We are sure you must have plenty of questions and concerns inhabiting your mind before incorporating this globally adored plant into your daily regimen- just like with any other substance. One such common concern users search for is whether “Kratom can make you constipated?” The short answer is yes. Constipation is an unavoidable side-effect of frequently using Kratom.
While Constipation is not a cause of serious medical concern, it can be uncomfortable to live with. But you have nothing to worry about.
Our detailed guide below is here to answer all your burning questions. Below we have given you all the know-how on Kratom-induced Constipation. We have also shared some incredible tips on adjusting your diet and lifestyle to keep this unwanted side effect at bay.
In medical terminology, there is no standard definition for Constipation. By and large, Constipation is considered a health condition categorized by infrequent bowel movements.
If an individual passes stool less than three times a week, and it can persist for several weeks, then the medical condition is termed Constipation. In other cases, it involves the inability to empty the bowels. This can cause your stools to be hard and lumpy or unusually large or small.
The severity and duration of the condition vary from one person to another- it can last for a certain period or be a chronic (life-long) condition. Constipation can occur due to a variety of reasons including lack of physical activity, improper diet, dehydration, and in some cases, as a side effect of supplements or drugs.
According to Healthline, Kratom-induced constipation is one of the most common side effects regular Kratom users often experience.
Generally, Kratom-induced Constipation occurs in individuals who use very high doses of Kratom for a longer period. On such occasions, Kratom can cause a slowing-down of bowel movements, resulting in discomfort in passing stool. Individuals who consume mild-to-moderate levels of Kratom are less likely to suffer from the condition.
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A 2018 Research investigated constipation prevalence from kratom use and fatigue severity during kratom cessation in individuals who reported regular ingestion of kratom decoction.
User reports suggest that consumption of long-term Kratom (Mitragyna Speciosa Korth., Rubiaceae) can be associated with negative effects like constipation and withdrawal symptoms such as fatigue.
Regular consumption of kratom decoction did not appear to cause significant constipation problems. The findings revealed that “only 38% of the 125 regular male Kratom users reported constipation. Whereas the majority of the 74% were able to defecate daily”.
Regular Speciosa use can dehydrate the body- leading it to absorb more water from feces and other bodily wastes during digestion. This can result in harder, clumpy stool, which becomes difficult and sometimes painful to pass.
Kratom can also decrease the time for food to get from the mouth to the anus, resulting in irregular, painful bowel movements.
Our Two Cents: Kratom reacts differently on different bodies. Hence, the side effects of Constipation may not exactly be the same for every individual. Your digestive health also depends on various genetic, dietary, and situational factors, which also play a role in how Kratom affects your body.
Now that we are clear that kratom has the unpleasant side effect of constipation, you may wonder why kratom causes constipation, and if you need to exercise more or drink more water to alleviate the problem. Another question that arises is, why in some instances the constipation is more severe than in others. Well, we have the answer.
Most often than not, whenever you use a sedative you will experience constipation. However, the intensity of the constipation caused depends upon the sedative or drug that was used by the individual. In the case of kratom, there are three different strains available to customers. Each has its own alkaloid content and brings about different effects on the user.
White vein kratom has the tendency to energize and invigorate the user while the green vein variety first gives a boost of energy and then creates relaxation after a while. Red vein kratom has the most potent sedative qualities and is most likely to cause constipation. So it is safe to say that Red Vein Kratom is the reason you have sometimes been experiencing the worst kind of constipation.
A Fun Fact:
Do you know Constipation is categorized as a gastrointestinal issue, which means it is primarily affected by a person’s diet?
Therefore, paying attention to what you are putting into your body is essential.
Do you want to continue using Kratom for its amazing benefits but dislike the uncomfortable feeling of being constipated?
In that case, there are several lifestyle and diet adjustments that you can adopt to overcome the issue. Below, we’ve listed some of the ways you can deal with it:
Medical professionals, dietitians, and fitness advisors have long emphasized how important drinking enough water is for your health.
Not only should you drink around 4 to 6 large glasses of water regularly, but you should increase your water intake further if you’re suffering from Constipation. This alone is the single-best way to counter the dehydrating effects of Kratom and save yourself from the challenging disease.
