CBD has been shown to have anti-oxidative, anti-inflammatory, analgesic and anxiolytic properties, which are all useful for athletes during and after training and competition. However, research in this area is limited and more scientific evidence in specific sport-related populations is required.
Athletes need to be able to perform at the top of their game, which means that they must be in peak physical condition. This is not only due to rigorous training but also to the demands of competing at the highest level, both physically and cognitively. This requires that all systems are working optimally, including the endocannabinoid system. CBD has been shown to interact with the endocannabinoid receptors and modulate important physiological processes such as sleep, anxiety, pain and appetite. These effects are beneficial for athletes and can help to improve performance.
Anxiety is a common problem for professional sportspeople, especially during important matches or events. This can lead to them being over-aroused, not eating and losing sleep. CBD has been shown to reduce anxiety and improve sleep which can then help with recovery. It is also thought that CBD can improve the performance of athletes by helping them concentrate, making them less nervous and more focused. This could be a useful tool for coaches and trainers who can suggest the use of visualisation techniques, rehearsals or extra practice for athletes to help with their mental preparation.
CBD is a non-psychotropic cannabinoid that was removed from the World Anti-Doping Agency’s prohibited list in 2018. However, it’s important for athletes to be aware of the fact that hemp-derived CBD products may still contain THC, which is currently prohibited in and out of competition, so they need to ensure that they purchase CBD that has been specifically tested and verified as having 0% THC.
There are a wide range of CBD products available, such as capsules, sprays, gummies and edibles. Athletes need to think carefully about what they’re taking and how often, as the effectiveness of CBD can vary greatly. It’s also important to remember that any CBD product that is used will leave traces in the athlete’s body, so it’s vital that all athletes have a clear supplement policy and understand how long their supplements will stay in their systems.
Until recently, it’s been difficult for professional athletes to access CBD because of concerns about how safe and effective it really is. Most major athletic associations have strict rules about what they allow their players to take and regular drug tests. Fortunately, NSF International (which has an 80-year history of setting health and sanitation standards) has taken on the challenge of developing a certification program for dietary supplements that guarantees that the contents of a product match their label claims – and no banned substances are included. NSF’s Certified for Sport designation has been awarded to the Puresport CBD range, meaning that our products can be used by professional athletes and those who are drug-tested without fear of breaking any rules.cbd sport
