Endocannabinoids and Exercise: The Relationship and Effects
With the rise in CBD, naturally athletes are exploring how these new compounds can impact recovery and performance. So how are Endocannabinoids and Exercise linked? And what can Endocannabinoids do to affect athletic prowess and exercise?
First let’s take a look at what Endocannabinoids are and how they affect your body.
Endocannabinoids Explained
Endocannabinoids are unique to humans - they are chemicals that our body makes to help with the process of memory, learning, and well being. They are also known as "cannabinoid receptors" which give a person a natural high when they consume marijuana.
Endocannabinoids were identified in 1992. When scientists examined them, they discovered that these chemicals help maintain the body’s equilibrium by preventing pain signals from reaching the brain and blocking neuron damage through cell death.
Endocannabinoids also have an effect on pain levels in the brain - reducing anxiety and depression, reducing migraines and fibromyalgia symptoms, balancing moods and helping fight off addiction.
Endocannabinoid System and Cannabinoids
Cannabinoid receptors are located in various parts of the brain and play a significant role in controlling emotions, pain sensation, movement, and cognition. So hemp doesn’t contain endocannabinoids, as that is the receptors that exist in humans and are impacted by cannabinoids.
Hemp is known to be a great source of these cannabinoids as it contains phytocannabinoids that can help relieve symptoms of anxiety and depression. It also has terpenes that have been shown to reduce inflammation.
Cannabinoids are also good for sleep as they can help you relax and get some restorative sleep.
This is where the relationship between Endocannabinoids and Exercise comes in to play, with hemp and cannabis affecting the Endocannabinoid system in humans.
How Do cannabinoids interact with the Endocannabinoid System?
Cannabinoids are natural chemicals that have a variety of effects on the human body. These effects can vary from relaxing to stimulating, and the endocannabinoid system is responsible for mediating many of these effects. Cannabinoids are found in cannabis, but they also function as neurotransmitters in other parts of the body. They regulate mood, appetite, cognition and pain perception.
The endocannabinoid system is is made up of two cannabinoid receptors - CB1 and CB2. The first one is found mainly in the brain while the other one is primarily located in cells throughout the body.
There are also two primary signaling pathways for these receptors - G-protein coupled receptor (GPCR) and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma coactivator 1-alpha (PPARGC1A).
It’s this interaction that will impact exercise and help you with athletic performance.
How Do cannabinoids help with exercise?
Cannabinoids are also known to decrease appetite, which is a huge benefit for people who want to lose weight or maintain their weight loss progress. Cannabinoids also have a wide range of physiological effects that can help people to get through their workouts. CBD and exercise are closely linked.
Cannabinoids have been shown to help people exercise more effectively by increasing endurance, strength, and motivation.
Cannabinoid receptors are found in the body's endocannabinoid system (ECS) and they are responsible for many effects of cannabis including appetite stimulation, pain relief, mood elevation, and more.
These receptors also play a role in exercise performance - increasing physical endurance by decreasing oxygen consumption during activity and helping muscles to better recover after exercise.
Endocannabinoids and Exercise Explained
Endocannabinoids are naturally-occurring chemicals that are present in your body. It is produced by the body to help regulate its physiological functions.
Some people choose to take the natural route and use CBD oil as a supplement for their workouts. Others prefer to use pre-workout supplements such as joint health and muscle endurance products that contain cannabinoids.
Either way, the relationship with Endocannabinoids and Exercise is clear, as they can help improve both performance and recovery and in the case of ShredCBD, even help with weight loss. Check our CBD Diet plan here.