Most kratom users are either young or middle-aged. However, due to the numerous beneficial effects of this herb, there is interest among seniors as well as younger people who would like to introduce kratom to their elderly relatives.
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Kratom Benefits for Elderly
There are multiple ways in which kratom can help the elderly population.
1. Pain Management
The elderly often suffer from different health conditions which require them to rely on a wide variety of medications. Kratom can provide effective pain relief in a natural way without requiring to purchase a wide range of medications.
Kratom can alleviate pain from conditions and diseases such as arthritis, cancer, restless leg syndrome, and more. Many users report experiencing reduced pain and better overall wellbeing.
In addition to that, kratom tends to have fewer side effects and doesn’t create addiction in the same way that opioid pain medication does.
2. Increased Energy and Better Mood
Kratom can provide a moderate boost of energy and euphoria, allowing the elderly to be more active, energetic, and optimistic. As a result, they can spend active time with their family such as grandchildren despite health issues and pain.
3. Better Sleep
Sleep quality tends to decline with age. Seniors tend to have a harder time falling and staying asleep. They also get less REM sleep, which is the stage that provides the most rest and recovery.
Pain and aches can reduce the quality of sleep even further. As a result, the elderly tend to feel less rested and more tired.
Kratom has sedating properties in addition to being an effective pain reliever. Due to that, it can help the elderly to feel more relaxed before bedtime, fall asleep easier, and remain asleep, getting better rest.
4. Improved Cognition
Moderate kratom strains can improve the ability to focus and concentrate. As cognition has the tendency to decline with age, kratom can help maintain the ability to focus and think clearly.
Tips and Precautions when Using Kratom for Elderly
While kratom for elderly can be extremely beneficial, it is important to keep in mind that their immune system is weaker and their bodies become more fragile as susceptible to infections, fractures, and other health issues.
Due to that it is essential to take a few precautions when introducing kratom for the elderly.
1. Start Taking Kratom Using Threshold Doses
Since it is possible to experience kratom side effects such as nausea and vomiting, they can be especially unpleasant for elders. Therefore, when introducing kratom for elderly, we advise starting with a threshold dose such as 1-2 grams and gradually building up to the doses that the senior requires.
This will allow to determine the exact dose that each elderly person needs, avoiding unpleasant side effects, and ensuring that their kratom tolerance does not get exceeded.
If the elderly person is taking different vein types and strains of kratom, they should determine the dose required for each strain individually, following the same process.
2. Measure Doses Properly and Maintain a Kratom Log
Kratom tolerance can affect any kratom user regardless of their age. Therefore, it is essential to prevent that from developing. To accomplish that, it is important to measure each kratom dose using a sensitive digital scale.
Additionally, it could be beneficial to keep a log of kratom intake by recording the date, dose, time, and strain taken as well as any side effects if those occur. This can help determine any issues and pinpoint when a kratom break may be needed.
3. Review Possible Kratom Drug Interactions
While kratom may replace some medication, the senior may require to take others. However, just like with any natural substance, there may be interactions with these medications such as with certain liver medications.
Therefore, it is essential to review kratom drug interactions and ensure none of them can be potentially dangerous in combination with the herb. Consulting a doctor who I open to alternative healing methods can be beneficial as well.
4. Drink Plenty of Water and Include Probiotics and Fiber in Diet
The elderly may have a hard time digesting kratom. Therefore, it is crucial to provide support for their digestive system to avoid side effects like kratom constipation.
First of all, the elderly taking kratom should drink plenty of water. In addition to that, eating foods such as yogurt, kefir, fruit, chia seeds, and taking a magnesium supplement could help the digestive system properly digest kratom and eliminate waste.
4. Buy Pure Lab-Tested Kratom
Due to a weakened immune system and various health conditions, it is important not to expose an elderly person to any additional diseases or pathogens.
Kratom can potentially contain mold, heavy metals, E.coli, and salmonella. It can also be laced with other dangerous substances.
So, when buying kratom for the elderly, selecting a quality vendor is important. Make sure to verify that the product is being properly lab-tested in a third-party independent laboratory and that the vendor follows regulations and safety practices.
Moreover, avoid cheap kratom, as it tends to fluctuate in quality and has a higher risk of being improperly tested or handled.
5. Avoid Large Kratom Capsules
If you opt for kratom capsules, smaller-sized capsules can be easier to swallow than larger ones.
The elderly population can experience swallowing difficulties due to age-related wear-and-tear, weaker muscle tone, poor tooth health, or various health conditions. More severe cases could experience dysphagia, a swallowing disorder.
Due to that, smaller capsules, kratom tea, or kratom mixed with foods like orange juice, yogurt, or smoothies could be a more suitable option.
6. Be Prepared to Answer Kratom-Related Questions
If you’d like to introduce kratom for an elderly person in your life, it is crucial to be ready to address doubts and queries related to kratom. The elderly could have questions or reservations against kratom, especially if they are against drugs and have been exposed to negative news articles on kratom.
Because of that, being able to explain that kratom is not a dangerous drug or opioid, but a widely misunderstood herb that has been known in Southeast Asia for centuries could help establish a better first impression and encourage the elderly person to try kratom.
Are you a senior taking kratom or know someone who is? What conditions is kratom helping with and what has the experience with it been? Have you experienced any issues with herb? We’d highly appreciate your input as that could help other elderly people make up their minds about kratom.
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