Getting in shape is all about diet, exercise and, for some, a little boost provided by protein powder. Now, CBD is (literally) being added to the mix.
Protein powder is marketed as a helpful supplement for those looking to see enhanced muscle growth through resistance exercise. It’s made of concentrated sources of protein, such as dairy, rice or eggs.
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CBD, on the other hand, is a non-psychoactive compound found in the cannabis plant. It won’t get you high, but it is reported to decrease stress, improve sleep, and relieve pain.
It’s true that CBD and protein powder are an unlikely pair. Nevertheless, there are over a dozen types of CBD protein powder on the market today, and it’s getting especially popular in vegan protein powders.
To dispel some of the mystery surrounding CBD protein powder, we did a little digging into what this thing is, why it’s a thing, and why we should care about it. Turns out, there could be a lot of benefits to putting a little more herb in your protein.
Here’s the scoop.
What is CBD protein powder?
CBD protein powder combines CBD (cannabidiol) extracted from hemp plants with traditional protein powder. These protein powders only contain CBD, meaning there is no THC, so users will not experience any psychoactive effects. The protein powders can be made from whey, soy, peas, hemp, or other sources such as brown rice or eggs.
What are the benefits of CBD protein powder?
There is not a lot of conclusive research on CBD that would confirm what it will do for people, but there are claims based on anecdotal evidence. Those claims include:
- Anti-inflammatory properties
- Alleviation of aches, discomfort, and soreness
- Balanced natural digestion
- Improved natural sleep
- Decreased nervousness
- Regulation of blood pressure
- Increased awareness of your body
- Aid in overcoming mental blocks preventing you from working out
- Muscle relaxation
- Opening of the airways
The incorporation of CBD into protein powder is said to yield the effect of relaxing the body even while you’re working out. This could relieve pain during workouts and ease sore muscles post-workout.
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Another major benefit CBD could add to your gym session is increased muscle bulk. CBD helps many people achieve greater levels of REM sleep, which is the time of the sleep cycle when your cortisol levels are at their lowest. When cortisol levels are low, protein synthesis occurs and builds muscle tissue.
Does CBD protein powder have any negative side effects?
According to anecdotal reports, CBD protein powders are mostly easily palatable and digested, there are a few known side effects to keep in mind. These include dry mouth, slight drowsiness, and minor stomach pain. CBD is not recommended for pregnant women or children under 18.
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In addition, if you are lactose intolerant, you should avoid whey-based protein powders, or you may experience increased discomfort and diarrhea.
Also, professional athletes should be very cautious about what CBD products they consume. The World Anti-Doping Agency has allowed CBD use in professional sports, but THC is still not allowed, so it’s vital for professional athletes to pay attention to the CBD product selected and its THC levels. If you’re not using CBD isolate (i.e. 100% CBD) you run the risk of testing positive on a cannabis drug test.
Is CBD protein powder right for you?
CBD has many benefits, and adding it to your workout might be the next step to see if it helps you reach your goals. We recommend talking to a healthcare professional before supplementing your workouts with CBD protein powder.
We’ve laid out the basic pros and cons for you, based on anecdotal evidence. But remember that cannabis affects everyone differently, so to truly understand how it will impact your workout or experience any side effects, the best way is to try a low dose of it and work up from there as desired.