For many, temporary pain relief is experienced with low doses of kratom. However, whether mixing kratom powder into their favorite food or drink or using convenient kratom capsules, a certain number of concerns have arisen where long-term effects along with continued use are concerned.
In the Western world, this is a relatively new supplement. So, the long-term impact discovered through Scientific studies is somewhat limited. If, however, you check out anecdotal evidence and what research is available, you can begin piecing together an understanding of the effects of kratom.
As you keep reading, please keep in mind that it is imperative that you have to purchase high-quality products from reputable sources. This is going to go a long way toward staying healthy and using the products as safely as possible. If you are ever in doubt, do not hesitate to check with your pharmacist or personal physician before trying any new supplement, drug, substance, etc.
What The Science Says About Kratom’s Long-Term Effects
The focus of most scientific kratom studies has been on short-term effects in mice and rats. Nonetheless, you can find some early research investigating the long-term impact on humans.
Let’s talk about dependence and withdrawal first. One study of regular kratom users found that over half showed signs of some type of dependence and withdrawal symptoms once they stopped using kratom. What kind of side effects are we talking about here? Some of them included muscle spasms, insomnia, anger, sadness, and jerky movements.
Where heart and liver toxicities are concerned, a 2021 study found signs of liver and heart toxicity in mice given high doses of kratom over 3-6 months. Though more research is needed, for some, this could raise concerns about possible organ damage in humans with long-term heavy kratom use.
On the topic of hormone changes, scientific studies – once again using mice and rats – found that “chronic” kratom consumption can possibly have a negative impact on hormones like progesterone, estrogen, and testosterone. Also observed where regular users are concerned were lower testosterone levels.
As far as hyperpigmentation goes, one case report did talk about a 30-year-old chronic kratom user whose skin had turned unusually dark. Once this person discontinued use, however, the hyperpigmentation reversed itself.
It is important to keep in mind that while these studies do tend to somewhat enlighten people regarding kratom’s long-term effects, controlled research on humans is still severely lacking. Truthfully, the actual, undeniable risks of prolonged kratom use are not completely understood as of yet.
Precautions When Using Kratom
The serious lack of concrete scientific evidence makes it very hard to confirm kratom’s precise long-term risks. But based on early research, it is not unreasonable to practice caution if you’re going to use kratom for a prolonged period of time. If you decide to use kratom, it’s important that you use certain precautions. They may help minimize any potential long-term issues.
Use the lowest effective dose and try to steer clear of escalating dosage. Take regular breaks from kratom to reduce the possibility of dependence. Get regular check-ups to keep an eye on your liver enzymes, hormone levels, etc. Watch for developing symptoms like fatigue, skin changes, irritability. Don’t combine kratom with other substances. Stay well hydrated to better support your liver and kidney function.
If you are a regular user of kratom, you should stay vigilant and be honest with yourself about any side effects you notice with long-term use. Open communication with a healthcare provider is also a good idea. While kratom absolutely shows promise, further research is needed to better understand its long-term impact.
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