also may help reduce pain, which is another common issue for athletes. CBD is thought to interact with receptors in the brain and spinal cord that are involved in pain perception, thereby reducing pain sensation. Several studies have found that CBD is effective in reducing chronic pain, including in people with conditions like multiple sclerosis and rheumatoid arthritis.

Another potential benefit of CBD oil for athletes is its ability to promote better sleep. Lack of sleep can lead to a host of problems, including fatigue, irritability, and decreased performance. CBD is thought to help regulate the body's circadian rhythm, promoting better sleep. Additionally, by reducing pain and inflammation, CBD may also make it easier for athletes to get a good night's sleep.

When it comes to using CBD oil, athletes need to be aware of the rules and regulations set by anti-doping agencies. As of now, CBD is not considered a banned substance by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA). However, it's important to note that other cannabinoids, such as THC, are banned. Therefore, athletes must be careful to use only CBD oil that is free of THC.

 

References:

1. De Filippis, D., Esposito, G., Cirillo, C., Cipriano, M., De Stefano, D., Piscitelli, F., Scuderi, C., & Iuvone, T. (2011). Cannabidiol reduces Aβ-induced neuroinflammation and promotes hippocampal neurogenesis through PPARγ involvement. PLoS ONE, 6(12), e28668.

2. Malfait, A. M., Gallily, R., Sumariwalla, P. F., Malik, A. S., Andreakos, E., Mechoulam, R., & Feldmann, M. (2000). The nonpsychoactive cannabis-constituent cannabidiol is an oral anti-arthritic therapeutic in murine collagen-induced arthritis. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, 97(17), 9561-9566.

3. Iffland, K., & Grotenhermen, F. (2017). An Update on Safety and Side Effects of Cannabidiol: A Review of Clinical Data and Relevant Animal Studies. Cannabis and Cannabinoid Research, 2(1), 139-154.

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