Fit Mind, Fab Body: How to Use CBD & CBG on Your Fitness Journey

The saying 'health is wealth' really does have a ring of truth to it. There are many illnesses and diseases that we can't prevent. However, we can make every effort to live the best life that we can in order to help take care of our overall vitality. Living a healthy lifestyle encapsulates many different factors, such as maintaining a nutritious diet and a good work/life balance. It's also vital to make sure that you invest in your social life, family, and self-care routine. Exercise plays a major role in most healthy lifestyles, and that's what we are focusing on today! The natural cannabinoids cannabidiol (CBD) and cannabigerol (CBG) may have demonstrated their potential in helping to supplement your fitness routine. Keep reading to discover more!

What is CBD?

Let's begin with CBD, as this is arguably the more well-known cannabinoid (cannabis compound). It is derived from cannabis Sativa plants, alongside many other natural substances - including flavonoids, terpenes, vitamins, and other cannabinoids. CBD is a non-psychoactive cannabinoid, unlike tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). This means that users can consume CBD products without the risk of intoxication. There can be trace amounts of THC in certain formulas. However, they are required to be legally permissible in the UK (where the concentration cannot exceed 0.2% per product). To create CBD oil, cannabidiol is extracted directly from the stalks, flowers, and leaves of hemp plants and then diluted with a natural carrier oil, such as hemp seed oil.

What is CBG?

So, what is CBG? CBG is also a cannabinoid that's derived from the hemp plant. It is referred to as the 'mother of all cannabinoids' due to the fact that all cannabinoids are derived from cannabigerolic acid (CBGA) - the acidic form of CBG. Compared to other cannabinoids in the plant, the CBG cannabinoid takes up less space, and therefore it's found in smaller amounts. In fact, in the majority of cannabis strains, there can be as little as 1% CBG present (in comparison to 20-25% CBD and up to 30% THC). Unfortunately, this can lead to few pure CBG oil products being on the market. This can make finding a high-quality CBG oil product tricky.

The good news is that here at PP Health, we offer full-spectrum CBD oils. This means that the product is kept in its most authentic form to present all of the naturally occurring hemp compounds. In our Classic CBD Oil, you will find other cannabinoids like CBC, CBV, CBN, and also CBG. There are also natural flavonoids, terpenes, and phenols, and essential fatty acids like omega-3 and omega-6. Our oil contains vitamins E and B, along with other natural minerals and amino acids. Anecdotal research points towards a theory known as the ‘entourage effect’. This phenomenon suggests that CBD may benefit from the presence of other hemp compounds. Our CO2 extraction method is gentle enough to ensure that all of the compounds remain intact and don't get overheated. After all, the compounds may interact synergistically. Therefore, the combination of CBD and CBG might just be a worthwhile possibility for supplementing your fitness routine (as opposed to consuming them in isolation).

What is the Difference Between CBD and CBG?

This is a commonly asked question, and there are some differences between the two cannabinoids. Let’s begin by addressing the similarities between the two. The main one is that they are both non-psychoactive cannabinoids, meaning that consuming them won’t alter your state of mind. Furthermore, they may both have the potential to interact with the same receptors that provide a natural anti-inflammatory response within the body.

When it comes to the differences between CBD and CBG, perhaps the main one is the disparity in research between the two. There's a growing volume of information out there that considers the effects and potential benefits of CBD. However, there remains a general lack of research surrounding CBG. However, some useful key studies contemplate its potential benefits as a natural supplement (we will get into this later).

A key difference that anecdotal research has suggested is that CBD primarily interacts with the endocannabinoid system (as opposed to the cannabinoid receptors), while CBG might potentially interact directly with them. CB1 receptors are located in the brain and nervous system. They help to maintain and regulate important functions like sleep, pain, memory, and more. CB2 receptors are located in the immune system, and they can help to regulate inflammation in the body.

CBG and Fitness: The Current Research

Let’s now take a look at the current research into the CBG cannabinoid in relation to fitness.

