The human body consists of an array of complex systems, and peak performance is achievable only when all of these physiological systems are supported properly. Striking balance and harmony is valuable for everyone, but even more crucial for athletes! While athletes may be used to seeking out supplements that help achieve this balance and enhance their performance capability, natural options that work well can be hard to come by. This may be because many supplements focus on one ingredient or desired outcome, yet the true power of holistic healing and wellness comes from ingredient synergy. Here, multiple factors related to athletic performance and overall health are improved simultaneously – producing an effect greater than the sum of its parts.
In cannabis research, this responsive synergy is known as the entourage effect.
First introduced by researchers in 1999, the term explains the significant difference in effects observed from using a blend of cannabinoids versus just one isolated compound. This effect is also achievable through a blend of cannabinoids with other chemical compounds and/or herbal extracts! For example, though CBD is frequently sold as a potential nausea relief option, the isolated compound can exacerbate nausea for some. But when combined with herbs such as Ginger or Cardamom that have clinically-proven antiemetic benefits, it can instead become an effective tool for assisting with nausea symptom relief in many of those same individuals.
While many companies create products using isolated CBD, clinical evidence suggests that this method, while effective for some, is likely not ideal for those seeking all of the effects cannabis and its derivatives are capable of. Products made exclusively with isolated CBD are limited in their effects; there may be benefits missed when using only this cannabinoid.
Fairwinds, a Vancouver, Washington- based CBD wellness company, leverages the entourage effect of cannabinoids like CBD (Cannabidiol) alongside compounds that are proven to help boost performance and cognition, such as Alpha GPC and Beta Alanine, to craft wellness products that deliver significant results. How does this work?
The body has two known naturally- occurring cannabinoids (also called endocannabinoids), 2-AG and Anandamide. These are the main neurotransmitters that interact with cannabinoid receptors. These receptors (there are two types) are found throughout the body in a variety of cells, but are concentrated in the Central Nervous System and on immune cells.
So how can CBD products impact and improve athletic performance? Aside from the documented synergy between cannabinoids and other herbal ingredients, there are several proven ways that cannabinoids, CBD in particular, can interact with the body to boost athleticism and overall health.
CBD has been shown in clinical trials to improve focus, endurance, and power output.
The cannabinoid can help to increase brain and nervous system function, thereby increasing athletic performance, and CBD can also assist with maintaining the euphoria experienced frequently after strenuous workouts. CBD helps to slow the degradation of Anandamide, one of the endocannabinoids mentioned above and the compound thought to be responsible for eliciting the runner’s high.
Additionally, the cannabinoid can shorten recovery time from injuries! CBD has been shown to not only subdue the receptors that cause us to notice and feel pain, but to reduce the presence and production of enzymes called prostaglandins which cause inflammation – thereby reducing pain in the first place. Because CBD reduces inflammation instead of simply muting pain signals, it can be a much safer and more effective choice for those suffering from inflammatory pain than NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti- inflammatory drugs) such as ibuprofen, aspirin, or acetaminophen.
Looking to boost your athletic performance? Fairwinds offers CBD-rich products that can help! From topicals to tinctures, their offerings are becoming widely appreciated by athletes across the Pacific Northwest. You can order yours by visiting fairwindsCBD.com
Health and wellness is a personal experience. Your body. Your journey. FairwindsCBD.com
