Kratom Health Benefits And Nutrition Facts

Found in Southeast Asia, Kratom has recently been used as a herb that possesses medical qualities. The leaves of the plant are usually dried and ground to powder or can be boiled to prepare tea. It is a well-known element for the presence of alkaloids which can either be a stimulant or opium depending on the intensity of the strain.

Some of the reasons include; for pain relief purposes, anxiety, and as a natural substitute for opioids among other uses. Some people also take it to gain energy and concentration or to relieve depression and facilitate socialization.

However, it is important to note that kratom is not approved by the Food and Drug Administration and its effects and health benefits of kratom have not been known completely. Here, we have some health benefits associated with the herb.

Being an herbal supplement, Kratom has received massive attention from medical practitioners mainly because of its efficacy on chronic pain patients.

This is attained by two main alkaloids; mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine that operate by engaging the opioid receptors found in the brain in a manner that is similar to typical pain relievers. 

Kratom also helps relieve discomfort and has an opium-like effect when ingested in greater amounts or when smoked; it can even cause euphoria. While there is a weak evidence–based support for using kratom pain relief as a treatment for chronic pain, many people are already using it to manage their pain, seeing a lot of advantages over opiates.

Kratom is an organic product, which is famous for its effect on the central nervous system, which is why people who need an energy source or increased concentration choose it. The components of kratom that are most effective are known to trigger the brain’s opioid receptors which makes the user more focused and consequently alert.

Unlike other synthetic products, kratom is a natural product that enhances the brain activity with limited side effects or chance for the users to get addicted. At low doses, kratom enhances focus and alertness and this makes it quite helpful especially when one needs to study or work on a challenging task. In terms of productivity and efficiency.

Among the many kratom plant benefits is that it is used as an energy booster without resorting to synthetic substances. In small amounts, the herb has a stimulating effect, making the consumer more energized, awake, and alert, which is why it can be helpful for people who lack the energy to perform tasks or need to concentrate.

The kratom alkaloids mitragynine and 7-OH-MG act on the brain, activating receptors that trigger the release of dopamine and serotonin, neurotransmitters responsible for controlling mood and energy.

By increasing levels of these chemicals, kratom can create energy and alertness resembling caffeine without the side effects of nervousness or fatigue.

Based on existing data, kratom might be used as an organic medicine for alleviating signs of anxiety and depression. Benefits of kratom can be used to treat some of the symptoms like anxiety, racing thoughts, restlessness, and other related effects like promoting calmness and relaxation.

It has also been reported that kratom has the potential to act as an antidepressant and anxiolytic since it increases serotonin and dopamine levels in the brain. Kratom alkaloid has an impact on the opioid receptors in the brain to act as stress relieving substances, particularly to individuals suffering from these mental health-related complications.

However it is crucial to know that the human body’s reactions to this herb may be different, and there is a need for more studies regarding mood disorders. When seeking to use kratom for medicinal purposes, it is always wise to consult a healthcare provider before taking kratom into consideration.

Kratom has the ability to control the blood sugar level in the body which is very important in the overall health of a person especially for diabetic patients. Further research is needed on the physical processes through which kratom impacts blood sugar, but some data points to the plant’s potential as a diabetes remedy due to its ability to regulate glucose levels.

The two primary alkaloids in kratom, mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine, are thought to interact with insulin and glucose, thus helping regulate blood sugar levels. These alkaloids affect opioid receptors in the body which are involved in the regulation of glucose.

Kratom has been periodically praised for its effectiveness in alleviating the symptoms of opioid withdrawal, giving hope to those with addiction concerns. Kratom has alkaloids that can bind to opioid receptors, and therefore, it could minimize the severe withdrawal symptoms and craving for opioids.

These compounds interact with these receptors being full or partial agonists and that makes the effects of kratom similar to opioids but with less likely of dependence or overdose.

This is especially the case today, given the opioid epidemic and millions of people who have found themselves struggling with prescription medication addiction, famous athletes included who have gone public talking of the detrimental effects of these substances.

Concerning the influence of Kratom on blood pressure, there are many stories about either increase or decrease depending on the dosage and the person’s individual response.

Lower doses of kratom described only a light increase in blood pressure, while increased doses resulted in a higher increase, which is dangerous for people with hypertension or cardiovascular diseases.

