Snack Your Way to Fitness: 10 Ways CBD Edibles Can Improve Your Fitness Routine

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There is no time like the present to focus on your health and fitness routine, as our health is more important than ever. Taking care of yourself means something different to everyone, as we all have different needs. However, for the majority of people, being healthy means eating a healthy, balanced diet and following an exercise regimen. We here at Amphora believe that CBD edibles can be a fantastic addition to your health and fitness routine, and that’s what this article is all about! We will outline ten key benefits that show how CBD edibles can enhance your fitness routine, with a particular focus on CBD mints. So, whether you are a yoga bunny or a competitive powerlifter, let us explain how CBD mints can positively impact your fitness routine. We are sure you’ll be left wondering why you never tried them out before!

What is CBD oil?

So, let’s answer the question on all our health-conscious minds: “what is CBD oil?” Well, it is an extremely popular natural supplement when it comes to the possible treatment of many mental and physical maladies. This is due to its potential balancing and therapeutic effects, which we will examine later for you. Cannabidiol is the full name of CBD, but it is much more commonly known as CBD. However, knowing both names is essential for when you do your own research, so that you don’t become confused!

CBD is one of the most famous compounds found in the cannabis plant, and is most commonly derived from cannabis Sativa, to be precise. There are, in fact, over 100 compounds found in the cannabis plant, and CBD belongs to the non-psychoactive category, unlike tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). So, how is CBD oil made? Well, it is extracted from the cannabis plant and diluted with a carrier oil, such as hemp seed oil or coconut oil.

CBD edible options

It’s a big world out there when it comes to choosing what CBD edible option is the best for you. Let’s go through some choices that may help enhance your fitness routine. CBD protein bars are a popular choice with fitness enthusiasts, as you are likely already incorporating them into your daily routine. Protein can help to build and maintain your muscles, and with these bars, you can feel the additional benefits derived from CBD. Another popular choice is CBD gummies, as they are a quick and convenient way of consuming CBD while you are out and about exercising, whether that be at the gym, or during your morning run. They are a popular method of consumption due to their taste, as some people don’t enjoy the natural tang of CBD spray or oil. There are also sweet CBD treats out there, like cookies and chocolate, and these are a fun way of incorporating CBD into your wellbeing routine, as we all need a fun pick-me-up now and again.

Why we prefer CBD mints

The above list of CBD edibles is by no means extensive, and they are all great options. However, we are now going to focus our article on CBD mints. Here’s why:

• The taste: not only do CBD mints come with many possible CBD-derived benefits, but they also make your breath smell wonderful! This can give you the confidence to carry on with your routine, safe in the knowledge that although you may be sweating during your workout, nobody will be able to fault your breath!
• Dose control: when it comes to CBD mints, it’s easy to know the exact size of your dose and manage your routine. This is due to CBD mints typically containing a lower dose of CBD than you would find in oils or sprays, and having a clear-cut serving size (one mint, two mints, etc). This allows you to discover exactly what works for your fitness routine, especially if you are new to the world of CBD edibles, or even CBD itself. It allows you to start off slowly and build up your dosage to what best suits your lifestyle needs.
• The absorption time: unlike most other CBD edibles that need to travel through your digestive system before you feel the benefits, CBD mints have a fast absorption time. This is because they partially dissolve in your mouth, similar to dropping CBD oil underneath your tongue, allowing some of the CBD to be absorbed sublingually.
• They look like any other mint: the fact that they blend in is a huge plus for some people, as consuming their daily dose of CBD will draw no attention to them. This is ideal for people suffering from anxiety, or who are merely self-conscious about taking CBD oil in public. Mints are a very discreet way of finding your CBD fix.
• Most people can consume them: the fact that CBD mints are suitable for vegans, vegetarians, and people with gluten allergies is a huge plus. Some people don’t like the distinctive natural taste of CBD, and they would prefer to consume edibles, making mints a go-to fresh and inclusive option.

