The stereotype of the lazy stoner sitting on the couch all day smoking pot is an image that has long been stamped in our mind. But like many things in the world lately, this stereotype is changing, and surprisingly, more people are now using cannabis to optimize their fitness journey.

When you think about it, it feels like a contradiction. Why would someone who is trying to get healthy consume something like cannabis for fitness? However, when you learn about the incredible benefits of cannabis and how it is changing the lives of many people for the better, linking cannabis to fitness starts to make sense.

What is Cannabis?

Cannabis sativa is a plant where natural compounds, primarily cannabinol (CBD) and delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), is derived. A high percentage of THC is generally found in marijuana, and it is the cause of the psychoactive effects people experience when they smoke it. On the other hand, CBD products with less than 0.3 percent of THC do not have psychoactive effects, so you won’t get high.

As a result, CBD has been making a name for itself as the safe, natural compound that benefits people with various health issues ranging from mental health to chronic disorders. While the research is limited, doctors have observed positive evidence of CBD potentially aiding people with infertility issues, diabetes, heart disease, anxiety, depression, insomnia, Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, and more. Moreover, the FDA has approved the only CBD oral solution administered to children as young as two years of age and older who have a severe form of epilepsy.

Researchers have yet to understand how CBD works in the body, but we know so far that it works on the endocannabinoid system (ECS). The latter is a vital system in human beings and animals with a spine that manages crucial functions such as body temperature, fertility, appetite, mood, and sleep. The ECS continually strives for balance in the body — known as homeostasis, and it does so with the help of receptors running through the mind and the body.

From the research conducted, researchers have learned that CBD interacts with the receptors by signaling to them. In doing so, it implements change. CBD comes in many forms, from CBD oils to cannabis edibles, creams, e-liquids, and more. It has never been so easy to consume this natural compound.

How cannabis can help

Now that you know more about CBD, here are five incredible ways this natural compound can help improve your fitness journey.

CBD encourages alertness

Sluggishness, sleep deprivation, and sore muscles can cause tiredness and a less than ideal workout. Moreover, a lack of focus can lead to injury and a roadblock in your fitness journey. CBD can help you feel more energetic to crush your fitness goals.

It does so by reducing the amount of cortisol our body produces. When we are not feeling our best, stress can quickly take over, and as a result, our body releases more cortisol in our body, which is the hormone that helps us designate between the “fight or flight” mode.

When the body is continually releasing cortisol, other vital bodily functions are ignored, and this can lead to a weak immune system and a lack of focus. With CBD, the cortisol levels can be controlled. As a result, you can stay focused on your goal.

CBD reduces inflammation

Inflammation is a common thing when you are continually pushing your body through exercise. While rest and workout rotations are essential to minimize the risk of injury, CBD can reduce inflammation to heal faster.

Researchers conducted two separate studies to determine whether CBD lowers inflammation.  In one study, doctors administered a dose of CBD to rats that had arthritis, and in another study, CBD was given to rats suffering from multiple sclerosis. In both studies, researchers observed that inflammation in the joints eased thanks to CBD, which meant less pain for the rats.

CBD promotes better sleep

Sleep is critical for every human being but even more so for highly active people. Sleep deprivation can lead to lower glycogen production and carbohydrates, which are typically stored for energy when a person is working out. Muscle recovery slows down when we are tired, and we are less focused.

CBD can help promote better sleep thanks to its double effect. In low doses, CBD promotes alertness, while in high doses, CBD cuts down the time it takes to fall asleep. Moreover, since CBD does not have psychoactive effects, there is no risk of experiencing paranoia or anxiety of taking a psychoactive drug. Instead, it eliminates these worries for you to sleep more soundly.

CBD eliminates your anxiousness

It can be hard to focus when anxiety is overwhelming. While exercise is excellent to fight anxiety and depression, CBD can help too, by encouraging the ECS’s receptors to release more of the happy chemicals in the body.

Studies have shown that CBD may encourage the release of serotonin and dopamine in the body. These are essential chemicals that produce those feelings of well-being and happiness.

CBD for digestive health

An intense workout can lead to a lack of minerals and a drop in our sugar levels, leaving us depleted and nauseous. The best way to help the body is by consuming the right macronutrients, including a fair amount of fiber and protein.

However, for some people, an intense workout can leave them feeling so nauseous that eating becomes a challenge. CBD can help by stimulating our appetite. In doing so, you will meet your nutrition goals and free yourself from that queasy feeling.

There you have it; five reasons why CBD can help optimize your fitness journey. So, will you be giving this natural compound a try?

Maintaining a fit body and chiseled muscles is
a much-sought after way to well-being. Physical training is one of the
effective lifestyle choices that immensely enhances strength, endurance and
confidence. However, a strict fitness routine takes a lot of motivation and
physical stamina. Therefore, to keep things going smoothly, fitness freaks rely
on dietary supplements and energy-boosting substances.

