This may be the first time you've heard of CBD oil, and I'm sure you're going to miss it. There are many athletes who opt for natural alternatives to medications to reduce anxiety, sleep better or recover from a workout. Yes, we are talking about the cannabis extract, which many claim has health benefits, without the drawbacks of marijuana.
It seems that in recent years there is a boom in the consumption of this oil, which is why more and more athletes are considering using CBD oil in their routine.
What is CBD?
CBD is an abbreviation for cannabidiol, one of more than 100 cannabinoids found in cannabis. They say that CBD products have numerous benefits because they boost the body's endocannabinoid system (a system that controls the function of a variety of systems throughout the body, including the cardiovascular system).
The endocannabinoids they are familiar to runners and cyclists because of the role they play in the mood boosts generated by running. It is thought that this euphoric phenomenon is due to the activation of the same receptors in the brain that the tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) in marijuana acts on. CBD is non-psychoactive, so it does not produce a euphoric high.
Is it legal to consume CBD?
Almost all of the CBD products that we find on the market are made from industrial hemp, a cannabis plant that, by definition, does not contain more than 3% THC. Hemp-based CBD products are as legal as most commercial nutritional supplements.
In the world of athletics, hemp-derived CBD was removed from the World Anti-Doping Agency's list of prohibited substances earlier this year. In fact, the legalization of hemp should further separate CBD from its cultural association with marijuana. So yeah, it's legal.
How is CBD taken?
CBD products can be found in numerous varieties, including extracts, gel capsules, and skin applications. The Floyd's of Leadville brand has protein powders and a carbohydrate drink that contains CBD. PurePower Botanicals offers capsules that combine CBD with herbs and other natural medicines, such as turmeric.
What is CBD supposed to bring?
Proponents of this extract say that it helps with a wide variety of conditions, such as anxiety, insomnia, inflammation or nausea. The endocannabinoid system is present in all the organs of the body and is responsible for controlling many physiological processes, such as food intake, energy balance, learning, memory or pain processing. It can be affected from pain, appetite, emotion, metabolism, muscle inflammation or the immune system.
For now there is not much scientific evidence on the benefits of CBD. Last year, the FDA (US Food and Drug Administration) approved the first medication with CBD (Epidiolex) to treat seizures associated with epilepsy. Of course, the FDA does not allow CBD products to be dietary supplements. In no case can manufacturers claim that their products will treat or cure any disease. Although we do often see phrases "restores vitality", "relaxes and recovers" and "can keep you healthier".
How should we take CBD?
As we said before, CBD is usually consumed as an extract, gel, skin cream or powder for smoothies. The difficult thing about consuming this product is that the effective doses can be very different between two people. There is no one way to determine the amount that is right for you, but if you are sensitive to medications, start with the minimum of typical doses. That is, a daily dose of 5 to 15 milligrams.
Be careful not to exceed your consumption. No significant adverse reactions have yet been reported, but there is a threshold at which the products are no longer effective, and may even be less effective. Some people feel too groggy if they take CBD in the morning and at night. So it is best not to exceed the indicated consumption. Experts recommend starting with CBD before going to sleep. Also, if you consume them in capsules, you will be able to know the exact amount you are taking.