Whether you are new to kratom or a seasoned enthusiast, understanding how kratom affects your body’s water balance is very important. While there is currently no definitive evidence that kratom can dehydrate your body, there have been some anecdotal reports that suggest that it might. So grab a glass of water and let’s splash into the details about kratom and hydration.
What is Kratom and Why Do People Love It So Much?
If you have not seen our post about kratom and what it is, make sure you read our comprehensive guide to all things kratom to get brought up to speed. If you’re familiar with kratom at a novice level, then you are already aware that this tropical plant has been used for centuries for its purported effects on mood, energy, and relief from discomfort.
More recently, it has seen an explosion in popularity in the health and wellness community for those previously mentioned effects.
The Science of Hydration
Your body relies on water to survive. Hydration is all about maintaining the right balance of fluids in your body. The human body is dependent on water for just about everything it does, from regulating temperature to transporting nutrients, every cell, tissue, and organ needs it to function.
As much as 60% of an adult human body is composed of water, including some of your most important organs. According to some sources, your brain is over 85% water, your lungs are more than 80% water, and your heart is over 73% water. Just imagine how other organs like your eyes and mouth would feel without the lubrication of water. Think of how your joints might grind together if there wasn’t fluid in there to protect your elbows and knees.
Equally as important are the electrolytes that are dissolved in water and other body fluids, like your blood. Electrolytes are minerals, like calcium, sodium, and potassium, that are crucial to key functions in your body. Some of the important functions they perform are:
- Stabilize the amount of water in your body
- Regulate muscle contractions
- Balance the acidity or alkalinity in your body (your pH levels)
- Move waste and nutrients in and out of your cells
How Kratom Affects Hydration
So what do you need to know about kratom and hydration? While more research is needed, kratom users should take note of the following:
- Diuretic Effects
Kratom has been shown to have mild diuretic effects, which means that it makes a person urinate more. The effect is similar to when you drink coffee or tea. More trips to the bathroom may lead to loss of water and your body’s electrolytes, which are crucial for staying hydrated.
- Digestive Effects
Kratom can also have an effect on your digestive system. Some people have reported that it may cause mild constipation. When your digestive system slows down, your body may retain more water. This can lead to feeling bloated.
- Alkaloid Interactions
Kratom is packed with active compounds called alkaloids, specifically mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine. These alkaloids interact with specific receptors in your brain and body, influencing how your body processes fluids.
The Benefits of Proper Hydration with Kratom
There are several reasons to drink water while using kratom. One of the biggest payoffs is that proper hydration helps your body to absorb alkaloids, which leads to feeling the kratom’s benefits and effects. Your body actually uses water in multiple phases when processing kratom.
Water helps kratom break down with enzymes through your intestines. Kratom crosses the epithelial lining of your intestines and works its way to your brain. Again, water is hugely important here, because it helps bind the alkaloids with their specific receptors in the brain.
In other words, if you are dehydrated or do not have enough water in your body to properly metabolize the kratom and bind its alkaloids to your brain’s receptors, then you may not be getting the most out of your kratom experience. Drinking extra water ensures that you’ll feel kratom’s effects and experience its wellness benefits.
How to Stay Hydrated When Using Kratom
Follow these steps to ensure that you stay properly hydrated when using kratom and maximize all of its positive effects:
- Have a plan to drink plenty of water. Most people aim for at least 8 glasses a day, but plan on adding an extra glass of water for every dose of kratom you take.
- Don’t forget your electrolytes. For many people, 8 glasses of water a day can be a chore, and that’s before adding an extra glass to account for your kratom! That’s why you’ll want to ingest more electrolyte-rich foods and drinks, such as fruits, veggies, and sports drinks, to balance out all that water.
- Pay attention to your body. You know your body, so be aware of any signs of dehydration like dry mouth, dark urine, and fatigue. If you experience any of these symptoms, try adjusting your water intake first to see if it resolves the problem. If your symptoms worsen or persist, contact your healthcare provider.
- Be consistent about making hydration a part of your kratom routine. If you get into the habit of drinking water anytime you consume kratom, it will become second nature. If you struggle with remembering to drink water or get easily distracted, set reminders for yourself. Write notes to remind yourself, or set alarms or reminders on your phone or smartwatch.
Final Thoughts on Kratom and Hydration
Kratom can be a fantastic addition to your wellness routine, but it’s vital that you stay hydrated to maximize its benefits and mitigate any potential side effects. By understanding the importance of staying hydrated in general, how kratom may affect your body’s water balance, and easy tips to drink more water, you’ll enjoy all the perks that this powerful plant has to offer.
So fill up your favorite water bottle, remember to stay hydrated, and enjoy your kratom journey to the fullest! For the highest quality kratom in convenient powders and capsules, try Kratom Gecko today.
