CBD for an Active Lifestyle

To watch the full interview with Dr. Frank, click here.

By Dr. Frank Michalski

If you have been watching the news or following the CBD oil industry, you may have noticed CBD is creating some waves in the world of athletics. CBD has even been featured in major magazines like Outside Magazine and Runner's world.

Just recently, Superbowl winning tight end Rob Gronkowski gave his endorsement for CBD. Rob gave a compelling testimonial stating, "physically, I could not play right now, mentally and emotionally. I am not there mentally or emotionally to suit up again." Rob stated that CBD has allowed him to be pain-free for the first time in years. Rob is now advocating for the NFL to reassess its stance on the use of CBD.

CBD BioCare was just endorsed by the Bryan Brothers, the tennis doubles professionals who hold more worldwide titles than any other team.

"CBD BioCare has amazing products that have helped me get back on the court after an intensive surgery. It also helps both of us with everyday aches and pains. It’s amazing.” Bob Bryan

Currently, CBD is approved by the PGA and in pro tennis. CBD remains prohibited in the NFL, NBA, MLB, and NHL.

CBD & The Athlete

Whether a person is a weekend warrior or an elite athlete, CBD oil may provide some benefit. Being an athlete is no joke. Being a superior athlete is even harder. The constant demands on athletes for training leads to inflammation and joint pain. The stress athletes face to bring their A-game to every game can become over demanding. Let's not forget the mental health issues many athletes face daily.

Below are some of the ways that CBD may support healthy athletic performance.

CBD supports a healthy inflammatory response by reducing inflammation. Less inflammation may promote faster recovery.
CBD has been reported by many to reduce pain. The body's endocannabinoid system plays a significant role in regulating pain control. CBD brings balance to the body's endocannabinoid system.
CBD may support concussion symptoms. Recall the government patent on CBD, claiming it to be an excellent neuroprotectant, especially in the case of traumatic brain injury.
CBD has been shown to promote a state of calmness response. This is great for those looking to “calm down” following a big victory win and get some sleep.
CBD has been shown to support a healthy stress response. This may be of benefit for those suffering from the anxiety and stress that comes with sports. The antianxiety effects of CBD have been attributed to an increased focus by many athletes.
CBD has been shown to support a healthy mood. Many athletes who suffer from chronic pain also suffer from depression.
CBD has been shown to support a healthy sleep cycle. This is important because sleep is when we organize the day’s events, and our bodies/ minds recover. Sleep is vital for a healing body.
CBD has been shown to help those suffering from addiction. Addiction to pain killers, muscle relaxers, sleep aids, and other substances is commonplace for professional athletes.

Taking into consideration the massive issues athletes face chronic pain, insomnia, jet lag, inflammation, concussions, depression, anxiety, addiction, and being a public figure, it would seem odd not to further the necessary studies on CBD for its approval.

What about the legality of CBD and Sports Performance?

Here is the issue, CBD is permitted by the World Anti-Doping Agency and the U.S. Anti-Doping Agency.

But only the compound CBD is permitted in sports, aka cannabidiol. All of the other cannabinoids are still banned. The issue becomes this would require the use of a CBD isolate.

USADA.ROG

“No, the chemical compound cannabidiol is not prohibited. But remember, it is very difficult, if not impossible, to obtain a pure CBD extract or oil from the cannabis plant. Anyone who buys a CBD oil extract or other CBD product should be aware that it may be a mixture of CBD and other cannabinoids. All other cannabinoids, including THC and the more than 115 other identified cannabinoids in the cannabis plant, as well as all synthetic cannabinoids, are prohibited in-competition.”

At the moment, it is widely accepted that full-spectrum CBD appears to be superior for all the reasons surrounding athletic use.

Athletes all around are expressing the need for increased acceptance and research surrounding CBD and sports. Athletes want more than prescription pills to manage the impact sports have on the body.

Who is using CBD?

Ryan VandenBussche (former NHL)
David Ahrens (former NFL)
Nate Diaz (MMA fighter)
Derrick Morgan (former NFL)

What About The Coaches?

According to an article in Athletic Business by Abe Hardesty, October of 2017, coaches may be subject to more stress than the athletes.

"In football season, you work two weeks in one." Said a coach who worked an 84-hour workweek. "When we were in playoffs, I worked 92 hours one week." The coach continued to state, "you don't get the right amount of rest days, and you don't get time to eat- you grab food on the go."

Cardiologist Dr. Brett Stoll speculates that football coaches, especially those coaching at a high school and college level, are at an increased risk of cardiac events due to stress. Stress is an obvious risk factor for heart disease. There is a long list of high school and college coaches who have suffered heart attacks.

Stress is a commonplace because coaches in small schools have to wear many hats.

Serving Size

When it comes to choosing the correct serving for chronic pain, the 3500mg concentration is recommended. For general use, the 1000mg concentration is recommended. Start slow and increase serving slowly until the desired effect is obtained. Please review the podcast and blog on serving size guidelines, as well as visit the CBD BioCare Website.

*This content is strictly the opinion of Dr. Frank Michalski and is for informational and educational purposes only. It is not intended to provide medical advice or to take the place of medical advice or treatment from a personal physician. All viewers of this content are advised to consult their doctors or qualified health professionals regarding specific health questions. Neither Dr. Frank Michalski nor the publisher of this content takes responsibility for possible health consequences of any person or persons reading or following the information in this educational content. All viewers of this content, especially those taking prescription or over-the-counter medications, should consult their physicians before beginning any nutrition, supplement, or lifestyle program.

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