Medicinal marijuana is called that for a reason. Numerous scientific studies have pointed out the many health benefits that cannabidiol (CBD) has to offer; either mediating or eliminating various ailments such as seizures, depression, anxiety, and many pains. It also has anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective benefits that extend to such conditions like Alzheimer’s disease and arthritis.
CBD is one of at least 113 other cannabinoids that naturally occurs in cannabis plants, either marijuana or hemp. What’s particularly interesting about these cannabinoids is that they have a similar molecular structure to the body’s endocannabinoids. These are endogenous neurotransmitters that naturally occur in the body and bind to cannabinoid receptors, which are located over the entire nervous system, including the brain as well as the peripheral nervous system.
The similarity between cannabinoids and endocannabinoids is what gives both CBD and THC their feel-good properties – the most significant difference between the two is that THC can induce a sense of psychoactive euphoria, while CBD doesn’t.
CBD and Regular Exercise
When we talk about CBD health benefits in the context of regular physical exercise, we need to acknowledge the anti-inflammatory effects it has on the body.
When we exercise, especially during a rigorous exercise routine, we cause microscopic damage to our muscles and tissues. It is a natural process that helps our muscles grow bigger, stronger, and fitter. Nevertheless, this damage also causes inflammation, which, if left unchecked, can result in even more muscle damage like strains and sprains, as well as poor workout results.
It is for this reason why athletes and other exercisers usually take all sorts of anti-inflammatory measures such as taking ice baths or ingesting non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen.
A 2018 review published in Frontiers in Neurology concluded that CBD is an active substance that can alleviate pain and improve mobility in patients with multiple sclerosis, precisely because it reduces inflammation. It means that CBD can also be used by athletes and people who exercise regularly.
Another reason why CBD can be a better alternative is that ibuprofen or other such anti-inflammatory drugs can cause damage to kidneys, especially if it is combined with physical exercise. In a study conducted by the Stanford University School of Medicine, it was revealed that ultra-marathoners who took ibuprofen had an 18% higher chance of suffering from kidney damage than those who didn’t.
Choosing the Right CBD Products
CBD products come in various shapes and sizes, either as edibles, sprays, tinctures, oils, drinks, and salves, among others. What’s more, there is a difference in the type of CBD used. It can either be the full spectrum or CBD isolate.
While the latter refers to CBD being used in its isolated form, full spectrum CBD takes advantage of the so-called entourage effect by using all the other cannabinoids found in hemp to increase their overall effectiveness and health benefits.
Then, there are the Nano, Full Spectrum CBD products that make use of nanotechnology to make the size of the particles much smaller. It means that these nanoparticles are 9 to 10 times more effective than their traditional counterparts, mainly because of their ten times higher absorption rate.
Conclusion
No matter what CBD products you choose, you should take into account the legal status of these products in your area. For states that have legalized recreational marijuana, all CBD products are available both in stores and over the internet. Hemp-derived CBD, however, is available in all 50 states.