Not a big fan of water? Here are some pro tips to help you throughout the day.
You can even take your daily Kratom dose in the form of Kratom tea instead of powder or capsules. Not only will you be getting the Kratom kick you need, but you will also consume water simultaneously!
Dietary fiber also referred to as “bulk,” is the component of plant food that your digestive system cannot absorb. It passes through your alimentary canal undigested and forms most of your stool. Fibre adds moisture and bulk to your stool, making it easy to pass. This is why increased fiber in your diet is a sure way to tackle kratom-induced Constipation. “A good way to fight the constipation is to take some additional fiber”, an ardent Kratom user shared on Reddit.
Try to adjust your diet by consuming more fiber-rich foods. These include:
Integrating some of these vegetables, fruits, and legumes into your diet can help you avoid becoming constipated while using Kratom.
Ever heard of that? As surprising as it may sound, you can actually train your bowels (just like you poop-trained your bub or pet).
Bowel Retraining is a minor practice that can help you treat kratom-induced Constipation. It essentially involves setting up a schedule to try and have regular bowel movements. For example, you can go to the bathroom after every meal or right after you wake up in the morning, and train your body clock to pass stool at certain times throughout the day.
Words of Wisdom: One important thing to remember is that you should never delay passing stool, especially if you struggle with Constipation. Try and go to the bathroom as soon as you feel the urge, which also trains your body to pass stool easily and regularly.
Regular exercising is one of the core fundamentals for a healthy, active, and fit metabolism and lifestyle. In addition, exercise also plays a crucial role in alleviating Constipation and ensuring regular bowel movements.
Simple activities such as cardio, strength training, or even walking or jogging in the morning can help maintain a healthy digestive tract and allow you to keep using Kratom without the unpleasant constipation pains.
Are increased exercise, water, and fiber intake not producing the results you need?
Use some over-the-counter laxatives or probiotics to treat your Constipation.
– Another user shared her concern “Try to stay away from stimulant laxatives. They can actually make your body dependent on them, and your body will have a harder time having a bowel movement if you are addicted to them and go without.”
Hence, Herbal Stimulant Laxatives are relatively safer, such as castor oil, and cascara sagrada can also help relieve constipation.
Last but certainly not least. In fact, the most important of all tips is being wary of the dose consumed.
While all of the above methods are general practices to treat Constipation, remember if your Constipation is triggered by Kratom, it is important that you control your dosage and be aware of the strain you are consuming.
There might be chances that you may be consuming too much Kratom, and if you do not regulate your dosage, there may be no improvement in your Constipation.
The best three tricks to keep your dosage in control are:
1) Lowering your quantity
2) Skipping the daily dose to alternate days
3) Changing strains from stronger to milder
4) Switching from potent vein colors (such as Reds or Golds and Yellows) to moderate (e.g. Greens and Whites).
There is no ideal-for-all kratom dose. It varies from one person to another based on several factors including:
Therefore, it is important to consult a medical practitioner to know how much Kratom is right for you and lower your dose if you experience adverse side effects.
Are you battling long-term Constipation?
A little heads-up!
It may lead to severe complications such as:
1) Hemorrhoids or Piles (swelling of the veins around rectum and anus leading to bleeding)
2) Faecal Impaction (collection of dry, hard stools in the rectum)
3) Bowel Incontinence (leakage of liquid stools)
4) Rectal Prolapse (stretching and slipping of the rectum outside the body)
5) Anal Fissures (tearing of the tissues around the anus).
The answer to the question ‘can kratom cause constipation?’ is YES. It can. But there are things you can do to hopefully minimize this side effect.
Kratom is a great herb, and we believe no human should be deprived of reaping its benefits. However, given its complicated nature, the only rule of thumb while using it is: More is Bad.
Staying within mild to moderate dosages is the best way to tap most of Kratom’s health benefits while avoiding unpleasant and painful side effects like constipation, dehydration, etc.
Besides, consumers must be mindful of certain other factors such as the strain they are using, the amount of Kratom taken daily, and closely monitoring how it affects their bodies. All in all, making small adjustments to your daily diet can go a long way in helping you overcome Kratom-induced Constipation.
If you have any other tips or personal experiences to share you may do so in the comments below. Your precious guidance is much appreciated.
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