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CBD has a long list of potential benefits when it comes to aiding muscle mass gain, with only a few drawbacks.
Theuse of CBD would complete a lifestyle based on bodybuilding principles (diet, training...). This popularity is based on extensive research carried out on various athletes, with promising results.
CBD is often suggested for managing common sporting problems such as muscle soreness, recovery periods, injury healing and obtaining sufficient rest. Full-spectrum extracts, with their terpenes, are considered themost effective option for muscle building.
In this article, we'll explain how CBD can help you improve your metabolic health and other aspects of bodybuilding.
Can CBD help muscle growth?
There is no direct evidence that CBD helps muscle growth.
It is even suspected of slowing muscle growth by reducing protein production. However, it does have indirect benefits that improve the likelihood of increasing muscle mass.
CBD contributes to muscle mass gain by providing essential pieces of the puzzle, such asaiding the digestive process,helping to heal injuries and reducing stress levels. All of which can promote muscle development and increase muscle mass over time.
New research showed mixed signs of CBD's positive effect on muscles, but concluded that further study would be needed to confirm their initial observations.
The study also mentions that CBD used after exercise seems to have benefits on the protein synthesis process, but it affects other tissues differently and therefore has a mixed effect.
Weight management with CBD
In one study, researchers found that people who had been regularly exposed to CBD and THC were much less likely to be overweight. So there seems to be a link between being less likely to be overweight and CBD-THC exposure.
The scientists go on to conclude that there is a good possibility of using this CBD-THC combination or one of its variants to treat weight management and overweight-related complications.
Thus, cannabidiol can be very beneficial for those seeking to control their weight while following a strict diet and exercise regime. Having a medium that helps maintain an optimal weight can help people achieve certain bodybuilding goals.
CBD modulates hunger
CBD has been shown to modulate hunger in some animals. This gives some scientists reason to believe that it may reduce the desire to eat in humans.
CBD and other cannabinoids don't seem to create the same cravings as THC. They can therefore be seen as part of the entourage effect that balances out cravings.
CBD's potential effect on hunger reduction may also contribute to healthy weight management, helping athletes maintain their desired weight without deviating from their prescribed diet.
CBD has also been shown to have positive effects on digestion. It helps reduce digestive problems by simultaneously acting on the nervous and immune systems. Researchers are hopeful of using CBD as a therapeutic agent for metabolic problems.
CBD and muscle recovery
Research with rugby players has shown various promising results for athletes using CBD for muscle recovery after intensive physical activity.
This is directly linked to bodybuilding because of the intense use of different muscle groups, often to the point of exhaustion.
The study found that around 80-90% of players showed improved muscle recovery when treated with CBD. Most players reported using CBD oil or capsules. CBD is legal and is not tested for doping.
Does CBD help heal wounds?
There's a lot of research in the field of CBD and wound healing. Various studies have been conducted to examine how CBD works to heal tendon injuries, oral wounds, skin wounds, bone fracture healing and common sports injuries.
In most cases, researchers found encouraging results and suggested the possibilities of CBD as a healing agent for various parts of the body. In some cases, CBD was applied directly to the site of injury to observe how it worked.
Testimonials from athletes suggest that CBD may help heal sports injuries.
Can CBD reduce swelling?
Various CBD studies have been conducted to investigate directly or indirectly the effects of CBD on swelling and pain in the body. Some of these studies have presented evidence reported by athletes that CBD seems to have helped reduce swelling and pain.
Other research has shown CBD to be a promising possibility for treating various types of injury and swelling. Thus, we can say that there is good evidence to suggest that CBD works to reduce swelling.
CBD to improve overall recovery
Recovery isn't just about healing injuries, which hopefully only happen once in a while. It's also about getting enough rest so the body can recover after working so hard in the gym. Good rest is very important for bodybuilding.
It also helps to stay calm and focused, to reduce stress levels. CBD has been used in numerous studies to determine how the cannabinoid can produce these effects.
Better sleep with CBD
CBD can reduce anxiety and and physical discomfort, helping people to sleep better.
What's more, it can also act as a wake-up agent when taken in the morning, increasing your alertness throughout the day. This allows your brain to be more productive throughout the day.
As a result, your body receives appropriate signals from the brain, indicating that it's time to rest. Many athletes use CBD oil to regulate circadian rhythms.
CBD for calm and relaxation
A study has found that using CBD helps to soothe people who often feel anxious and provide a sense of calm. The study observed participants for a month, and the data suggest that the overall reduction in stress was significant at the end of the period.
Researchers have also recommended CBD to promote sleep. In these restful states, stress hormone production decreases, facilitating recovery from exhausting gym sessions.
Possible counter-effects of CBD on bodybuilding
Some evidence suggests that CBD can both increase or decrease the production of the hormone testosterone in the body. As this hormone is considered an important component of muscle development, CBD can either help or hinder this process.
Other researchers have found that cannabinoids decrease the rate of protein production, which would also be a drawback for anyone involved in bodybuilding. However, it's worth mentioning that the actual effect still depends on the dosage of CBD.
Some studies also suggest that there is no correlation between CBD's effect on sleep, which remains a common self-reported improvement among many users, including athletes who participated in another study.
The best ways to use CBD for bodybuilding
CBD is legal in France, and many brands sell a variety of products, including natural CBD hemp flowers, CBD salves and painkillers. Each product has its own advantages and disadvantages.
CBD food products
These are usually easy-to-carry products like chewing gum, but can also be refined like chocolate bars, tea, coffee and honey. Their effects are slow to be felt, but are prolonged over time.
CBD tinctures/extracts
CBD oils and tinctures are the easiest products to transport and administer. They come in different concentrations and are often available in several flavors. Each CBD tincture has a dropper attached to its bottle; the dropper makes it easier to measure your CBD dose and transfer it under the tongue.
CBD Capsules / Softgels
CBD capsules and "soft gel" capsules make it easier to combine cannabidiol with other supplements and/or medications.
Cannabidiol spray
Some users appreciate theunique experience produced by the aromatic vaporization of quality hemp flowers.
Although vaping is also a popular method, it's not ideal for athletes, as smoking anything is not optimal for your health.
Sports enthusiasts looking for concentrated forms of vaporized CBD can opt for e-liquids or CBD dabs.
Topical CBD products
Topical products such as CBD creams are particularly useful for athletes. Because CBD targets cannabinoid receptors located in the skin, these products can be used directly on a specific area of the body.
Conclusion: Do CBD oil and bodybuilding go hand in hand?
Of course. Although there are no direct studies on the use of CBD for muscle growth and other aspects associated with bodybuilding, CBD is not limited to muscle stimulation.
CBD has a wide variety of applications in sports and athletics, and bodybuilding is no different.
Numerous studies have already concluded promising results in the use of CBD to aid recovery, weight management, muscle relaxation, digestion, sleep and healing. All of these effects directly aid bodybuilding by enabling the body to cope with grueling exercise regimes and recover better.
Cannabidiol is legal and not part of any drug test, making it suitable for professional athletes in competition.
CBD has already been widely accepted by the sporting community. Numerous studies have used testimonials from athletes on the many potential benefits of CBD, helping athletes heal better and faster, and helping to reduce their stress levels by promoting a sense of happiness and well-being.
All these factors make CBD an interesting option to add to a bodybuilder's daily routine.
Depending on desired outcomes, athletes reported using CBD (in various forms) before and after workouts, at night to promote sleep, during the day to promote calm and focus, and in stressful situations to stay calm and focused.