1.     CBD mints may help manage your pain

Pain. We are all familiar with it, and it can be a real hindrance to your exercise routine. There are many reasons why people suffer from pain during their exercise, such as injury, illness, chronic pain, or simply exercising too much; or even doing so incorrectly. Pain can really hinder our exercise goals, but there’s good news: CBD edibles may be considered a natural aid to pain management. In fact, there’s a wealth of research into the possible effects that CBD oil can have on pain. Let’s take a look at some of the key studies that have been performed. An animal study published in 2016 examined the effects of CBD oil on rats suffering from arthritis. The researchers found that a dose of 6.2mg of CBD oil per day was enough to reduce both the swelling and pain that the rats were experiencing. This led the researchers to conclude that CBD oil could potentially help to relieve the pain associated with conditions like arthritis, although more human trials are needed. A 2018 review of the current literature examined the link between CBD oil and relief of chronic pain. Chronic pain is defined as being present after 12 weeks of symptoms, despite an illness no longer being present or any medications that have been administered being ineffective. The review concluded that there were no evident negative side effects to the administration of CBD, and the data indicates that CBD oil is a viable treatment for chronic pain relief and management. CBD oil is a fantastic way to manage your pain and not let it hinder your health and fitness routines. This way, you can perform your chosen exercise to the very best of your ability, in spite of the pain. And, let’s face it, popping a CBD mint into your mouth couldn’t be easier. CBD mints may be your first step to naturally managing exercise-related pain.

2.     May Help your muscles recover 

Have you ever been in the middle of a workout, and decided that you simply can’t carry on? If so, you are not alone! CBD edibles may aid in the recovery of your screaming muscles, and allow you to continue building them up. Let’s face it; we all have experienced sore muscles after exercising. A common type of soreness is something called DOMS. Its full name is Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness, and it can occur for a range of reasons. Beginners to any kind of exercise routine are likely to experience DOMS as their body gets used to their new fitness routine. The same can also be said for people increasing the intensity of their typical exercise routine. This could mean spending thirty minutes longer on the treadmill, or going up a significant amount of weight used while performing a bench-press.

The NHS explains that the symptoms of DOMS include muscle stiffness and soreness, due to microscopic tears in your muscle fibres. DOMS does not discriminate, as it can even strike down everyone from professional athletes to absolute fitness beginners. So, can CBD edibles help? Things look promising, as CBD oil itself has been the subject of much scientific research around this very question. A 2018 review of 132 studies concluded that CBD oil can be considered an anti-inflammatory agent, and that it may be able to aid the mobility of people who have multiple sclerosis (MS). From the current studies, they derived that CBD oil is an “anti-inflammatory, antioxidative, antiemetic, antipsychotic, and neuroprotective.” Therefore, CBD edibles just might be the solution that you are looking for to soothe your sore and inflamed muscles.

3.     Can help reduce anxiety

Just imagine sucking on a mint and feeling all of your anxieties slipping away. Well, with CBD mints, this might be a new reality! Anxiety is one of the most common mental health problems in the world, and as of 2013, there were a staggering 8.2 million diagnosed cases of anxiety in the UK alone. A key piece of research was published in 2011, which examined the effects of CBD on a group of individuals with Social Anxiety Disorder (SAD). Subjects were administered a 400mg dose of CBD, or a placebo, over two sessions. The results reported that CBD can help in the reduction of anxiety in SAD, and that “this is related to its effects on activity in limbic and paralimbic brain areas.”

Furthermore, a review published in 2020 re-examined the current literature, also raising the important note that not all current mainstream medical treatment for anxiety is effective. Typical treatments for anxiety include selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). However, these can cause a series of adverse side effects, such as dizziness, sickness, and diarrhoea; to name just a few. Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) is also a standard treatment for anxiety; however, this isn’t effective for everyone, and not everyone is able to afford it, nor able to wait months and months for an appointment. This is where consuming CBD edibles comes in! The review concludes that both the current pre-clinical and clinical evidence supports the use of CBD as a potential treatment for a range of anxiety disorders. There’s nothing worse than your anxiety holding you back in life, and this includes in your fitness routine. Some people’s SAD can be so severe that it can hold them back from even going to the gym or joining a fitness class. It’s also normal to experience feelings of anxiety before a fitness competition or trying to push yourself to achieve a new fitness goal. Popping a CBD mint into your mouth before your class or competition may allow a pleasant calm to wash over you, allowing you to perform to your true potential.

