We cannot imagine a life without exercise. Exercise is phenomenal for many reasons. It is not only good for us physically, but also so good for our mental and emotional health. In this blog, we will talk about exercise, what it does for us, and how CBD can be used for enhancing workouts and post workout recovery.
When we do any form of exercise, we do several things: raise our blood pressure, increase heart rate to oxygenate the muscles, increase ATP production in order to have more fuel in our musculoskeletal system, create small tears in our muscles to create new fibers (bigger, stronger muscles). Your body needs up to 15 times more oxygen when working out and your lungs work at full capacity to increase oxygen circulation throughout the body. Your body understands that it should focus on oxygenating and supporting the skin, musculoskeletal system, brain, and cardiovascular system whereas it diminishes the function of the digestive system (which isn’t crucially necessary to improve the body’s performance during the time of working out).
In terms of the brain, exercise promotes neurogenesis (the growth of new brain cells), neuroplasticity (the growth of new neuronal connections), but one of the more common effects is mood enhancement. Have you ever noticed that after physical activity you’re in a good or better mood compared to before the activity? This is for various reasons: the brain releases endorphins (natural mood lifters), the production of inflammatory immune cells that could induce depression is prevented, and sleep patterns are improved which helps increase energy and mood.
Many studies have shown that physical activity actually increases the size of the hippocampus and its production of BDNF. The hippocampus is a part of the brain that plays a major role in learning and memory processes. As we age, the hippocampus goes through volume loss which presents itself as declining memory and learning processes. Exercise increases the volume of the hippocampus and production of BDNF. Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) is a well-known growth factor that acts as a mediator in the production of new brain cells and also maintains certain brain functions.
All in all, exercise is extraordinary, and it is medicine to the human body and mind.
So, how does CBD come into the picture? Cannabidiol (CBD) is a well-known anti-inflammatory that interacts with the endocannabinoid system to ensure that the body is in homeostasis (internal balance) meaning that there are adequate levels of inflammation and other processes. While exercise is excellent for human beings, it can also take a toll on the body if over done. Exerting the body isn’t a bad thing; it can make the body stronger and more resilient, but it is important to have proper after care to ensure that the body is optimally fueled and aided in recovery. One way of prepping the body for optimal recovery and restructuring of new muscle fibers is by consuming CBD.
Firstly, we are all familiar with that uncomfortable soreness after a workout. This is one of the many things that CBD can help with. Soreness comes from a buildup of lactic acid in the muscles. Because our bodies need large amounts of oxygen during strenuous physical activity, especially in the muscles, the body sometimes cannot keep making oxygen the usual way. This is why it turns to anaerobic oxygen production which causes pyruvate to produce lactic acid helping glucose break down and increase energy levels.
The lactic acid in the muscles causes high acidity levels and micro tears in the muscles induce inflammation, hence the soreness. In order to bring down these levels and repair the muscles, anti-inflammatory responses are needed.
CBD helps lower inflammation levels which can quicken the repair process. One study suggests that “athletes could benefit from CBD to manage pain, inflammation and the swelling processes associated with injury”. CBD is extra special because of its ability to reduce inflammation without harming the recovery process. When your muscles are swollen, the process of de-swelling through common anti-inflammatory drugs can actually harm the recovery process making your workout a bit useless.
CBD can actually create a decrease in inflammation while promoting optimal muscle repair. CBD does not only help with inflammation; it also acts as a muscle relaxant which can improve the way you feel after a workout and the days proceeding. Sometimes being so stiff from previous workouts can cause sleepless nights or uncomfortable mornings.
If you are an athlete, fitness junkie, or even if you’re just a beginner, CBD is a great place to start with performance and recovery. Because CBD can be consumed in many ways, it leaves so many options on the table. CBD ReThink has just the right CBD workout products for you: creams, roll-ons, tinctures, gummies, capsules and energy, hydration, and recovery powder.
