For many people, kratom is an effective natural remedy to relieve pain, dealwith anxiety and depression, or to cope with the symptoms of opiate withdrawal.Kratom users always look for potent effects and a quick onset, that’s why manyof them opt for consuming kratom on an empty stomach. But is this always theright thing to do? We’ll explore it in this post.
How Does Kratom Work?
Kratom is the name given to the dried leaves of the kratom tree (Mitragyna speciosa). Mitragyna speciosa (or kratom) is a tree in the coffee family that grows in Southeast Asia. Kratom is native to places like Indonesia, Malay or Bali, for instance. The traditional way of consuming kratom in these areas is by chewing orbrewing in a tea the fresh leaves of the tree. However, when you buy kratom,the leaves have undergone different drying processes.
Once you consume kratom, its alkaloids (such as mitragynine or 7-OHM) passto your nervous system through your bloodstream. Then, the alkaloids bind tothe mu and delta receptors in your brain, creating different effects, such aspain relief, euphoria, relaxation or stimulation.
Different Ways of Taking Kratom
There are different ways of consuming kratom. Depending on the method you choose, the onset and even the potency of the effects may vary. Arguably, the most common ways of consuming kratom are by making a kratom tea or by using the toss and wash method. Both methods allow a quick absorption of kratom alkaloids, but most users report that the toss and wash method works faster for them. Having said that, there are also many other users that prefer taking kratom in a tea and claim that it is equally effective as toss and wash.
Other users opt for taking kratom in capsules. While capsules are a very convenient way to take kratom, they may not be so effective as consuming kratom in a tea or using the toss and wash method. Your body needs to digest the capsule prior to release its content (kratom powder) into your bloodstream.Therefore, the onset is slower and sometimes the kratom can even get trapped inthe capsule. If this happened, you mightnot even feel the effects of kratom.
You can also add kratom to smoothies, juices, applesauce, or even tocookies. Kratom users tend to do this in order to cover the taste of kratom. Sincekratom is fat soluble, taking kratom with high-fatfoods could make the absorption faster.
Kratom on an Empty Stomach: Pros and Cons
Taking kratom on an empty stomach allows a faster onset (some users report that it can cut the onset time in half). But at the same time, the chances to experience stomach upset or nausea increase. Nonetheless, not all kratom users suffer from these side effects on taking kratom on an empty stomach.However, if you are prone to stomachissues, we recommend you avoid taking kratom on an empty stomach.
On the other hand, some kratom users claim that the effects are more potent when taking kratom without any food in their stomach. But for other users, kratom is even more potent and longer-lasting if they consume it on a full stomach.
Other users for a kind of middle-ground solution. They ingest kratom with an empty stomach and eat a light snack 10-15 minutes after that. For many users, this seems to be the best way of getting a quick onset, strong effects, and of avoiding kratom side effects.
Is Kratom on an Empty Stomach Good for Me?
As usual, there is no answer to this question. It all depends on you. If you have never taken kratom on an empty stomach, we recommend you give it a try and see how it works for you. Yet, if you have any digestive issues you should avoid it. Nausea is a typical kratom side effect. And, needless to say, if your stomach is empty you are more likely to experience it.
You might find that taking kratom on an empty stomach works great for you. Or on the contrary, you may feel that you prefer eating something before or when consuming kratom. The best way to know which method is best for you is by trying and experimenting.
