Kratom (Mitragyna speciosa) is an evergreen tree native to Southeast Asia that has become very popular in recent years. Millions of people consume kratom powder regularly in order to cope with different health issues. For these people, kratom is a life savior. However, kratom can also cause very unpleasant side effects if you do not use it properly. In this article, we will explore the most common kratom mistakes that users make. If you want to start using kratom (or even if you are already a kratom user), avoiding these mistakes will help you enjoy all the benefits of kratom while preventing side effects at the same time.
Why do People Use Kratom?
Kratom powder is made of kratom leaves that local farmers have previously handpicked and dried. These leaves contain over 20 alkaloids and other chemicals, including alkaloids mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine. Kratom alkaloids activate the mu and delta supraspinal opioid receptors. By this action, kratom helps your body regulate:
- Pain
- Stress
- Energy
- Mood
- Motivation
- Appetite
So, considering this range of effects, it is only logical that so many people have found in kratom an ally to:
- Fight acute or chronic pain
- Relieve the symptoms of anxiety and depression
- Get an energy boost and combat fatigue
- Fight insomnia
- Cope with the symptoms of drug withdrawal
- Boost motivation
- Enhance mood
Common Side Effects of Kratom
Despite its large number of benefits, kratom also has side effects. Even though they are not dangerous, they can be very, very unpleasant. What are the most common side effects of kratom?
- Constipation
- Dehydration
- Loss of appetite
- Stomach upset
- Nausea
- Headaches and migraines
- Dizziness
- Drowsiness
- Eye wobbles
In many cases, these side effects are due to the incorrect use of kratom. That is:
- Using high doses of kratom
- Taking kratom every day
- Not using different kratom strains
These are common kratom mistakes that can often cause side effects. Furthermore, these mistakes can also end up in kratom tolerance. Kratom tolerance is a frequent issue, especially among heavy users. If your body builds up a tolerance to kratom, you will need to increase your dosage to notice its effects. Eventually, you might end not feeling any effects at all, regardless of the dosage.
Kratom Mistakes that You Should Avoid
Using kratom safely is not difficult. However, you should still take certain precautions. These precautions include avoiding the kratom mistakes that you will find below. Will there be zero risks of side effects by avoiding these kratom mistakes? Sadly not. Risk zero does not exist. However, the risks will be reduced dramatically if you avoid the following kratom mistakes.
Taking Large Doses
This is kratom mistake number one. For many users, a low or a moderate kratom dosage does not seem to be enough and increase their dose gradually. And sometimes rapidly. And largely. Does this mean that low or moderate doses are ineffective? Not at all! But when you notice that something works, it turns out tempting to increase the dose. Then there is also the problem of kratom tolerance. Once kratom tolerance starts to build up, you will need to increase the dosage to continue enjoying the effects of kratom. In the end, it is a vicious circle. And the best way to avoid entering in that vicious circle is by avoiding large doses. That is, 4 to 5 grams tops (preferably less). Thus, you will also avoid the risk of experiencing kratom side effects. Remember: the side effects of kratom are often the consequence of high doses.
Using Kratom Every Day
And here we go with kratom tolerance again. Once your body gets used to kratom’s alkaloids, it will demand more and more to make them effective. And there might come a time when these alkaloids will be completely ineffective. No matter how much kratom you take. That’s why using kratom every day is one of the worst kratom mistakes that you can make. Yes, the effects of kratom can allow you to have a so-called “normal” life. A life without pain, without anxiety… And yet using it on a daily basis may make it ineffective. Hence, if you want to avoid kratom tolerance and continue enjoying the benefits of kratom, it is recommendable that you do not consume it every day.
Not Measuring Kratom Properly
Using a spoon to measure kratom sounds like the easiest thing to do, right? Well, it may be easy, but it is not the best way of doing it. At all. And how should you measure kratom? Simple. Use a kitchen scale. Kratom doses are so small (only a few grams) that you need to be precise to use the right dose. You need accuracy. And a spoon will not provide you with that accuracy.
Not Doing Research
This recommendation applies mostly to new users. Before you start using kratom, do some research. Find out who the best vendors are, what kratom strain would work best for you, which dosage you should use… The research will allow you to start using kratom effectively and safely. And above all, find out if kratom is the right choice for you. Kratom is not a panacea for all health issues and conditions. Furthermore, kratom will not heal you. It will only relieve symptoms of certain conditions. Many conditions, actually. But it is not a cure.
Buying from Dodgy Sources
Kratom is not a cheap product. If you come to think about it, kratom may seem quite expensive, actually. But the truth is that these high prices are often due to the high costs that kratom has for vendors. You will find that the range of prices is similar between most vendors. Therefore, if you find kratom at a much lower price, think twice before buying it. Is it a reliable vendor? Is it legit? If you are not familiar with the vendor, try to find as much information about them as possible. Very cheap kratom may mean a low-quality product or even fake kratom. In any case, it might be an ineffective product. Or even worse, a product that can harm your health.
Taking Kratom on an Empty Stomach
Many kratom users prefer to take kratom on an empty stomach because it allows a faster onset. And for them, using kratom on an empty stomach is not an issue. But for many others, kratom on an empty stomach can end up in stomach upset or nausea. So, if you have a sensitive stomach, eat something before consuming kratom. Thus, you will be able to avoid kratom digestive side effects. Additionally, you can also turn kratom powder in an ingredient for many sweet or sour recipes. You can make kratom smoothies, applesauce or even kratom soup. Kratom is a fat-soluble substance, so by mixing it with food, you will not harm it or make it less effective.
Using Dangerous Potentiators
For many kratom consumers, using potentiators is a way of increasing the duration and potency of kratom. However, some potentiators (including grapefruit) can have dangerous side effects and serious consequences. Potentiators act by inhibiting the action of metabolizing enzymes. These enzymes are responsible for breaking down external substances (or chemicals) that enter your body, such as toxins, drugs, medications or herbal supplements. When a potentiator blocks the action of these enzymes, those external substances remain in your body for a longer period of time. So, if you use a potentiator the effects of kratom will last longer. However, the risks of side effects are also higher. This is why using potentiators is one of the most common kratom mistakes.
Mixing Kratom and Medications
Even though there is no research about the interaction between kratom and medications, you should not mix them. Kratom’s effects on the opioid system may interact with the effects of drugs or medications. For instance, the combination of opioids and anti-depressants might reduce the pain-relieving effects of opioids. And even worse, it could result in respiratory depression. Although kratom is not an opioid, it acts on the opioid system. Hence, you should avoid mixing kratom and drugs. Moreover, in most cases of kratom-related deaths, there was a combination of kratom and drugs.
Not Rotating Your Kratom Strain
If you try a kratom strain and it works for you, why should you change it? Each kratom strain has a different set of alkaloids. Even if the differences are very slightly, trying different kratom strains will help you prevent kratom tolerance. Moreover, by rotating kratom strains you may find other strains that will suit you even better.
Is Kratom Safe?
Kratom is not a dangerous substance if you use it properly. While avoiding these kratom mistakes can help you avoid side effects and tolerance, you might still experience them. Every individual is different, and your body may react in different ways. So, there is no way of totally preventing side effects. However, using kratom safely should definitely help you avoid side effects and other risks.