When it comes to energy-supplements for
bodybuilding, what is commonly used is high concentrations of processed
nutrients with added elements that are not suitable for every gym-goer out
there. Since many of these synthetic supplements are not whole nutrients and
are specifically made for body growth, they may have side-effects. In this
context, many fitness enthusiasts search for viable natural supplements. CBD is
one such substance that can fulfill most of the dietary needs of bodybuilders.

What is
CBD?

CBD, or cannabidiol, is a compound of the Cannabis Sativa species. The Hemp strain of this species is the primary source of CBD. Despite being a part of the cannabis family, Hemp-derived cannabidiol contains THC content of below 0.3%. While THC is responsible for the ‘high’ effect, CBD is non-psychoactive. CBD holds some great therapeutic properties that can address issues such as chronic pain, anxiety, indigestion, etc. Therefore, a regular intake of CBD tinctures and oils may support your fitness goals.

Here are Five Health Benefits of CBD that can
Boost Your Fitness and Bodybuilding

1.   CBD
can Assist in Managing Pain and Inflammation

For a bodybuilder, pain, aches, and swelling
are common occurrences. Straining your body for that extra set of push-ups,
lifting heavy weights daily, or pushing reasonably beyond your comfort level
should be no reason for a fitness enthusiast to suffer pain and inflammation.
Once you are really absorbed in pain, it can hinder your workout routine and
disrupt all your fitness goals. 

CBD can regulate the sensation of pain and inflammation by engaging with the cannabinoid receptors in the endocannabinoid system. CBD can treat both nociceptive and neuropathic pain. Another advantage of using CBD for pain is that you can take advantage of its benefits through a variety of sources such as cbd gummies, drinks, dishes, oils, and protein bars.

2.   CBD
can Improve Nutrition

The supply of essential nutrients is vital for
fitness enthusiasts to keep them going through their workout sessions. Lack of
essential dietary supplements like carbohydrates, proteins and fats will
throttle muscle growth and can actually weaken the participants.

Hemp-derived CBD oil Canada contains essential nutrients such as protein, fiber, calcium, B complex vitamins, iron, fatty acids, etc. Besides providing nutrition, CBD may also help you in controlling your appetite and metabolism. By shutting off certain receptors in your body, CBD can help you avoid the urge to overeat. Therefore, CBD helps maintain lean body weight as well.

3.   CBD
may Help You Get Proper Sleep

Muscle strains, aches and energy drainage are
frequent events for bodybuilders. No matter if it is a severe blow to joints or
numbing pain in your back, adequate rest is required to recover from such
injuries. Moreover, proper sleep will aid in muscle growth and help you
concentrate on diet and fitness routine.

According to studies, CBD may improve your sleep duration as well as sleep quality by releasing a relaxing effect in the central nervous system. Besides aiding muscle growth and recovery, a good sleeping habit improves hormonal balance, reduces stress and increases overall immunity, all of which are crucial to maintaining your fitness.

4.   CBD
may Reduce Anxiety and Mood-Related Disturbances

For an athlete or bodybuilder, a robust
nervous system is extremely crucial to perform well. A person with an anxious
mind can never fully focus on physical training. Mood swings, agitation and
anxiety disorders are serious obstacles in the path of getting a muscular
physique. Moreover, anxiety issues can actually halt natural growth and make
you feeble and unattractive.

CBD can reduce the stress by interacting with the Adenosine and Serotonin receptors in your endocannabinoid system. Since these receptors play an important role in maintaining good mental health, CBD, by regulating serotonin levels, may help to keep serious anxiety-related disorders like depression at bay. 

5.   CBD
can Improve Your Energy

Getting low on energy is a serious impediment for fitness lovers as it restricts their fitness activities. You can feel low on energy due to several reasons like insufficient diet, lack of sleep, exhaustion and lethargy. Lack of energy can also be caused by underlying medical issues that may need expert supervision. You can get lab tested CBD gummies online at cheap rates which  may helpyou revive that lost energy quickly, post workout.

The human endocannabinoid system has its own cannabinoids that maintain the natural balance or homeostasis in your body. This process is vital to continue the essential biological processes and keep the energy balance intact. CBD interacts with the cannabinoid receptors and assists the natural cannabinoids by binding with the receptors, resulting in better energy balance, improved immunity and lesser ailments.

Final
Words

Exhaustion, pain and discomfort are inevitable
in your journey to a fit body. CBD can take care of such troubles so that you
can focus on your fitness goals without worries. CBD not only helps with
specific issues related to fitness and bodybuilding, but it also improves your
overall immunity and mental setup so that you get fitter, both mentally and
physically.

If you are new to CBD, be careful with the dosage. Among various CBD profiles, CBD oil and pills work faster than others. A beginner can start with a modest dose of around 10 mg/ day. Make sure you go through the ingredients label of the product and check the required accreditation’s.

Reference articles:

marijuanadoctors.com/blog/cbd-muscle-building

havingtime.com/4-research-backed-health-benefits-of-cbd