Could CBD prove beneficial for combat sports?

CBD has been growing in popularity for some time, and recent evidence is highlighting particular benefits for contact sports, including pain-relief and anti-inflammatory qualities. CBD can also help to reduce anxiety and improve sleep, both of which can ultimately aid performance.

In this article, we’re going to deep-dive into why exactly CBD is gaining such traction in the combat sports world right now, and whether or not you could benefit from joining the trend.

CBD:  Your New Recovery Companion?

Recovery from combat sports can be long and painful, which leaves you out of action when you would rather be training. While proper rest and nutrition can help with this, many wrestlers will avoid strenuous training for at least a week after a fight.

By interacting with the endocannabinoid system in the body, CBD supplements play a crucial role in pain regulation, immune system responses, and even sleep quality during those recovery periods.

As a result, many more athletes are now adding CBD to their recovery strategies, especially those within the hard-hitting world of combat sports. While more research is definitely required, there’s even some emerging evidence that CBD can be beneficial for muscle recovery and regeneration. While you should always include CBD as part of your existing recovery plan, it could, therefore, end up reducing the time you need to take between fights or matches.

Understand CBD Products Best Suited to Combat

There are now various different CBD products, including CBD gummies, oils, tinctures, and heat activation. Each of these can be beneficial for combat sport athletes, but some products are undeniably better suited at different stages of the combat journey. For instance, side effects including drowsiness mean you probably won’t want to take a gummy right before a fight, while CBD energy drinks certainly won’t help you to sleep better!

Ultimately, incorporating different CBD products for different times of day is your best option for getting the most from each product, and can be broadly broken down like this –

• Pre-game products: Pre-game products might include CBD energy drinks or THC-free oil tincture for anxiety and stress relief.
• Post-game products: Post-game products should include CBD inflammation relief gel and CBD deep-freeze or heat-activation products.
• Recovery period: During the recovery period, beneficial CBD products include CBD muscle recovery oil, as well as CBD gummies and oils for general comfort and wellbeing.

Famed Proponents of CBD in the Combat Sporting World

There are some famed proponents of CBD for combat sports, and their experiences further highlight the benefits that CBD products could offer. For instance, ex-MMA fighter Joe Rogan has highlighted the health and wellness benefits of CBD across various platforms, specifically speaking about its potential to aid athletic performance and recovery. Other proponents include MMA’s Nate Diaz, Sean O’Malley, and even Mike Tyson.

While more evidence is needed to highlight definitive benefits of CBD in the combat sporting world, everything we know so far certainly points towards the fact that fighters could benefit from incorporating CBD products into at least some elements of their routine.