How CBD Could Help Combat Muscle Fatigue

Physical activity is essential for your overall health and well-being. Every time you spend an extra hour on the court or top your personal best at the gym, your muscles get stronger, more resilient. Any muscle fatigue or temporary weakness you might feel after intense activity could be a sign that your body needs time to recover. But knowing why you're feeling out of sorts is of little comfort if your lack of strength impairs your performance or keeps you from activities you enjoy.   

Could CBD help you recover faster? Combat muscle fatigue? Possibly. Muscle fatigue is often a symptom of microscopic injury and activity-related inflammation. Although the only way you'll know is to select a product and try it, we can tell you what CBD is, explain its possible impact on overworked muscles, and suggest some of the best ways to add this natural plant element to your daily routine.   

What Is CBD?

CBD (cannabidiol) is just one of more than 100 non-intoxicating cannabinoids in cannabis plants. It's the most abundant cannabinoid in hemp. The oil extracted from the stalks, stems, and flowers of industrial hemp contains high levels of CBD and only trace amounts of THC, the cannabinoid that causes the type of intoxication marijuana is known for. This naturally occurring cannabinoid is generally well tolerated and has an impressively low risk of side effects. 

What Effect Does CBD Have on Muscles?

CBD works by mimicking the messengers and interacting with the receptors of the largest regulatory system in your body, your endocannabinoid system. Since the communication between your ECS messengers and receptors affects nearly every crucial biological function, including immune system responses, pain perception, and muscle movement, the impact of that interaction depends on which essential processes might be restored to balance (homeostasis) through ECS support. 

Any activity that helps build strength also creates microscopic injuries to muscle fibers. In response, your immune system sends specialized white blood cells to help clear cellular debris and initiate repairs. That inflammatory response can contribute to muscle fatigue (and pain) as the white blood cells that aid recovery release free radicals that damage surrounding tissues. 

Can CBD Help with Muscle Fatigue?

There are many possible causes of muscle fatigue, from overexertion to complex medical conditions and nervous system disorders.4 If your muscle fatigue is caused by physical exertion, your symptoms could be a sign that your system has generated all the lactic acid it can handle. The increased acidity can also cause pain, tenderness, cramps, and spasms.5 Could CBD help ease your distress? Possibly. 

However, most evidence supporting the use of CBD is based on lab reports, a small number of clinical trials, and anecdotal evidence, the testimony of people claiming favorable results for a wide range of common concerns. There hasn't been much research investigating CBD's impact on muscle fatigue or athletic recovery. But researchers have been reviewing the available data and connecting the dots. 

In a review published in a 2020 edition of Sports Medicine, researchers evaluated the results of clinical CBD trials and preclinical animal studies related to non-athletic populations. The authors noted CBD's apparent benefits for promoting biochemical, physiological, and psychological effects potentially beneficial to athletes. Investigators highlighted advantages that could be helpful for athletes involved in repetitive, long-distance training. In a similar review, researchers determined that CBD could potentially "promote restoration" of physical performance.6,7 

Why Do Athletes Take CBD?  

Athletes put a considerable amount of stress and strain on their bodies to maximize muscle strength, endurance, and overall performance. Intensive training and competition can cause joint pain, stiffness, and inflammation. Any athlete pushing through without enough time devoted to recovery risks stalled fitness gains, chronic inflammation, and permanent injury. 

Although over-the-counter medications can help ease pain and inflammation, many athletes are turning away from pharmaceutical solutions in favor of natural remedies and holistic treatments.8 The search for plant-sourced solutions leads many athletes to the health and wellness potential of hemp-derived CBD for relaxation, better sleep, recovery after physical activity. Of the nearly 2000 CBD users responding to our survey, 90% prefer the effects of CBD over turmeric; a natural supplement often used to help support athletic recovery.9 

How Should I Use CBD for Muscle Fatigue?

How often you use hemp-derived CBD for muscle fatigue depends on the type of product you're using and what you hope to achieve. A person experiencing occasional discomfort might use a hemp-derived CBD topical as needed. Someone prioritizing post-workout recovery might prefer making CBD part of their daily routine. While the choice is yours, you may find it helpful to know that most CBD users report achieving their best results within 7-14 days of consistent use. 

