Can CBD Aid Muscle Recovery?
Cannabidiol (CBD) products are growing in popularity - and it's easy to see why. CBD offers a variety of potential health benefits, from restoring your inner zen and improving sleep to alleviating a range of symptoms associated with chronic conditions, such as pain relief and inflammation reduction.
New, promising research is emerging surrounding the benefits of CBD oil for pain and inflammation specifically associated with muscle recovery following exercise. But before we dive deeper into the evidence regarding CBD for recovery, let's take a look at what happens after you exercise.
Causes Of Muscle Soreness
DOMS, also known as delayed-onset muscle soreness, describes the painful and stiff feeling in our muscles that we can experience following a workout. DOMS can occur after a high-intensity exercise session, or even after trying and exercise for the very first time. Symptoms of DOMS can start to appear a day or two after you exercise, but should start to ease off after around three days.
What causes DOMS exactly? We build muscle fibre by exercising, which in turn can produce tiny microscopic tears in our muscle fibres. Our body works to rebuild muscle around these tears, helping the muscle to grow. Unfortunately, these muscle gains come with a temporary side-effect of inflammation.
The Link Between CBD + Muscle Recovery
So, is CBD good for muscle recovery? A study has revealed that CBD could help to reduce muscle discomfort experienced by people with Multiple Sclerosis. CBD can also help to support your body's endocannabinoid system which affects various functions within the body.
Muscle soreness is triggered by inflammation and swelling as the body tries to respond to the damage caused by these tiny muscle tears. Whilst it may feel uncomfortable, inflammation helps to increase blood flow and help nutrients to reach different parts of the body. Research has shown that CBD contains anti-inflammatory properties which can help the recover process of your muscles.
Top Tips For Improving Muscle Recovery
Recover By Stretching
After each exercise session, complete a short and easy stretch program. This helps reduce any immediate tightness after your training, so you can recover faster. Stretching also decreases muscle tension directly after your workout, and the muscles remain flexible. Stretching is also known to have relaxing effects on your mind and body, which supports and accelerates the recovery process.
Cold/Warm Baths
Shower for 30-40 seconds, alternating between ice cold and warm water. Repeat this procedure about 5-8 times. The ice water keeps your muscles from hurting and getting sore. The warm water, in contrast, promotes blood circulation and relaxes your tendons and muscles.
Nourishment
Try to refill your reserves quickly after your workout. Your body needs energy to recover. A good combination of carbohydrates and protein bolster the recovery process. The combination of macronutrients help you to build muscle and keep your insulin level stable.
Rest
Our bodies regenerate during the deepest stages of sleep, so proper rest is essential for physical recovery and prevention of injury. Improve the quality of your sleep and wake up feeling refreshed and restored with our top sleep tips.