Can CBD Oil Help You Stay Lean And Actually Build Muscle

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The prominence of the non-psychoactive cannabinoid of cannabis has been tremendous particularly in the aspect of its medicinal benefits. CBD has become more widely known and this has paved the way for different forms of cannabis products. Although CBD oil is the most prominent, we have CBD tinctures, CBD gummies, CBD topicals, and so on. The numerous benefits of CBD include pain relief, treating inflammation, muscle recovery and so much more.

In this article, I'll be drilling down on the relationship between CBD and bodybuilding. Is CBD oil beneficial to bodybuilders? Can CBD oil help you stay lean and actually build muscle? Read on to find out!

CBD and Body Building

Bodybuilders put their body through a great deal of stress and high-intensity workout routines to get the body in shape. Consistency and frequency of such strains on muscle fibers force the muscle to grow thus giving the results that are evident on their bodies. However, while doing this a very crucial aspect of bodybuilding most people ignore is healthy recovery. it is highly advisable that bodybuilders make use of effective supplements to aid the recovery of the body. Apart from a very healthy and balanced diet, testosterone and protein shakes are examples of supplements that many bodybuilders use. However, extensive studies being conducted are showing that CBD might just be the answer that bodybuilders, athletes, etc have been yearning for.

The relationship that CBD has with improving the performance of bodybuilders is mediated through the endocannabinoid system (ECS). Unlike other cannabinoids, CBD does not bind directly to the cannabinoid receptors, it indirectly modulates the ECS. This indirect modulation allows the ECS to produce natural endocannabinoids which regulate different functions in the body. The functions regulated by the chemical balance provided by these cannabinoids include metabolism, immune response, appetite, and so much more.

CBD oil also contains small amounts of THC which helps to give an entourage effect to the bodybuilders. Though CBD oil will not get you high, it gives a level of mental awareness and alertness that allows the bodybuilder to be focused. It also has the benefit of improving muscle recovery time thus giving bodybuilders sufficient time to get in shape.

How does CBD affect muscle growth?

The only way to grow muscles as every bodybuilder knows is through sufficient exercise and workouts. However, there are several factors like supplements, nutrition, etc that play significant roles that make this easier. And recent studies conducted are showing that CBD can also play significant roles when it comes to the development of muscles.

The level of microdamage done to the muscle fibers during a workout determines the effect of the process on the body. CBD helps to nourish those muscle fibers and increase the time for the muscle to recover. This makes the muscle available to undergo another round of stress and improvement. This means that CBD increases the duration of workout routine intensity that muscles can be put through.

Another role that CBD plays for bodybuilders in terms of muscle growth has to do with inflammation. CBD is commonly used in the medical world to deal with inflammation and this effect has a role in bodybuilding. There are two types of inflammation namely acute and chronic inflammation. These inflammations occur as a response of the immune systems to different effects on the body. It is characterized by swelling, pain, and heat. The bodybuilder wants one type of inflammation and will consciously try to avoid the other at all costs.

Acute inflammation is a short-lasting effect which is desirable for bodybuilding. It helps to remove foreign molecules from the body as a result of the immune response while the damaged cells are being healed. A good diet and sufficient rest will help to improve this process and as we all know CBD oil helps to improve sleep. It gives a calm and relaxed feeling that will be greatly useful. This makes CBD oil perfect for bodybuilders needing sufficient rest after workouts to promote healing.

Chronic inflammation on the other hand is not desirable for bodybuilding. This is because it causes muscle breakdown and can last for a long period of time. It stops the muscle from growing and can pave the way for different types of autoimmune diseases. It is common for bodybuilders to take NSAIDs as a response to chronic inflammation but this is known to limit muscle growth. However, it should be noted that CBD has a unique relationship with modulating immune communication which makes it adequate to deal with inflammation.

What are the Advantages of using CBD for bodybuilding?

Appetite and weight management

CBD has shown interaction with appetite through the ECS that makes it sufficient for weight management. Through the action of natural cannabinoids, it limits the effect of ghrelin by blocking a receptor in the brain. Ghrelin is a hormone that stimulates appetite and the action of CBD keeps it from taking effect. Likewise, CBD also acts on the brain to improve the levels of leptin and its effects. Leptin is a hormone that promotes the feeling of being satiated. This helps to reduce unhealthy cravings and helps bodybuilders to improve weight management.

Improve sleep and relieve stress

Rest as earlier explained is very important for muscle recovery and growth. Bodybuilders are in a special situation which means that their body needs sufficient rest, especially after workouts. CBD helps to relieve the stress that comes with the routines thus making rest easier. It should also be noted that CBD plays a huge role in reducing sleep disturbances which also makes recovery easier.

Workout recovery

CBD is effective for dealing with soreness and stiffness that comes with workout routines. This means it helps the muscles to recover and speeds up healing. It is also effective in dealing with the neuropathic damage that affects the muscles. By so doing, it not only has a role to play in improving performance, it also helps the recovery process.

Bottom line

It is now very obvious why bodybuilders like Lee Priest, Dave Palumbo, Joey Swoll and so many others use CBD for bodybuilding. Asides from the fact that its benefits to a bodybuilder go on and on, it's also very easy to use. Have you been on the search for a game-changer in your bodybuilding journey, give CBD a try, it might be all you need to take your body to the next level.