4.     It can settle your stomach

There’s nothing worse than being pumped up for your exercise session, only for your GI (gastrointestinal) issues to flare up. The good news is that CBD can have rebalancing effects on these issues. GI problems can cover a range of illnesses, with the most common being Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) and Crohn’s disease. Both illnesses have no current cure, and they can be debilitating to live with, although there are certain medications and dietary changes that can help to manage the symptoms. Symptoms of IBS include bloating, cramps, weight loss, constipation, and diarrhoea. Crohn’s disease causes inflammation in your digestive tract, and its symptoms are similar to IBS. You can suffer from weight loss, fatigue, stomach cramps, and diarrhoea. A review published in 2016 examined the potential therapeutic benefits of CBD for Inflammatory Bowel Diseases (IBD). It was noted that the anti-inflammatory properties of CBD may help to manage symptoms of patients with severe versions of the illness. People that suffer considerably have anecdotally reported that CBD can aid in the relief of their pain and nausea. Finally, the review notes that CBD can be reserved for the symptomatic control of refractory (persistent) IBD, in addition to the current available care, as an alternative supplement to your gastrointestinal wellbeing. Suffering from any GI issue can be extremely debilitating and draining, leaving you with little energy to continue your fitness routine. The great news is that CBD mints can possibly help you to manage your condition and get back out there doing what you love most.

5.     It’s an energy booster

CBD mints can be a great pick-me-up when you need it! Keeping up with your fitness goals isn’t easy 100% of the time, no matter how dedicated you are. When we begin to feel sluggish, we tend to reach for the caffeine, but CBD can also boost our energy levels; so that we can continue on with our healthy lifestyle. So, how does it work? Well, a study published in 2008 discovered that CBD activated specific neurons in the brain that have the ability to wake people up. A similar study took place a few years prior to this, in 2006, and it also concluded that CBD has the power to activate neurons in the hypothalamus to prompt alertness. This is great for those of you that need to hit the gym early in the morning or late at night, as it will allow you to perform to the best of your ability. The fantastic thing about using CBD mints for alertness is that the lower dose of CBD can act as a stimulant, making it a viable addition to your health and wellbeing routines.

6.     CBD mints can also act as mood boosters!

It is a well-known fact that exercise can increase the levels of serotonin in your brain, and can therefore improve your mood. Serotonin is a neurotransmitter that helps to regulate many vital processes through your body, from mood regulation, down to digestive regulation. It is believed that CBD can positively impact your levels of serotonin. While it doesn’t increase these levels, it can positively influence how the chemical receptors in the brain respond to serotonin. A 2014 study into the matter is an excellent example of this, as it found that CBD produced both anti-anxiety and anti-depressant effects on these receptors in the brain. A further significant piece of research was published in 2018 in the form of a review. This review of the current literature concluded that CBD has important potential anti-stress effects, and in turn, it may be able to help alleviate feelings of depression. There doesn’t seem to be a better combination than CBD edibles and exercise. After all, you could feel the best you’ve ever felt by combining the two. So, let a CBD mint dissolve on your tongue to positively impact the rest of your day!

7.     Appetite control

People exercise for many different reasons; some are competitive athletes, for others, it is their hobby, and some are trying to improve their moods. However, one of the most common reasons for exercise is weight loss and an attempt to overhaul an unhealthy lifestyle. If this is you, go for it – we believe in you! After all, taking the first steps to wellness are often the hardest. CBD mints can be a great addition to your fitness routine, as they can help you to manage your weight and regulate your appetite. There have been animal studies examining the way that CBD can help to boost your metabolism. For example, one such study (published in 2015) found that CBD interacts with both CB1 and CB2 receptors in the brain and lymphoid tissue which may positively impact weight loss. In one 2011 study, a group of rats were administered a daily dose of CBD, which helped to reduce their body weight. A further rat studycompared other significant cannabinoids to CBD in terms of food intake. CBD was found to reduce food consumption, thus prompting the researchers to conclude that further research should be focused on the possibility of CBD as a potential treatment for obesity. Being able to control appetite is some people’s first step to wellbeing, and the potential that CBD can have in helping them should not be overlooked. Not to mention, CBD edibles (such as mints) are a fun way of consuming CBD, and are only growing in popularity.

