If you have IBS, you may have wondered whether kratom could help. Some people living with IBS, ulcerative colitis, or Crohn’s disease have turned to kratom as a way to manage their symptoms, but is it actually effective? In this post, we take a closer look at how kratom may (or may not) help IBS patients, including its potential benefits and side effects.
What Is IBS?
IBS (irritable bowel syndrome) is a common condition that affects the large intestine. According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, roughly 12 percent of the American population suffers from IBS.
The exact causes of IBS are still not fully understood, but contributing factors may include infections in the digestive tract, gut sensitivity, digestive dysfunction, and even stress. Having a family member with IBS also appears to increase a person’s risk. People with IBS frequently experience other overlapping conditions as well, such as fibromyalgia, chronic pain, or chronic fatigue syndrome.
Common symptoms of IBS include diarrhea or constipation, abdominal pain, bloating, mucus in the stool, and a persistent feeling of incomplete bowel movements.
Crohn’s Disease and Ulcerative Colitis
Unlike IBS, Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis involve active inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract. Together, they represent the two main forms of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), a group of chronic conditions that currently have no cure. Ulcerative colitis is limited to the colon and rectum, while Crohn’s disease can affect any part of the gastrointestinal tract, though it most commonly targets the small intestine and the beginning of the colon.
The symptoms of Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis include:
- Diarrhea
- Rectal bleeding
- Abdominal pain
- Weight loss
- Fatigue
- Joint pain
- Constipation
The exact causes of IBD remain unclear, but research suggests it may be more common in people with celiac disease. Lifestyle factors such as smoking and physical inactivity may also raise the risk, and genetics appears to play a significant role as well.
Kratom: An Overview
Kratom is the common name for Mitragyna speciosa, an evergreen tree in the coffee family that is native to Southeast Asia. For centuries, communities in Thailand and Indonesia used kratom leaves to relieve pain and boost energy. More recently, it has gained a following in the Western world, with many people reporting that it helps them manage pain, ease symptoms of anxiety and depression, and combat fatigue.
So how does it work? Kratom contains over 20 active alkaloids, the most abundant of which is mitragynine. These alkaloids have anti-inflammatory properties and interact with opioid receptors in the brain, producing effects that range from pain relief to euphoria.
The effects of kratom include:
- Analgesia
- Euphoria
- Relaxation
- Stimulation
As a result, people commonly use kratom to:
- Combat pain
- Relieve the symptoms of anxiety and depression
- Get an energy boost and fight fatigue
- Relax and relieve stress
- Fight insomnia
The specific effects you experience will depend largely on two factors: the dose you take and the strain you choose. As a general rule, lower doses tend to be more stimulating, while higher doses lean more sedating. The strain also matters.
Kratom comes in three main types — white, red, and green — with many sub-varieties (or strains) named after their region of origin or other distinguishing characteristics. Examples include red Bali, green Malay, and white Maeng Da. White strains are typically the most energizing, red strains the most relaxing (and potentially sedating at higher doses), and green strains tend to fall somewhere in between, though they are generally milder than the other two.
Kratom for IBS
Unfortunately, there is very little scientific research on kratom in general, and even less specifically addressing its use for IBS or IBD. For now, we have to rely on anecdotal reports from people who have tried it.
Among IBS, Crohn’s, and ulcerative colitis patients who use kratom, abdominal pain relief is a commonly reported benefit. The most frequently mentioned improvement, however, is a reduction in diarrhea. This is largely because constipation is one of kratom’s most well-known side effects: it slows bowel movements, which is why some regular users turn to fiber supplements. For IBS and IBD patients, though, this same effect can actually work in their favor.
Beyond digestive symptoms, kratom may also help IBS patients manage stress and anxiety, both of which are closely linked to the condition. For those with ulcerative colitis or Crohn’s disease, some users also report relief from chronic pain and fatigue.
That said, it is important to keep expectations in check. While kratom may ease certain symptoms, it is not a cure for IBS or IBD. And if you are currently taking medication for your condition, it is essential to speak with your doctor before adding kratom to your routine.
Side Effects of Kratom
Is kratom safe for people with IBS, ulcerative colitis, or Crohn’s disease? Honestly, it is hard to say with certainty: the research simply is not there yet. What we do know is that kratom can cause side effects beyond constipation, including:
- Nausea and stomachache
- Dizziness
- Headaches and migraines
- Dehydration
- Eye wobbles
- Loss of libido
The best way to minimize these risks is to start low and go slow. For those new to kratom, a starting dose of 2 to 3 grams is generally recommended, with gradual increases from there. Here is a rough dosing guide:
- 2–4 grams: Low dose
- 4–5 grams: Medium dose
- 5–8 grams: High dose
It is also worth avoiding daily use. Frequent consumption can lead to tolerance, meaning your body gradually needs more kratom to achieve the same effects.