You also have the option of using multiple CBD products daily. If muscle fatigue is an ongoing concern, consider starting your day with a CBD tincture, capsules, or gummies, using a CBD-infused topical as needed for targeted relief, and ending your day with a hemp-derived product specifically formulated for restful sleep. Too little sleep, or poor sleep quality, can interfere with muscle recovery. 

Best CBD for Muscle Fatigue

The best product for any CBD user suits their individual needs, preferences, and lifestyle. As you're comparing options, keep in mind that purity and potency can vary by brand. When you want the best CBD product for muscle fatigue, it's important to stick with a reputable company. 

CBDistillery® is a respected industry leader with over 2 million satisfied customers and more than 38,000 5-star reviews. Our company was founded on the belief that everyone deserved high-quality, fairly-priced CBD. While no single product appeals to every CBD user, consider how the following suggestions might fit into your daily routine. 

Versatile Full Spectrum CBD Oil Tinctures

CBDistillery® 1000mg Full Spectrum CBD Oil Tincture contains all the additional cannabinoids, terpenes, and flavonoids found in natural hemp, including the trace amounts of THC. You can use a tincture to add CBD to snacks and beverages, cooking, or straight from the bottle. For fast relief, hold the tincture beneath your tongue for 10-20 seconds before swallowing.

Topical CBD for Targeted Relief

It can take up to 2 hours (or more) for the effects of ingestible CBD product to peak. For targeted relief in as little as 20 minutes, try CBDistillery® 1000mg Isolate CBD Relief Stick. This 0% THC topical is made with pure CBD isolate, so you won't smell like hemp. We think you'll appreciate its cooling burst of menthol on your joints and muscles.   

Convenient CBD Softgels

Softgels are convenient, portable, and one of the easiest ways to add hemp-derived CBD to your daily routine. CBDistillery® Broad Spectrum CBD Softgels contain many of the same minor cannabinoids as full-spectrum CBD, but the THC is reduced to non-detectable levels. Available in 30 and 60-count bottles, each capsule gives you 30mg of CBD.

Delicious CBD Gummies for Better Sleep  

During sleep, your immune system kicks into high gear, healing processes accelerate, and your body has the time it needs for rejuvenation and repair. Losing sleep to lingering discomfort could stall your recovery.CBDistillery® Sleep Synergy Gummies feature the additional sleep-promoting potential of CBN (cannabinol), a cannabinoid known for its calming, relaxing effects.10 

Could CBD Help Alleviate Your Muscle Fatigue?

Muscle fatigue can cause trembling, weakness, cramps, and a reduction in physical performance. If you have muscle fatigue unrelated to an increase in physical activity or advancing age, contact your health care provider. When your muscle fatigue is the result of a sudden increase in activity or intense workout, consider investing in the health and wellness potential of hemp-derived CBD. 

To learn more about the benefits of supporting ECS function with CBD, visit CBDistillery® to download our Ultimate CBD User Guide. Then consider browsing our selection of CBD oil tinctures, topicals, capsules, and CBD Gummies. If you're not sure where to start, consider taking our CBD Quiz or scheduling a consultation with a CBD expert. 

Sources:

3. Journals.Physiology.org. A Lingresti et al. (2016 September 14) From Phytocannabinoids to Cannabinoid Receptors and Endocannabinoids: Pleiotropic Physiological and Pathological Roles Through Complex Pharmacology. 

4. NIH. J Holbrook. (1990) Chapter 213 Weakness and Fatigue 

5. Livestrong. J Miller (2019 April 01) How to Prevent Muscle Fatigue and Soreness from Lactic Acid. 

7. Frontiers in Physiology. D Rojas-Valverde. (2021 August 03) Potential Role of Cannabidiol On Sports Recovery. 

8. Investopedia. S Delventhal. (2020 February 29) New Generation of Consumers Increase Demand for Natural Products.