8.     Getting a good night’s sleep

Getting a good night’s sleep is vital for keeping your head clear before and after exercise, and this is where CBD mints come in! CBD and sleep have been the focus of much scientific research, as sleep is vital to your wellbeing, and people are always searching for ways to improve the quality of their 8 hours. A study that took place in 2016 found that the endocannabinoid system (ECS) positively impacts the moderation of sleep. A brief definition of ECS: it is a signalling system that helps to regulate a range of important functions within the body. For example, mood, sleep, appetite and memory are all affected by the functions of the ECS. There are two primary endocannabinoid receptors in the body, and they are CB1 and CB2 receptors. CB1 receptors are primarily located in your central nervous system, while CB2 receptors are typically found in your peripheral nervous system. Endocannabinoids can bind to either receptor, which is how the effects of endocannabinoids (which are naturally produced by the body) and cannabinoids (such as CBD) are facilitated. For example, CB1 receptors can help modulate pain responses, while CB2 receptors can aid in the reduction of inflammation. One animal study discovered that endocannabinoid signalling helped to maintain the stability of sleep. Another animal study took place in 2012, examining the link between CBD and improved the quality of sleep. People suffering from anxiety or Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), have reported that CBD can help them to fall asleep quickly and for a decent period of time. The link between sleep quality and recovery from exercise is a promising area of research. If you have had a heavy exercise session, are recovering from an exercise-related injury, or are struggling with anxiety, consuming CBD mints might help you get some much needed shut-eye. It’s worth noting that, due to the lower dose of CBD oil in mints, you will need to manage your dosing yourself, in order to work out the amount of CBD that will promote your sleep wellbeing. Typically, a higher dose of CBD is needed to produce the sedative effects that you will need for increased sleep quality.

9.     It’s all-natural

We have covered many different factors that can help or hinder your fitness routine in this list. For example, pain can limit your progress, whereas getting a solid eight hours shut-eye can improve it. We love the way that CBD can interact with all of the above factors, and how it’s an all-natural possible solution to issues that plague so many. As we have already discussed, for some conditions such as anxiety, depression, GI issues and more, current medication can be considered lacking for some people (though still effective for many). Not only can it be lacking, but people can experience adverse side effects. This is particularly prevalent in relation to SSRIs, as detailed in our earlier discussion covering anxiety. This is the reason many people turn to CBD, in particular CBD mints, as they are a fresh and natural way of absorbing goodness and reaping all-natural possible therapeutic benefits.

10. CBD mints are an easy addition to your routine

So, when do you munch on your mints? The great thing about incorporating CBD mints into your routine is how simple an addition it is. In fact, apart from noticing the potential benefits, we doubt you’ll even notice a change to your routine! Simply dissolve the mint in your mouth, and you are good to go. There’s no perfect time to consume your CBD mint, as it all depends on your individual fitness and wellness routine. Due to their quick absorption time, there are many avenues open to you that will enhance your routine. For example, you could take them first thing in the morning, when you wake up, to kick-start your day. Not only can it provide you with that surge of energy you need to make it to the gym, but it will freshen your breath and taste delicious! Of course, they are also a fantastic evening option if you feel like you would benefit from their potential post-workout recovery-boosting effects. They could help you get a good night’s sleep and alleviate the pain of your aching muscles, so that you can drift off into a blissful slumber. The options are endless – just do what suits you the best.

Whether you are competing in an Iron Man marathon or simply stretching at home, CBD edibles, especially mints, are the best companion to your fitness routine. So, what are you waiting for? Add them to your healthy lifestyle today.