CBG and Bone Health

Strong bones are vital for your overall wellness, but they are even more important for people who exercise - especially professional athletes. Over time, exercise can put a strain on your bones and muscles, potentially causing damage down the line. The interesting news is that CBG (alongside other cannabinoids) may potentially influence the skeletal system. It might even impact some of the natural processes that affect your bones and general wellbeing. This possibility could be ideal for exercise recovery, as your body needs time to adjust after exertions. So, why not supplement CBG into your post-workout routine today? Remember to consume plenty of calcium and protein, as these are key nutrients for bone health.

Can CBG Increase Your Appetite?

It's important that you maintain a healthy and nutritious diet that nourishes you and gives you strength. Some people prefer to eat before their workout, while others prefer to eat after. There's no right or wrong decision, as it comes down to personal preference and your individual fitness routine. It's a good idea to ensure that you have enough energy to fuel your workout, so try eating something that will give you slow-release energy, like oats or a banana. Additionally, if you're trying to build muscle, you will need to consume enough calories to help you reach your goals. Did you know that if your body doesn't get enough calories to support itself, it will eventually begin to break down your tissues in a desperate attempt to provide nourishment?

Sometimes we can lose our appetite due to stress or an illness, and this can impact our health and fitness. There’s anecdotal evidence to suggest that CBG may potentially act as a natural appetite stimulant. Research from 2016 examined the effects of CBG on rats. The researchers suggested that CBG stimulated the appetite of the rats and that their food intake doubled. This indicates that cannabigerol may one day hold relevance for helping people to eat consistently even when their appetite has been curbed. However, a great deal more research is required into this area - particularly where human trials are concerned.

CBG and Bacteria

Many things can negatively impact your training routine. For example, a busy work schedule, family commitments, birthdays, stress – the list goes on! Unfortunately, infections and illnesses can cause you to miss valuable days of training. What's more, if you exercise at a gym, then you're more likely to come into contact with bacteria and pick up a bug. This isn't such a concern if you exercise outdoors. However, illnesses can still interrupt your training. It's wise to wash your hands regularly and wipe down your gym equipment both before and after you use it so that it's clean for the next person.

So, where might CBG come in? Well, one study published in 2008 indicated that CBG might potentially affect harmful bacteria. The authors suggested that it may have impacted the growth of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) - a bacteria that can cause staph infections that are resistant to antibiotics. These types of infections have the potential to be serious, and therefore it’s fascinating to think that CBG may be able to affect some types of dangerous bacteria. The future of research into this area is worth getting excited about.

CBG and Inflammation Symptoms

Building upon the last point and factors that can affect your workout, there’s inflammation. This issue can affect everything from overworked muscles to digestion. The latter can cause a whole host of uncomfortable symptoms, such as unwanted weight loss, lethargy, pain in the stomach, swelling, and recurring diarrhoea. These are all symptoms that could prevent individuals from completing their daily exercise goals. One study published in 2013 examined the effects of CBG on inflammatory bowel disease in mice. The researchers suggested that the cannabinoid may have possibly helped to reduce signs of inflammation in the colon. They even raised the possibility of future human trials of CBG on people with digestive issues.

A similarly tricky issue that can prevent individuals from progressing on their fitness journey is bladder issues. One study published in 2015 examined how the THCV, CBG, CBD and CBDV cannabinoids might affect the bladder. The authors concluded that CBG demonstrated the most potential for impacting bladder discomforts, due to the manner in which it might affect muscle contractions. However, more research is needed into CBG and bladder functions before we can make any firm conclusions.

CBD and Fitness: What Does the Science Say?

Now let’s move onto CBD and fitness – are they a good match? Here are some of the ways that CBD may help you to level up your fitness routine.

CBD and Pain Symptoms

It's almost a certainty that you will feel pain at least once during your exercise routine. This pain could be general, injury-related, or connected with a medical condition. One of the most common types of exercise-related pain is delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS). This pain can occur when you first begin exercising, increase the level of intensity of your routine, or change your routine from what you're used to. This can cause tears in the muscle fibres, making your muscles feel stiff and sore. If you're experiencing these discomforts, you might want to use an ice pack or take some time to rest.