People who are aiming to use kratom should do it cautiously, especially those with cardiovascular issues, and keep an eye on their blood pressure. These leaves were also traditionally used as an herbal remedy for various illnesses, such as coughs, diarrhea, diabetes, and high blood pressure.

Kratom has been studied for its potential appetite-suppressing effects, with the Thai strain being particularly popular for this purpose. Some individuals report that taking 2-5 grams of kratom per day may help curb hunger and reduce overall food intake.

In one of the studies, it was discovered that kratom consumers have a reduced likelihood of developing metabolic syndrome, which entails obesity. The study also noted that there was a statistically significant difference in the mean value of waist circumference among the kratom users and those who were non-users indicating that the substance may have an impact of reducing weight.

Two of the alkaloids present in the kratom, mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine, may contribute to the modulation of metabolism and weight. For instance, kratom has been used in Southeast Asia for diabetes, showing it has significance to metabolic well-being.

Kratom has gained attention as a potential natural sleep aid due to its ability to promote relaxation and reduce stress levels. Certain strains of kratom, particularly red strains such as Red Maeng Da, Red Bali, and Red Vein, are often associated with calming and sedative effects that can help facilitate sleep.

These specific strains are believed to support REM sleep and delta wave sleep, both of which are essential for cognitive functions and physical recovery. The alkaloids found in kratom, especially mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine, interact with opioid receptors in the brain, inducing a sense of calm and relaxation.

This calming effect can help reduce stress levels and create a conducive environment for sleep. 

This plant has opioids in its structure and has been linked to various effects on sexual health and desire. Kratom has been found to cause enhanced libido and better intimate performance for the male and female users.

Some of the beneficial effects noted by the kratom users included enhanced energy when involved in intimacy, longer time before ejaculation, increased libido and better erectile function. Additionally, it has been reported that kratom helps in protracted and rigorous intimate activities, reduces nervous system tension, and probably improves sexual experiences.

Kratom's effects on digestion have been a topic of interest, with both positive and negative impacts reported. On one hand, kratom has been known to slow down the digestive process, which can lead to constipation and other related issues such as dehydration. 

This is particularly relevant for individuals who consume high doses of kratom or use it frequently over an extended period. On the other hand, some studies suggest that kratom may offer potential benefits for digestion and weight management.

Research indicates that kratom may have anti-obesity effects by inhibiting the activity of lipase, an enzyme that breaks down dietary fats, and by reducing the accumulation of fat in adipocytes (fat cells). These mechanisms could potentially contribute to improved digestion and better weight control.

Kratom, which comes from the leaves of the tropical tree Mitragyna speciosa, has been traditionally used as a cough suppressant in Southeast Asia.

In this region, people often use kratom to alleviate coughs, especially when combined with other ingredients such as cough syrup and cola. A specific formulation called "4x100" is popular, which involves mixing boiled kratom leaves with cough syrup and cola, and then serving the mixture over ice.

Similarly, kratom tea has risen in popularity among the natural health enthusiasts due to its ability to act as painkillers and to boost the mood. Despite it being legal, people are cautious when it comes to consumption of kratom tea or any other product that contains the plant since it may pose certain risks to health.

Although kratom's nutritional profile hasn't been thoroughly researched, it contains several important nutrients. The herb has antioxidants like polyphenols and flavonoids that may help protect the body from oxidative stress and free radical damage.

Kratom benefit also contains small amounts of essential minerals such as calcium, magnesium, and potassium, which are crucial for various bodily functions. Additionally, trace amounts of vitamins C and B2 (riboflavin) can be found in kratom.

Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant that supports the immune system and collagen production, while B2 is essential for energy metabolism and cell growth. However, the nutrient content may vary depending on factors like strain, growing conditions, and processing methods.

• Sodium: <0.1 mg
• Iron: 0.5 mg
• Calcium: 13.2 mg
• Potassium: 18.5 mg
• Carbohydrates: 1.5 g
• Protein: 0.2 g
• Fats: <0.1 g

Kratom is not typically consumed as a food source due to its lack of significant nutritional value. Instead, it is primarily used as a supplement or traditional medicine for its potential health benefits.

While kratom may contain small amounts of micronutrients such as vitamin C, calcium, iron, and potassium, these quantities are not substantial enough to replace the need for a balanced and varied diet. It is essential to view kratom primarily as a natural remedy rather than a dietary staple.