Your body is a complex circuit that needs many nutrients to ensure its proper functioning. You get most of them through food, which is the most natural way. Yet, sometimes you need a little help from supplements. They provide your body with the missing nutrients in a fast and efficient way.
A vast supplementation offer on the market is a good sign because you can certainly find what you need. Still, you need to take care of what you put into your body. Whenever you can, choose natural, herbal matters rather than synthetic ones. Study these products well before start using them because improper intake can carry certain risks, regardless of the natural origin of these supplements.
One of the natural supplements that cause a lot of controversies is Kratom. Scientists are still researching it, but there’s still no firm evidence showing it’s completely good or bad for human consumption. So if you plan to try this supplement, you’ll need to consider current knowledge on its benefits and risks.
Below, you can find some usage guidelines:
Herbal Matter
As mentioned, Kratom has a natural origin. In general, it’s a tree native to South Asia. People there have used it for centuries due to its positive health effects, but also for opioid-like action. They chew leaves or brew them into tea. For them, Kratom is both a recreational drug and revolutionary medicine in a single thing.
The Kratom of our interest is an extract derived from the leaves of the tree. People in South Asia chew them fresh or to make tea. But when it arrives on the USA market, this extract has dried, powdered form. That can slightly change its chemical composition, which can trigger some concerns about this herbal supplement.
Legality Issue
First of all, you should be aware of the laws in your state. The DEA planned to put Kratom in the same category as LSD and heroin a few years ago, but that hasn’t happened so far. Simply, the FDA doesn’t have a strict regulation nationwide as it doesn’t have proof of the Kratom noxiousness.
Every state has its own regulations on this supplement, so you should check with your local authorities before buying it. If Kratom is legal for sale in your state, you should only buy it from reputable vendors. You can buy it in a local store or online, which requires high alertness and caution. Read the label carefully to make sure you’re buying the real thing, not some fake product.
Beneficial Effects
As already said, Kratom has an opioid-like effect because some of its active substances bind to opioid receptors in the central nervous system. It reduces pain better, just like morphine. But the similarity ends there, as research has shown that these ingredients are non-addictive and haven’t shown any side effects associated with drugs.
Kratom is a good choice for treating chronic pain when nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs can’t help. It contains alkaloids that act on serotonin, dopamine, and adrenaline. That’s why this supplement gives a specific feeling. In low doses, Kratom acts as a stimulant and energy booster, giving a light opiate feeling. This feeling increases with higher doses, which trigger the analgesic and sedative effects of this herb.
Relaxation and Better Sleep
While the benefits of Kratom are not yet fully understood, many people still use it as a legitimate medicine for sleeping issues. It can give you better sleep due to the wealth of alkaloids doing good for your sleep cycle and its quality. So you won’t feel tired after waking up as your night rest will be peaceful and uninterrupted.
Withdrawal symptoms can cause a lack of sleep. As Kratom lacks in them, you can have a good night’s rest without tension and intense dreams keeping you half-awake all night. It can relax your body and mind and make you sleep like a baby. Plus, it’s an excellent alternative to synthetic pills as it’s far less addictive.
Kratom is not only good for the night but for the day, too. It can be a great way to boost energy, get in a better mood, and relieve signs of anxiety and depression. A more positive view of life can help you cope with more serious health problems.
Addiction Risk
One of the most important things to know about Kratom is that it has addiction potential. The FDA is warning about its risks because it can cause high effects. Sure, if you take too much of it, you may experience some withdrawal symptoms after a few days of use. But that can only happen if you use it irresponsibly. If you overdo it, even some ordinary things like coffee can be dangerous.
It’s true that Kratom acts on the same opioid receptors as opium, i.e., its psychoactive component, morphine. For this reason, the use of this herb may simulate drug effects. But it has been shown to be far less addictive. That leads to the conclusion that Kratom can actually be used in treating drug addicts.
Side Effects
While it is a popular natural medicine in Asia, Kratom is still not considered a pharmaceutical in the United States. The FDA has yet to approve products based on this plant, as it lacks empirical evidence on their benefits. But there’s also no firm proof of their harmfulness, just some speculation.
You can buy Kratom worldwide, but you should buy it from reputable sources like DrinkU and use it with caution. As there’s a risk of some unwanted effects, you may experience dizziness, nausea, vomiting, and stomach pain. High doses can trigger hallucinations and disrupt your daily functioning. If taken in moderation, you won’t feel any of these.
Besides promoting your healthy lifestyle, Kratom can help you deal with various health problems. While the FDA is still unclear about this supplement, it’s not harmful if you use it wisely. A professional can provide you with the advice and precaution to make the right decision and avoid side effects.
