For decades, people have used kratom, a herbal remedy made from the leaves of a tropical tree native to Southeast Asia, to cure illnesses including chronic pain. But recently, some users have reported experiencing headaches when they use kratom, leading many to question whether or not kratom is a cause of these headaches. Let's take a look at what research says about this topic.
Kratom & The Brain
Users of Kratom generally feel the effects within minutes of consumption. The mood-boosting effects of kratom last for hours and are immediately followed by an improvement in energy and focus.
Neurotransmitters are the main culprit for these changes. If not caused by neurotransmitters, hormones are most likely the source of these changes in behavior and consciousness. Neurochemical effects are typically more apparent than hormonal effects, mainly when using kratom. It could take weeks or months for them to appear.
Because of how complex the plant is, there are a variety of side effects that can have a variety of effects on various people. In addition to affecting mood and focus, the plant affects other vital processes. Some other adverse effects, such as headaches, may also be caused by these processes.
Related Link: What Is Kratom? - Capsules, Dosage & Effects of High
What Causes Kratom-related Headaches?
The exact cause of kratom-related headaches is unknown. However, several potential factors may contribute to this phenomenon. For example, some people may be more prone to headaches due to genetics or pre-existing medical conditions. Additionally, the alkaloids in kratom may also play a role in causing headaches in sensitive individuals.
Dehydration
Dehydration can also be a factor, as it can lead to electrolyte imbalances, triggering headaches. Kratom is a top candidate for causing rapid and severe dehydration due to a few of its characteristics. Its great astringency is the first characteristic. When an astringent substance comes in contact with a wet tissue, like the inside of your mouth, it causes a feeling of dryness.
While astringency gives the impression that these tissues are drying out, it actually tightens the tissue's cellular structure to stop moisture from entering or evaporating. Both scenarios lead to uncomfortable sensations of dryness and dehydration.
The fact that kratom is a diuretic is its second characteristic. Diuretics are chemicals that cause you to urinate, like coffee, the sister plant of kratom. A diuretic will make you dry unless you're aiming to avoid fluid retention or are regularly replacing your fluids. As a result, it's essential to consume a significant amount of water while using kratom.
Otherwise, various dehydration symptoms, such as headaches, will manifest. In fact, dehydration is so prevalent among kratom users that many of the herb's adverse effects are simply the result of it. Dehydration can cause nausea, vomiting, lethargy, headaches, and brain confusion.
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Overload of Neurotransmitters
As previously mentioned, kratom has a significant impact on your neurotransmitters. Primarily epinephrine and dopamine are affected.
These neurotransmitters excite the mind and body, notably epinephrine. Epinephrine can cause a rather considerable rise in blood pressure due to doing this. Chronic headache discomfort might be caused by high blood pressure. White and green strains are more energizing. They are, therefore, more prone than other kratom strains to result in headaches of this kind.
Hormonal Changes
Another hypothesis for these causes of headaches is hormonal changes. Headaches are only one of the many symptoms that can appear when hormones are out of sync.
Related Link: The Adverse Cardiovascular Effects and Cardiotoxicity of Kratom
How Can I Avoid Kratom-related Headaches?
If you're concerned about getting headaches after taking kratom, there are several steps you can take to reduce your risk. First and foremost, make sure that you're drinking plenty of water throughout the day so that you don't become dehydrated. It's also important to start slow—begin with lower doses and gradually work your way up until you find the dose that works best for you without triggering any negative side effects like headache pain.
Additionally, if possible, try experimenting with different strains of kratom as some users have reported that certain strains are more likely to cause headaches than others. Finally, it's important to pay attention to any signs or symptoms that could indicate an underlying medical condition, such as migraine or tension headache, so that you can seek treatment if needed.
To reduce your risk of developing these side effects while using kratom, it is important to drink plenty of water and start with lower doses before gradually increasing them over time if needed. Additionally, experimenting with different strains and paying attention to any warning signs could help minimize your risk of getting kratom-related headaches in the future.
Tips For Finding High-Quality Kratom
When purchasing kratom, the source should be your top priority. Ask for proof of this before making a purchase since reputable suppliers are those that have third-party lab testing that demonstrates their product is uncontaminated and effective. If you decide to buy from a neighborhood shop, find out where the products are made and conduct more investigation before making a purchase.
Making sure the product was grown ethically and sustainably is the next step in locating good quality kratom. Look for vendors who cultivate their kratom organically without the use of pesticides or chemical fertilizers. This guarantees that your product won't include any contaminants or potentially dangerous compounds that could lead to health issues in the future.
Make sure your provider also sources its kratom from Southeast Asia, which has earned a reputation as one of the greatest regions to find premium strains thanks to its favorable climate and soil conditions for growing robust plants with high alkaloid concentrations.
Before making any purchases, make sure to research the kratom strain you desire and the effects it will provide. Knowing which strain is ideal for you will help ensure you get the results you want from your purchase.
Different strains have different impacts on users; some may be energizing while others may be more tranquil. Being aware that various sellers and providers may identify their strains differently from one another will help you avoid wasting time and money later on.
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The Use of Kratom
Kratom has been used for centuries as an herbal remedy for various ailments, but some people report experiencing unpleasant side effects like headache pain after taking it. The exact cause of these headaches is still unclear, but there are several potential contributing factors including genetics and pre-existing medical conditions such as migraines or tension headaches.
If you experience headaches after using kratom, try different strains or lower your dosage until the headaches stop. Check out our website to learn more about the benefits of kratom and find products that will work best for you.
Related Link: Kratom Capsules: 5 Facts You Need to Know
