By Jennifer Simons, Certified Massage Therapist, Reiki Master, and Holistic Health Coach
What if I told you incorporating CBD into your athletic recovery plan for the New Year needs to be at the top of your Resolutions List?
CBD, the non-addictive, non-psychoactive gift from the cannabis plant doesn’t impair your mental cognition or get you high. In fact, it can improve your ability to focus and increase muscle recovery from over exertion or injury.
January 1st is the start of plans to be a new you. We all know getting in shape tops the list of resolutions. Meeting your goals requires a cocktail of adequate sleep (6-8 hours of sound shuteye), hydration, nutrition, consistency and recovery. After an intense workout, your muscles go through a recovery period and need nutrients to help them repair themselves. Recovery is the secret when it comes to reaching your goal.You can recover from a workout with the usual suspects like supplements, foam rolling, stretching and rest … and yes, CBD!
Incorporate CBD into your recovery plan and fitness goals …
I. CBD Reduces Inflammation
Strenuous physical activity causes stress responses in the body, one of which is inflammation. Marc Feldman at Imperial College, London discovered in a lab setting that in the right doses CBD was found to reduce inflammation by a whopping 50 percent.
2. CBD Reduces Pain
CBD has made its name as an analgesic (pain reducer) powerhouse. It helps alleviate one of the most common byproducts of intense training and injuries – pain. Taken internally and/or topically pre and post-workout can deliver drastic reduction in pain. More and more athletes suffering from traumatic injuries or chronic pain are using cannabis-infused lotions and oils for treating muscle and joint pain. For athletes who turn to massage therapists for help, good news! CBD-infused massages are therapeutic for your therapist too.
3. CBD Improves Sleep
Sleep quality has a direct effect on your heart rate and energy level. According to Michael J. Breus, PhD (aka The Sleep Doctor), CBD has the ability to reduce stress and anxiety, which help improve sleep quality. Larger doses of CBD, Breus also suggests it can help improve insomnia. In smaller doses, CBD stimulates alertness and reduces daytime drowsiness, which puts more pep in your step.
4. CBD Speeds Up Weight Loss
Unlike THC and the “munchies;’ CBD doesn’t stimulate the appetite. In fact, it’s a natural appetite suppressor and may help those who want to lose weight. Even better – it stimulates fat metabolism, regulates blood sugar increases and calorie bum rate. I’d definitely suggest people who are prone to, or have Diabetes to consult a CBD expert about their recovery regimen.
Are You Ready?
The best part about using CBD, other than how it helps with your training recovery, is that it helps reduce stress, decrease inflammation, pain and anxiety all of which help your overall health and well-being. Are you ready to give your body what it naturally produces? Get your secret sauce here!