Kratom and Hemorrhoids

Can kratom cause hemorrhoids? What is the link between kratom and hemorrhoids? Believe it or not, this is something that concerns many kratom users. Because kratom can cause constipation, there are users that think that kratom could also cause hemorrhoids. Well, kratom will not cause you hemorrhoids. But there is indeed a relationship between kratom and hemorrhoids. In this post, we’ll explore that relationship and give you some useful tips to avoid hemorrhoids if you are using kratom.

What Is Kratom? Main Uses of Kratom

Kratom is an evergreen tree in the coffee family that grows in Southeast Asia. Its scientific name is Mitragyna speciosa, in reference to kratom’s most abundant alkaloid: mitragynine. Kratom is also the name given to the dried leaves of the tree (which is what you are acquiring when you buy kratom).

The leaves of kratom contain plenty of alkaloids that act on your brain and your nervous system creating a wide range of effects:

• Pain relief
• Relaxation
• Euphoria
• Mood enhancement
• Sedation

While there is a lot of controversy about kratom, it is not a dangerous product if you consume it cautiously. However, kratom can have unpleasant side effects, in most cases due to high doses (as we will see below).

Hemorrhoids: Types and Causes

Hemorrhoids (or piles) are swollen veins in your lower rectum and anus. They are similar to varicose veins and, in some cases, can be very painful. Often, you can even bleed during bowel movements.

There are two different types of hemorrhoids:

• Internal hemorrhoids: They are located inside the rectum. In general, internal hemorrhoids aren’t painful. However, you can feel discomfort or irritation when the stool passes these hemorrhoids. In some cases, they can also bleed.
• External hemorrhoids: These hemorrhoids are located under your anus’s skin. They can bleed or itch. Sometimes, external hemorrhoids can be thrombosed hemorrhoids. In these cases, there is a clot (or thrombus) in the veins in the anal skin. Thrombosed hemorrhoids can result in a lump near the anus and are often very painful.

Hemorrhoids can be due to different causes, such as:

• Constipation
• Diarrhea
• Straining during bowel movements
• Pregnancy and labor
• Anal intercourse

Kratom and Hemorrhoids

Constipation is one of the most common kratom side effects. When you take kratom, the movement of your intestinal tract and bowel slow down. The stool also becomes harder and finds it more difficult to pass through the intestines.

But kratom can also cause dehydration. Kratom dehydration occurs because kratom has diuretic effects and release water from your body. Dehydration can also lead to constipation. When you are suffering from dehydration, your body takes the water it needs from the food waste in your intestine. As a result, the stool becomes harder and you may need to increase the straining to your bowel movements. This “struggle” in the toilet can eventually cause hemorrhoids.

So, properly speaking, kratom doesn’t cause hemorrhoids but still, there is a link between kratom and hemorrhoids. We could say that hemorrhoids are a collateral damage of kratom.

How to Avoid Hemorrhoids

The best way to avoid hemorrhoids when taking kratom is avoiding constipation and dehydration. Constipation is incredibly common if you are using kratom regularly. Being cautious with your kratom dosage and not taking kratom on a daily basis is arguably one of the best ways to avoid constipation. However, many kratom users need to take kratom every day. But there are other ways to avoid constipation and, at the same time, hemorrhoids:

• Drink plenty of water to avoid dehydration
• Keep a diet rich in vegetables and fiber
• Avoid refined carbs
• Eat whole-grain foods
• Take fiber supplements if you are noticing any constipation symptoms
• Take mild laxatives

Nonetheless, there are many people that are prone to getting hemorrhoids. If this is your case, you should be very cautious when using kratom and take fiber supplements to avoid constipation.

Other Side Effects of Kratom

Dehydration and constipation are not the only side effects of kratom. As we mentioned above, kratom can cause undesired side effects. While in most cases these side effects are not dangerous, they can be very unpleasant:

• Dizziness
• Nausea
• Headaches
• Eye wobbles

Not everybody experiences these side effects. There are even individuals that have never suffered from any of them. Having said that, using moderate doses and not taking kratom every day are the best ways to prevent side effects.

In summary, we could say that there is a link between kratom and hemorrhoids, but you can avoid them if you act with caution.