Strains, sprains, and sore muscles are par for the course if you’re an athlete. That can mean lots of over-the-counter pain meds…but it doesn’t have to. Discover why many athletes are ditching ibuprofen for CBD!
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At this point, we can all agree that being active is part of maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Maybe that means doing yoga to keep your joints limber, or maybe that means pushing yourself to finally complete that 5k marathon. Whatever you do, exercise is one of the best ways to keep your body and mind healthy. Unfortunately, that sometimes means dealing with your fair share of strains, sprains, and sore muscles.
In the past, athletes often reached for over-the-counter pain meds like Ibuprofen. For some, however, these kinds of painkillers can be more problematic than helpful. Plus, NSAIDs, like Ibuprofen, often come with their own list of unwanted side effects. That’s why many are now using CBD to combat the occasional aches and pains from exercising. If you’re interested in ditching over-the-counter painkillers, keep reading to discover why athletes are ditching ibuprofen for CBD!
Disclaimer: We want to take a moment and remind everyone that while CBD is considered a safe and mild supplement, you should always talk with your doctor before adding CBD to your regimen.
Ibuprofen Comes With Consequences
Ibuprofen is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) and is considered a non-addictive alternative to stronger painkillers like opioids. Other NSAIDs you might have heard of include aspirin and naproxen. When used properly, ibuprofen can help relieve minor aches and pains, reduce fevers, and even help with menstrual pain.
However, if you’re pregnant, have heart problems, or are worried about strokes or ulcers…ibuprofen must be used with extreme caution. Actually, you should also use caution if you’re asthmatic, have liver or kidney problems, and if you have high blood pressure. That’s because ibuprofen influences the production of a compound called prostaglandins. This compound is released in response to an injury or illness and maintains the pressure in your kidneys to effectively filter fluids and maintain blood pressure.
This might be the first time you’ve heard about this compound, but it’s secretly a superhero when it comes to maintaining several systems in your body. In fact, when prostaglandin production is altered, it can create an imbalance in fluid pressure which may lead to decreased kidney function and an increase in blood pressure. It even keeps your stomach lining healthy. That’s why those with a history of stomach ulcers or intestinal bleeding have to be so careful with NSAIDs.
So long as you don’t have any of these conditions, and use ibuprofen as directed, you should be okay. Taking too much, however, increases your risk of developing some of those previously mentioned conditions.
Why Athletes Are Ditching Ibuprofen for CBD
With all the possible side-effects we previously mentioned, it’s no wonder that more athletes are relying on CBD (cannabidiol). This particular cannabinoid is a non-psychoactive compound that works with your ECS (endocannabinoid system) to help promote balance throughout your body. While there are side-effects associated with CBD use, they’re incredibly rare and usually mild. Oftentimes, they’re managed by simply lowering your CBD strength or dose.
Plus, in addition to helping people manage everyday aches and pains from athletic activity, CBD provides several additional benefits.
CBD Helps Decrease Pain and Inflammation
To lift more weights, run longer or faster, or even just to reach that new yoga position–athletes have to push themselves. Unfortunately, this can lead to micro-tears in the muscle fiber. The goal is for the muscles to heal and become stronger. Unfortunately, this means athletes often deal with muscle pain and inflammation. Luckily, CBD is great for treating both.
When CBD molecules bind to specific receptors in the ECS they can actually interrupt the receptors in your brain that communicate pain signals. Plus, CBD interacts with your immune system to reduce inflammation. That means painful, inflamed muscles can be soothed by integrating CBD into your daily regimen.
CBD Topicals Provide Targetted Relief for Sore Muscles and Joints
CBD topicals are phenomenal for days when specific muscles or joints are causing you pain. Not only does a CBD Gel help reduce pain and inflammation, but the act of massaging the gel into your sore muscles will also help you loosen tight muscles and increase blood flow.
Simply massage a CBD gel exactly where you need it, and in twenty to thirty minutes you’ll start to feel relief. What’s even more amazing is that you can use a CBD Oil in addition to a CBD topical without additional risks. For athletes with severe pain, taking additional NSAID meds has never been a safe option. With CBD, however, combining oils and topicals is a simple, safe, and effective way to get the pain relief you need.
CBD May Help Reduce Oxidative Damage
The more you work out, the more you stress your body. This may sound strange considering so many people recommend exercise to reduce stress, but stick with us. While exercise eventually forces your body to become stronger, your body also deals with more oxidative stress as a result. That means more free radicals in your body. The more free radicals your body has, the more likely you are to develop other issues.
While you could reduce those free radicals by increasing your antioxidant intake (think LOTS of blueberries, pecans, artichokes, etc.), you could also just regularly use a CBD Oil. Several studies have shown that CBD may help to reduce oxidative damage. This means faster recovery and better performance for athletes.
Better Sleep for Faster Recover and More Energy
For athletes, quality sleep is just as important as diet and exercise. That’s because sleep is how the body heals and recovers. If an athlete isn’t getting quality sleep, they’ll recover more slowly and have less energy. Luckily, whether it’s sore muscles keeping you awake or anxiety about a big race the next day, CBD can help you relax and wind down for a good night’s rest.
First, CBD helps by reducing pain and inflammation so it’s easier to get comfortable. Second, CBD is an anxiolytic and helps to relax your mind. It increases a neurotransmitter called GABA, which helps slow racing thoughts and induce a sense of calm. So whether your sleep problems are related to pain or anxiety, CBD will help you overcome them.
Try CBD For An Athletic Edge
Don’t be afraid to take your time figuring out what CBD Strength is right for you. Everyone is different, so you may have to adjust it until it’s just right. If CBD makes you feel drowsy, take it before bed. Conversely, if CBD tends to put a pep in your step, try taking it before an intense workout. No matter what you do, check out our shop and find the CBD products that best fit your lifestyle today.
We hope this inspired our athletes to give CBD a try. Plus, if pain or inflammation has stopped you from living a more active lifestyle, we hope CBD will give you the motivation and relief you need to feel better and live more.