Regular athletic activity can be really good for you: It helps you build muscle mass, maintain physical stamina, control your weight, and develop self-discipline, among many other virtues.

Of course, athleticism can also have some downsides, including all the regular wear and tear on your body. Sooner or later, this wear and tear will exert a real toll, potentially leading to injury, soreness, stiffness, or other concerns.

There are plenty of ways for athletes to protect themselves from these downsides, including the use of CBD. Indeed, CBD is an increasingly popular option among athletes who want to fortify their health, wellness, and recovery using natural, holistic means.

There are several specific ways in which CBD might promote athletic performance. Here, it’s important to note that the research regarding CBD is still pretty slim, and there’s plenty of room for further study. With that said, there’s a lot of anecdotal evidence from athletes who have used CBD and found it to be effective.

Here are just a few examples.

How Athletes Can Benefit from CBD

1) Reduced pain and inflammation.

One of the main reasons why people take CBD is to help them control their inflammation. By interacting with the endocannabinoid system in ways that reduce inflammation, CBD may also be an effective way to reduce muscle and joint pain, along with stiffness and soreness. Less pain and stiffness means an abbreviated recovery, placing athletes back on the field sooner rather than later. CBD may also help athletes cope with serious injuries, reducing their need for pharmaceutical pain relievers.

2) A healthier gut.

Inflammation can happen all over the body, not only in muscles and joints but potentially in the intestines, as well. Inflammation of the gut may result in a lot of discomfort or generally poor digestion; in fact, GI-related problems are among the most common reasons why athletes drop out of big races, matches, or games. The bottom line? By promoting a healthier gut, CBD may help athletes avoid unnecessarily missing out on the chance to compete. Related: CBD is often said to reduce nausea; and it can sometimes promote a healthy appetite, enabling athletes to get the nutrients they need before a competition.

3) A better night’s sleep.

There is plenty of anecdotal evidence to suggest that CBD promotes restfulness and relaxation, potentially making it easier to fall asleep quickly and to enjoy a full night of restorative sleep. For athletes, getting sufficient sleep is critical to ensure game-time focus, energy, and stamina. As such, the sleep-boosting benefits of CBD alone may be enough to help athletes step up their game.

4) Reduced muscle spasms.

Muscle spasms are pretty common among athletes, and they can be caused by sprains, dehydration, and even nerve damage. CBD is thought to have some pretty strong antispasmodic properties, which can translate to fewer muscle spasms and to greater control over your body.

5) Improved heart health.

There is some preliminary research regarding CBD as a means to promote cardiovascular health. It seems pretty promising: The combination of anti-inflammation effects with blood pressure reduction might position CBD as a natural way for athletes to prioritize heart health.

Getting Started with CBD

CBD is gaining more and more acceptance among athletes, trainers, and coaches. If you’re interested in trying CBD to improve your recovery or to boost your performance, here’s what to know:

• It’s always advisable to buy CBD from a trusted, reputable company.
• Look for CBD oils and tinctures that are made in the US and backed by third-party testing.
• Start with a smaller dose and work your way up as needed.
• Talk to your doctor if you have any questions or concerns.
• Remember that CBD isn’t a replacement for things like proper conditioning, physical therapy, and rest.

At Asé Pure Naturals, we get excited about the numerous ways in which CBD can improve health and quality of life. We’re eager to talk with athletes about the potential uses of CBD, and to highlight some of our products. You’re welcome to browse our inventory of holistic, non-GMO, vegan options, cruelty-free CBD oils today. And if you have any questions, feel free to contact Asé Pure Naturals at your convenience.