Athletes, much like anybody else, suffer from mental health challenges, some of which can be debilitating. Yet, despite anxiety overwhelming them, athletes are pushed into the front line to prove their worth, especially if they are paid thousands of dollars.
Athletes are taught to channel their fear, anxiety, tension, and stress into their game. Still, when this isn't enough to help them get rid of the debilitating jitters, they need something practical, legal, and one that doesn't cause damage to their physical abilities. For this reason, many athletes are turning to CBD to help them with their pregame anxiety.
What is CBD?
CBD comes from the Cannabis Sativa plant species, specifically the hemp plant. The cannabis plant has over 100 cannabinoids in its stems and leaves, most of which have euphoric effects. What distinguishes cannabidiol from other cannabinoids like THC is its non-intoxicating psychoactive properties. Hemp-derived CBD with less than 0.2 percent THC cannot make you high or cause increased paranoia. CBD users are not at risk of overdosing either.
Its lack of intoxicating psychoactive properties is one of the main reasons CBD is legal in many countries. Its non-existent euphoric effects are also why the Anti-doping Agency has banned athletes from using all cannabinoids except hemp-derived CBD with less than 0.2 percent THC. This is good news for athletes suffering from anxiety who wish to take a potent anecdote to help them perform without doing anything illegal.
CBD works through the endocannabinoid system (ECS). The latter is a molecular system that implements changes in the body through the receptors. The primary role of the ECS is to keep the body in a constant state of homeostasis by balancing critical components in the body such as temperature, appetite, pain, mood, sleep, and so on. Our body houses its own set of cannabinoids which interact with the receptors to implement change. CBD works by interacting with the same receptors and signals to trigger change.
The range of CBD products for athletes is vast, and the choice depends on how fast they wish the natural compound to work. When ingested, gummies take around an hour to work as they must pass through the digestive system, but their effects can last up to 12 hours. In contrast, CBD oil is ingested sublingually by taking a few drops under the tongue, and it is absorbed directly into the bloodstream. As a result, the effects are felt more quickly—around 15 minutes post-ingestion, but the effects are short-lived.
The significant ways CBD can help athletes manage anxiety
Athletes can trigger their anxiety in several ways. A game away from home is enough to make them spiral. An injury or a moment of failure can also make them fear for what's to come. The good news is that preliminary studies show that CBD does have antidepressant-like qualities. This natural compound can interact with the neurotransmitter known as serotonin. The latter is critical in keeping the risk of anxiety low. Researchers have yet to understand how CBD triggers serotonin and whether the natural compound can trigger the production of this neurotransmitter or encourage the body to make better use of the serotonin already present.
CBD can affect the gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) found in the brain. GABA is the principal inhibitory neurotransmitter. Its primary function is to diminish neuronal excitability in the nervous system. CBD's role here is to manage GABA levels so that athletes can react to the challenging situation more calmly.
Other studies show CBD's ability to balance critical hormones in the body, such as cortisol. The latter is the hormone that puts the body in fight-or-flight mode. Cortisol is essential during an emergency, but it is overproduced when we are chronically stressed, leaving us feeling chronically tired and unfocused. CBD can manage the overproduction of this hormone and minimize stress during game day.
CBD's benefits beyond mental health
Besides managing mental health challenges, CBD is also excellent at minimizing inflammation in the body and delivering pain relief. This natural compound can aid athletes who experience somnolence by boosting energy and sharpening focus. Excessive sleepiness is caused by many factors, including insomnia leading up to the game due to nerves.
The one thing to keep in mind when taking CBD is that trial runs are best. As an athlete, you must take this natural compound a few times before a game to understand how your body reacts to it. Some people experience nausea when taking this compound, while others notice dryness in the mouth or diarrhea.
