CBD FOR BODYBUILDERS

Misconceptions around cannabis are gradually fading. Once considered a life-threatening "passing drug," cannabis now has a new reputation as a miracle drug. Advocates for marijuana claim it is a response to all ills, from pain to mental problems, without the dangerous side effects of pharmaceutical treatments. However, are cannabis and bodybuilding compatible?

Whether you are a gym fanatic or want to tone up, muscle building is essential. It does not only boost self-confidence, but more powerful muscles participate in our resistance to injuries and allow us to stay active despite age. Read on to understand how CBD can help build muscle without having intoxicating effects.

 

Understanding muscle development

Before delving into the potential benefits of CBD applied to muscle development, it is interesting to understand how our hormones are involved in muscle mass and power development. These are two kinds of hormones in particular that play a vital role: the catabolic and anabolic hormones.

 

CBD and muscle development: what's the link?

It might seem strange to discuss hormones that reduce muscle development, such as cortisol, when we are trying to encourage this development; however, this muscle madness makes sense. If we can control our cortisol spikes, then we can control the amount of damage they cause on the bigness of our muscles. Fortunately, CBD has noted to "have interference with cortisol secretions" through its interaction with the endocannabinoid systems.

CBD seems to help contain the known cortisol overload during stressful situations, whether physical or mental. Unfortunately for us, sports training counts as physical stress, if cortisol peaks are not monitored before and after training, then hormones can take away all your hard work. Studies show that CBD prevents protein synthesis reduction by cortisol and supports the restoration of balance within the ESA. Maintaining a homeostasis state is the major key to every biological process; this is where the anti-catabolic properties of CBD can benefit muscle development.

 

How can CBD help build muscle?

It's not just the reduction in levels of cortisol that make CBD the ideal sports partner. Most times, the first obstacle to muscle development is merely going to the gym or finding the motivation to train. A study of the pharmacological aspects of CBD found that the component exhibits anxiolytic properties. A more balanced, less anxious state of mind makes it easier to get up and stay active, and once you begin to see the results, the feeling of satisfaction will be enough in itself.

We must also take into account the impact of the cannabinoid on sleep. The body mostly recovers at night, where cortisol levels are lowest. A good sleep at night is important for muscle development. In animals, CBD "seems to extend total sleep period, in addition to expanding sleep latency during daytime periods." Not only could it make us sleep longer and better, but the component can also help us feel more vibrant during the day and push us to make the most/best of our workouts.

 

CBD and weight control

CBD can help with weight loss due to how it works in the body.

The body is made up of an integrated endocannabinoid system. this endocannabinoid system responds to multiple compounds in the body through two main cannabinoid receptors namely; CB1 and CB2 receptors.

Naturally, inside the brain and central nervous system exists CB1 receptors, which don't exist in the remaining part of the body. 

However, CB2 exist throughout the body.

Also, researchers believe that there may be an active link between the CB1 receptors and obesity because, in fat people, CB1 receptors circulates, especially in adipose tissue.

In addition, CB receptors are not activated directly by CBD. Instead, it influences the body's natural cannabinoids to block or activate the receptors. This can play a role in weight loss or other critical metabolic functions.

 

Reduces appetite

THC activates CB1 receptors in the body, causing many effects, including stimulating appetite. However, as the authors of a 2018 study, CB1 receptor antagonists may help reduce appetite and control obesity. The agonists of the CB1 receptors block or "deactivate" the receptor.

CBD does not deactivate CB1 receptors but can influence other molecules to block them. Stopping these receptors can help reduce appetite and prevent overeating in some people.

A 2012 study in older animals found that exposure to CBD reduced appetite in rats. Although there is a lot of anecdotal evidence to suggest that CBD is useful for suppressing appetite, no direct studies have shown that CBD reduces appetite in humans.

 

Turn bad fat into good fat

Some also claim that it can convert white, or "bad," fat into brown "good" fat, which can help the body burn calories.

White fat can also increase the risk of many chronic diseases, such as heart disease and diabetes.

A 2016 study helps confirm this claim. Researchers have found that CBD plays several roles in how the body interacts with fat.

CBD has encouraged the body to eliminate fat more effectively.

The researchers noted that CBD may hold promise for preventing obesity, but more human studies are needed.

 

Burns fat

Another claim is that CBD melts fat in the body by breaking down fat and helping to remove it from the body as waste.

2018 research helps explain this phenomenon. The process of changing white fat cells into brown fat cells changes the behaviour of these cells in the body.

Brown fat cells can be a more active form of fat. They burn energy in the form of heat, which means they burn calories.

Since losing calories is essential for weight loss, CBD can help burn fat if it turns white fat into brown fat in the body.

Reduces the risk of metabolic disorders

Like other 2018 research notes, there is a strong link between obesity and several metabolic disorders, such as type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol.

Over-activation of CB receptors in the body may be partly responsible. Over-activation of CB1 receptors in body fat could contribute to obesity and metabolic risks.

CBD helps block CB1 receptors, which means it could reduce the risk of obesity.

A research review on cannabis and cannabinoids also highlights some highlights from previous studies on CBD and metabolic factors, mainly in animal models.

For example, treatment with CBD reduced total cholesterol by 25% in obese rats. 

 

 

References

• Watanabe, M., Maemura, K., Kanbara, K., Tamayama, T., & Hayasaki, H. (2002). GABA and GABA receptors in the central nervous system and other organs. In International review of cytology (Vol. 213, pp. 1-47). Academic Press.

• Manzanares, J., Julian, MD, & Carrascosa, A. (2006). Role of the cannabinoid system in pain control and therapeutic implications for the management of acute and chronic pain episodes. Current Neuropharmacology, 4 (3), 239-257.
• Crystal, NJ, Townson, DH, Cook, SB, & LaRoche, DP (2013). Effect of cryotherapy on muscle recovery and inflammation following a bout of damaging exercise. European journal of applied physiology, 113 (10), 2577-2586.