Can Kratom Damage Your Kidneys?

Kratom is a tree that grows naturally in Southeast Asia, where it has been used in traditional medicine for centuries. Because of its therapeutic and medicinal properties, kratom is recently gaining popularity in Western countries, where it is only beginning to enter the mainstream marketplace.

Kratom is available in three varieties: green vein, white vein and red vein. Depending on kratom’s place of origin, we will also find several sub-types. Kratom effects and properties range from euphoria and energy to relaxation and sedation. But kratom is also an effective pain reliever and helps to lessen the symptoms of depression. Furthermore, kratom is a great ally in coping with opiate withdrawal.

For individuals who need to take opioid prescription painkillers, the damage they can cause to liver and kidneys –because of the extra strain this type of medication place on these organs– is a major issue. Since kratom is an excellent analgesic and can even substitute opioid painkillers, many users are concerned about the impact kratom can have on our kidneys and wonder if kratom can harm their kidneys. So, can kratom damage your kidneys? Let’s explore the subject below.

Kidneys’ Function and Main Issues

We humans have two kidneys. They are located in the upper abdominal area, toward the back, and their function is to filter and remove toxins by turning the waste into the urine. There are many conditions related to kidneys, such as kidney stones, infections, nephrotic syndrome, polycystic kidney disease, end-stage renal disease (ESRD) or renal failure.

Kidney Stones

Kidney stones are crystalline deposits of minerals formed in the kidney or in the ureter; when they are very large, kidney stones can even block the urine flow. They are very painful and are associated with the risk of kidney infections.

Though it is not possible to link kidney stones to a single cause, there are three main factors that increase the risk of suffering them:

• Dehydration
• A high amount of the substances that can form the stones (e.g., uric acid, oxalate or calcium)
• A decrease in urine volume or the lack of elements in urine that can prevent kidney stones to form

Can Kratom Cause Kidney Stones? Kratom and Dehydration

In regard to the impact of kratom in our kidneys, a study based on anecdotal evidence established that the usage of kratom in healthy individuals does not harm the kidneys. However, bear in mind that this is not a scientific study; in fact, there is no scientific research about the impact of kratom in humans, the only studies available so far have been performed in animals.

On the other hand, there is some evidence to suggest that kratom is a diuretic. That is, that kratom may lead to an increased urination. This could potentially be a risk for users who consume kratom regularly (i.e., daily or even several times per day), as diuretics provoke the loss of fluid which eventually might result in dehydration.

Dehydration can be very problematic because:

• Dehydration is associated with kidney stones. Taking kratom too often without drinking enough water, will increase the chances of developing kidney stones. This happens because the substances that can form stones which could not be withdrawn from kidneys, urinary tract, bladder or ureter.
• Dehydration could harm the effectiveness of your kidneys. Our kidneys filter the toxin out of our body by transferring them into fluids. Our body will then dispose of these fluids through the urine. But to operate properly, our kidneys need to have enough fluids.
• Dehydration can result in kratom constipation. Due to dehydration, intestines may need to absorb more water from the contents of your intestinal tract. This, combined with the slower movement of the intestines that kratom may sometimes cause, can end up in kratom constipation.

Can Kratom Damage Your Kidneys? Kratom and Kidney Infections

There is some anecdotal evidence that suggests that kidney infections might somehow be related to kratom. However, there aren’t any studies that confirm nor deny this idea.

As explained above, kratom could, in theory, provoke dehydration which could end up in the formation of kidney stones. And kidney stones could, in turn, increase the risk of kidney infections. Therefore, kidney infections caused by kratom could theoretically be possible, but as already mentioned there are no studies on this topic.

Large kidney stones can cause an obstruction in the urinary tract that will increase the risk of infection. But smaller stones can also provoke an infection even if they do not cause a blockage, as their sharpness can scratch kidneys, bladder, ureter or urinary tract. These scratches can eventually get infected and the infection could spread. Dehydration could worsen kidney infection since there is not enough fluid to help the body get rid of the bacteria.

How to Prevent Kidney Damage by Kratom

Fortunately, in most cases you can avoid kidney issues such as kidney stones or infections by following some simple tips:

• Limit the usage of kratom. Avoid consuming kratom daily can help your body to recover from the dehydration due to the diuretic effects of kratom. Any substance in excess will place a strain on kidneys. Therefore make sure you are using kratom with caution and moderation.
• Drink plenty of water. It is highly recommendable to drink at least 8 glasses of water per day. If you are taking any substances with diuretic effects (from medication to kratom) you may need to increase this amount. But that will depend on your overall health and your activity level. By doing this you are providing the kidneys with enough liquid to dispose of toxins. This will reduce the strain placed on them. And you are preventing the formation of kidney stones, as your body will flush out elements that form the stones.
• Keep a healthy diet. Diets with a high content of proteins, potassium and sodium will force the kidneys to perform an “extra” work to dispose of them. A healthy, balanced diet will enable you to keep your kidneys in good shape. This will reduce the chances of developing problems caused by kratom or any other substance in the future.

Do you have queries about how your kidneys function or how kratom is affecting them? Then it is wise to have a medical test performed. Your doctor could recommend you a good diet and a healthy lifestyle. This could minimize or even erase the potential impact of kratom on your kidneys.