Since it offers pain relief and mostly has sedative effects, kratom (Mitragyna speciosa) has become popular in various parts of the world. However, it does come with downsides—one of which is beating kratom constipation.
Although far from dangerous, constipation can cause great discomfort. It even puts you at risk of suffering from hemorrhoids, prolapse, anal fissure, and fecal impaction.
Keep an Eye Out for Symptoms
You might feel like there’s something wrong with your bowel movements, but you’re not sure whether it’s due to your intake of the herb. Well, if you do have kratom constipation, you’ll notice most of these symptoms:
If you’ve been experiencing these and you take kratom regularly, you might want to try and take a break from it. Assuming that your constipation is indeed due to the herb, you should feel a change in your bowel movement.
Ways to Beat Kratom Constipation
Since staying off the herb isn’t an option for some (especially those who rely on it to fight chronic pain), it’ll be necessary to consider other ways of regaining proper bowel movement and avoiding kratom side effects.
Drink Lots of Water
This is the cheapest way of treating all types of constipation. Water softens and flushes out hard stool. Also, drinking water keeps you hydrated, which is even more important if you’re constipated.
Eat More Fruit and Vegetables
These are natural sources of soluble fiber that makes it easier for stool to pass through the colon. Cruciferous vegetables, pears, and apples are some of your best options.
Don’t make the mistake of loading up on insoluble fiber though, as it’ll only worsen your condition. This kind of fiber, which is mostly found in bran, beans, and legumes, actually adds bulk to stool.
Take Magnesium Citrate
Magnesium citrate pills relieve stomach pain and discomfort, but they don’t really solve the problem. Also, though widely considered a safe drug or medication, magnesium citrate can cause problems if used often.
Ingest Mineral Oil
The oil lubricates the intestinal tract, allowing for easy passage. Taking anywhere from 15 to 20mL of mineral oil before meals should be enough to yield noticeable results.
Reconsider Your Dosage
Kratom-induced constipation can be caused by taking the wrong dose. If you’re a complete beginner, start with the lowest dose possible and gradually increase your intake depending on the kratom effects you’re getting.
Get a Laxative
Laxatives are drugs that soften the stool and improve bowel movement. Taking laxatives far too frequently, however, can lead to colon cancer—so don’t make it your go-to fix for constipation.
If you want a natural substitute for over-the-counter laxatives, castor oil should be a good option. Note that despite being safer, it can still trigger side effects like nausea, abdominal cramps, and diarrhea.
Take Probiotics
Probiotics (like those typically found in fermented food) are beneficial bacteria that promote digestive health. They also help improve stool frequency and consistency, even if you’re not constipated.
Answering the Common Questions
#1. Is it okay to continue taking kratom?
If the symptoms are mild, there shouldn’t be any problem as long as you stay hydrated and eat the right kinds of food. On the other hand, if your constipation isn’t getting any better, stay away from kratom for a while.
#2. What’s a good intake frequency to avoid (or minimize) constipation?
Take Kratom two to three times a week to avoid digestive issues while still enjoying relief from achy muscles. Besides, taking more than that makes you more susceptible to problems associated with frequent, long-term use such as kratom addiction.
#3. Is it necessary to make dietary changes while taking kratom?
While not necessary, making tweaks could be beneficial. Aside from increasing your fiber intake, you should avoid fatty, processed food to reduce your chances of getting constipated.
By the way, too much of the herb can cause loss of appetite, which in turn may lead to noticeable weight loss. Include nutritious foods in your diet to boost your immunity and prevent other digestive issues.
#4. Are there other risks in taking kratom frequently and in high doses?
In addition to causing constipation, regularly taking high doses of kratom may cause you to develop dependence or addiction. Besides, the increased sedative or stimulant effects can be hard to handle.
Although kratom products being classified under the opioid group is still a hotly debated topic, they do have effects that make them highly similar to psychostimulant drugs and other psychoactive substances.
They work on opioid receptors (passing the blood-brain barrier) and so, it isn’t hard to understand how kratom abuse is a real thing. There are even those who experience psychotic symptoms.
Kratom constipation is a treatable condition, and it’s likely that you’ll only have to follow some of our suggestions to finally get relief. Of course, if things don’t improve soon enough, you’ll have to consult a doctor.