The Cannabidiol (CBD) sector is having one of the best runs of any industry globally. The industry’s value grew to $3.5 billion in 2021, up from $2.8 billion in 2020. What’s impressive is that this growth happened amidst a pandemic that wreaked havoc in industries worldwide.
2022 looks set to be an even better year for CBD. The industry will generate sales of $1.3 billion. That makes CBD one of the fastest-growing product categories.
While CBD has numerous health benefits, an increasing number of consumers are purchasing it specifically for muscle recovery. But can CBD really help cure your sore muscles? If so, how should you use it?
These are just some of the questions you may have before you start using CBD after workouts. Keep reading to learn all you need to know about CBD for muscle recovery.
Table of Contents
First Things First: What Is CBD?
Before you dive into the pool of CBD muscle recovery products, you may want to know exactly what you’re dealing with. CBD refers to a chemical compound naturally occurring in the cannabis plant. It’s one of more than 100 other cannabinoids in the plant.
This cannabinoid is closely related to THC, with the biggest difference being that THC is psychoactive, while CBD isn’t. Simply put, THC will make you feel intoxicated, while CBD has no psychoactive properties.
Can You Legally Use CBD?
If you build muscle to participate in competitive sports, it’s natural to be extremely careful when using any product. Thankfully, CBD is legal both to purchase and use in the US. The product has already been removed from the prohibited substance list by WADA, so you don’t need to worry about losing your medals if you use CBD.
How Does CBD Help in Muscle Recovery?
Devoted users of CBD for muscle recovery will tell you that the product manages and averts joint inflammation. It prevents the aching feeling that you feel after spending time at the gym lifting.
The fast is CBD has anti-inflammatory qualities. When you use it, the compound immediately gets to work, reducing inflammation in your body, especially the muscles and joints. It’s the reason people with multiple sclerosis use CBD to enhance mobility and reduce pain.
For athletes, CBD will help decrease inflammation when taken orally and rubbed on the muscles. Of course, the product may also be applied in other ways, based on what works best for you.
Which CBD Product Is Ideal for Post-Workout Recovery?
As you’re going to find out, CBD is available in a wide variety of product types. What works for you may not necessarily work for another person. The best advice for athletes, thus, is to go for the type of CBD product they enjoy the most and find most helpful for their condition.
Currently, most CBD for post-workout recovery comes in the form of cooling or warming creams that you can apply topically to your joints, muscles, and sore spots. Another innovative CBD product you can apply topically is the White label CBD roll-on. For those who prefer ingesting CBD, there are plenty of options as well, including gummies.
Starting a CBD Regimen
One of the best things about CBD is that it’s one of the safest products for human use. Even at high doses of as much as 1,500 mg per day, your body should be able to tolerate it. Of course, you won’t need that much CBD to get the effect you need.
So, what’s the right CBD dose to use? The simple answer is that there isn’t a standard dose. However, you can start with between 5mg and 10 mg a day. Increase the dose by the same amount until you find relief.
Note that measuring CBD dosage this way isn’t perfect. But with trial and error, you should be able to find a starting point that works for you.
That said, it’s still important to discuss with your physician before you put anything into your body, including CBD. This is especially important for people with other medications. Your doctor will tell you whether your liver has enough room to metabolize the CBD without diminishing the effects of the other medication you’re taking.
Precautions When Using CBD for Muscle Recovery
There are certain precautions you need to take to ensure the best results when using CBD for your muscle recovery. For instance, if you have an injury, it’s best to see a doctor before you decide to treat yourself. Sure, CBD will help with the pain and inflammation, but it’s no proper cure for an injury.
Be especially alert if you’re dealing with a severe injury. Such injuries may need a different type of treatment for you to recover fully.
Another precaution is to take prompt action the moment you experience any CBD side effects. Sure, CBD side effects are extremely rare, but you should never ignore anything, especially if you’re taking CBD in high doses. Some reported side effects include diarrhea, drowsiness, dry mouth, and reduced appetite.
Talking to your doctor helps make sure that everything is okay.
Incorporate CBD into Your Post-Workout Recovery Regime
CBD can prove beneficial for people who work out, given its ability to aid in muscle recovery. Its anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving features can do wonders for the soreness in your joints and muscles, helping you recover faster. If your doctor says it’s okay to start using CBD, the product has the potential to make your post-workout experiences much less painful.
Did you enjoy reading this article? Keep visiting our blog for more health and fitness content.