However, scientists are also exploring the use of CBD for pain symptoms and the way that it might help to reduce some signs of inflammation. For example, a review published in 2020 suggested that CBD may potentially impact the management of chronic pain symptoms, swelling, and similar discomforts. However, the authors noted that further research is required to help determine dosages.

Furthermore, one review published in 2017 examined the effects of CBD on neuropathic pain. This type of pain occurs due to damage to the nerves and can be associated with injuries and infections. This review examined eleven trials that used various doses of CBD and concluded that CBD might potentially help people to manage some signs of neuropathic pain. This research is encouraging, but further peer-reviewed data is needed to help determine a standardised dose of CBD.

Sleep and CBD

At this point, we'll reiterate something you may already know: sleep is vital to a successful exercise routine. After all, we need a sufficient amount of sleep to be able to function properly, and for the body to naturally heal and repair itself. Sometimes our sleep can be interrupted by sleep disorders like insomnia or factors such as stress, excitement, loud noises, or bright lights. 'CBD for sleep' is a commonly searched term on the internet, as people are seeking a natural sleep supplement. CBD has shown potential in some studies and trials.

For example, research that was published in 2019 examined the effects of CBD on people with anxiety or poor sleep. There were 72 participants in this study. Everyone received a dose of CBD between 25–175 mg. In this context, the authors suggested that doses of 25 mg may have potentially impacted some anxiety symptoms, whereas higher doses were more likely to help people to sleep. After one month of the trial, 66.7% of people said they were sleeping better and believed that this was due to CBD consumption.

Other things that you can do to improve your sleep ritual (alongside experimenting with CBD) include ensuring that your bedroom is dark and that your bed is comfortable. Also, as you tackle your personal fitness routine, you could try and get your body into a proper sleep routine. It's a good idea to try going to bed at the same time every night so that your body knows when it should be asleep. This rhythm could help elevate your exercise routine, as your body will be getting the vital rest and recovery that it needs.

Anxiety Symptoms

Have you ever been anxious or worried about going to the gym? If so, then you are certainly not alone. Some individuals can feel extremely nervous about working out in front of other people, and this can even hinder the progress they make with their fitness. A range of medications can help manage severe anxiety, but some antidepressants may come with negative side effects (such as feeling sick, a loss of appetite, and dizziness, to name a few). All-natural CBD may have demonstrated its potential in helping to manage some of the symptoms of anxiety. For example, one study published in 2011 examined the effects of 400 mg of CBD (administered orally). The participants were dealing with social anxiety disorder, and there were two groups – the CBD group and a placebo group. The CBD group reported that their self-perceived anxiety levels were lower following CBD consumption.

Furthermore, one review that was published in 2015 reported that CBD might potentially have the ability to interact with the CB1 receptor and influence the serotonin 5-HT1A receptor. This is the receptor that regulates fear and mood. According to their examination of studies and trials, the authors also indicated that CBD might even influence some common symptoms of anxiety disorders. For example, panic disorder (PD), social anxiety disorder (SAD), generalised anxiety disorder (GAD), and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

So, consider supplementing CBD into your lifestyle if you’re motivated to manage signs of stress related to exercise. This might just help you to stay on track so that your fitness routine doesn’t suffer.

Final Thoughts

And that completes our guide to supplementing with CBD and CBG on your fitness journey. Both cannabinoids have demonstrated their ability to potentially help in various ways during exercise recovery. They may influence your sleep and other natural processes, in addition to purportedly affecting some symptoms of anxiety surrounding exercise.

As we previously stated, high-quality CBG oil can be tricky to find. Therefore, using full-spectrum CBD oil is a fantastic option if you wish to supplement your lifestyle with cannabigerol. Not only does it include CBD and CBG, but also many other cannabinoids and potentially beneficial substances. So, make sure you check out our full-spectrum CBD oils today. Happy exercising!