CBD and Cycling: My First-Hand Experiences
By Dave Zabriskie, Floyd’s of Leadville
For me cycling is not only an athletic endeavor but was also my career for many years. I raced as a professional for some of the sport’s top teams, winning multiple US National Time Trial Championships and a stage of the Tour de France among other highlights.
After retiring I turned to riding for the fun of it, stay healthy and maintain a semblance of fitness.
As I’ve gotten older the years of training and racing are becoming more apparent. These days my body craves assistance after hard rides, which is why I began using CBD products as a daily supplement to combat muscle soreness and aid in recovery. As a rider who was dialed into the smallest performance details, the analytical side of me wanted to know the science behind CBD.
What is CBD?
Cannabidiol (CBD) is the most abundant of the more than 100 naturally occurring cannabinoids found in hemp plants. CBD has shown to interact with the human body through our endocannabinoid system, which is responsible for regulating an array of physiological functions in an effort to maintain homeostasis. One of the many characteristics of CBD is it can be enjoyed without the side effects that come from THC, which is the psychoactive substance extracted from the cannabis plant. Take a look at out Intro to CBD article to learn more.
The Science Of CBD
The human body has an endocannabinoid system (ECS) that helps regulate functions such as sleep, immune-system responses, and pain. In a study posted to the medical journal Neurotherapeutics, CBD activates or inhibits other compounds in the endocannabinoid system [4] which include pain. One way It does this by stopping the body from absorbing anandamide [4], a compound associated with regulating pain.
What are other benefits of Hemp Oil, from which CBD is made?
Hemp seeds are rich in protein, polyunsaturated fatty acids, omega 6, omega 3 and insoluble fiber which can help to increase immunity, counteract aging skin and improve cardiovascular health. They’re also packed with minerals.
What’s the Difference Between Full-Spectrum and Isolate?
Full Spectrum products provide—in addition to the active plant CBD compound—a synergistic effect that supplements and enhances the benefits of CBD. The enhanced benefit has been so widely recognized it has been given its own name—the “Entourage Effect.” Isolate is 100% THC free and is advisable for people who do not want any THC or in a job that requires drug testing.
CBD For Managing Pain
Before discovering CBD I used to reach for Ibuprofen to reduce the pain from a hard effort. Many people don’t realize there is an increased risk of gastrointestinal ulcers and bleeds, heart attack and kidney disease from repeatedly taking NSAIDs [1]. CBD has no known negative consequences on a person’s health.
Why Floyd’s of Leadville?
Floyd’s makes an array of CBD products for athletes and active lifestyles including SoftGels, Tinctures, Balms, Hydration & Protein Recovery Mixes, and gummie-style Gems. Our high-quality, hemp CBD is organically grown and manufactured in Colorado, with certified lab test results available on our website for all products.
Next time you pack up to hit the gravel consider adding CBD into the mix.
Sources
Risk of acute myocardial infarction with NSAIDs in real world use: bayesian meta-analysis of individual patient datahttps://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5423546/
Safety and side effects of cannabidiol, a Cannabis sativa constituent. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/221293
https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/319475.php
