Kratom Stomach Pain and What to Do About It

Kratom has many beneficial effects, yet, instead of feeling amazing after taking it, you’re experiencing terrible kratom stomach pain. 

Can this be possible?

Kratom is a herb, it’s natural, so…

Can Kratom Cause Stomach Pain?

Kratom has many uses and can help with a variety of health issues and conditions. However, inadequate use can result in side effects such as kratom stomach pain, constipation, and nausea. However, in most instances, this is manageable with some adjustments to how you take kratom.

The beneficial effects of kratom are due to its alkaloids. Kratom alkaloids affect the receptors in our brains. But for you to experience kratom effects, your body first needs to absorb the alkaloids. This happens through your digestive system.

What to Do If you Experience Kratom Stomach Pain

Drink More Water

Dehydration is one of the most common causes of kratom stomach pain. About 60% of the human body is made of water. We lose some of it daily through different body processes such as urine, feces, sweat, and even as we breathe. Therefore, we need to continuously replenish our body’s water reserves for optimal health.

The chances are that you’re not drinking enough water. Even if you think you are. It’s actually rather common. Some studies indicate that it’s a worldwide problem. It’s estimated that Americans, on average, drink only half of the recommended water amount.

In addition to that, we often consume beverages that dehydrate us even further, such as soda and coffee.

Kratom powder is leaf matter, and leaf matter is fiber. Fiber is needed in our digestion because it binds with water creating bulk, which helps our bodies pass stool.

The problem is that this process requires water. So, if you aren’t drinking enough water as it is, kratom can dehydrate you even further.

The solution to that is drinking more water. The recommended daily amount is about 8 cups of water. However, the exact amount will depend on your weight, exercise level, and habits. For instance, you’ll need to drink more water if you drink coffee. The same goes for exercise. Aim for approximately an extra glass per each cup of coffee as well as one for every 30 minutes of exercise. 

Keep in mind that you should drink water even if you aren’t feeling thirsty. You can be dehydrated without feeling that you’re thirsty.

Often when you’re not feeling thirsty but a little hungry, it may also signify dehydration. Your body knows that it can absorb water from food. Therefore, it sends you signals of hunger

Lower Your Dose

Taking a dose that is too high is common among new kratom users in particular. Though there are guidelines for the recommended dosage, many factors affect the effects of kratom, and the amount of the right dose will vary on a case-by-case basis.

Some of the factors are age, weight, habits, diet, and metabolism. For instance, people with lower body fat percentages, such as athletes, will require a lower dose.

Keep in mind that you will not know what dosage is right for you until you try it yourself. So, if you are new to kratom, start with the threshold dose and gradually build up. We talk more about it here.

Another mistake that many make is using a spoon to measure their kratom dose. A spoon is not a reliable reference as each time, you can take a different amount. In terms of kratom, especially if you’ve bought it from a good vendor and it’s very potent, a slightly larger amount can make a massive difference.

A sensitive digital scale is best for this purpose. You’ll know exactly what amount you’re taking.

Add More Fiber and Probiotics to Your Diet

If constipation is bothering you, try adding more fiber-rich foods and probiotics to your diet. Working together, they both can improve your digestion.

You may already know that there are bacteria in your gut. It’s known as gut flora and is needed to help your body break down food and absorb nutrients. However, certain dietary choices, such as high consumption of sugar or the use of antibiotics, can severely disrupt gut flora. As a result, you may be experiencing digestive issues that kratom aggravates.

Fiber, soluble fiber, in particular, dissolves in water. It results in a gel-like substance that helps stool pass through the gas. It also works as a fertilizer for the gut flora, lowers fat absorption, and regulates blood sugar.

Oatmeal, fruits and vegetables, and legumes are great sources of fiber.

Prebiotics, however, contain the beneficial live bacteria needed for healthy gut flora. It helps our body break down and absorb nutrients, as well as keeps our immune system strong. 

Fermented foods such as yogurt, kefir, kimchi, sauerkraut, pickles, tempeh, miso, and kombucha are good sources of probiotics. Organic and homemade fermented foods are usually best as commercially made products aren’t always properly fermented.

Don’t Take Kratom on an Empty Stomach

While some users recommend taking kratom on an empty stomach for more potent results, it can cause kratom stomach pain for those who have sensitive stomachs.

So, if you are in the habit of taking kratom on an empty stomach, try having some food before or after you take your dose and see if your kratom stomach pain subsides.

Try Magnesium Supplements

Magnesium is used by many as a kratom potentiator because it helps with constipation. Magnesium can also serve as a laxative. It pulls water into your intestines. That, in turn, loosens your stool and makes it easier to pass.

Keep in mind though using magnesium supplements, and any other laxative regularly can result in dehydration. So, make sure you drink plenty of water to compensate for the additional water loss.

Take Kratom Tea, but Strain It First

If you toss and wash or do not strain your kratom tea, the kratom powder gets into your gut.

We mentioned soluble fiber when we talked about fiber above. While certain foods like oat bran are soluble fiber, kratom powder isn’t. It’s insoluble fiber. Therefore, it still absorbs water and can help pass the stool, yet it does not form the gel-like substance, but simply moves through your gut.

Thus, if some amounts of it stick to your gut or move slowly, it can irritate your stomach and gut lining. This may occur if you eat high amounts of fat and protein.

To avoid that, simply make kratom tea and strain it using a regular coffee filter before you take it.

Try a Different Vendor

If nothing else works, perhaps the kratom powder you’re using is low quality or contains substances that cause stomach pain. Kratom is a natural substance, and there aren’t enough regulations controlling its quality and purity.

As a result, kratom may have been exposed to harmful substances that will go undetected if the powder is not tested properly. Sadly, that happens regularly. Especially if you try buying kratom from the source.

So, you can try kratom from different vendors. Some vendors offer samples for a symbolic price, so you can try those and see if your kratom stomach pain goes away.

Final Thoughts

Sometimes it may not be one but two or more factors at once causing kratom stomach pain. So, try a few things to see if you start feeling better.

You may also want to give each option some time. For instance, if you suffer from dehydration, a single day of drinking a lot of water may not be enough.

Have you experienced kratom stomach pain? What was its cause? What made you feel better? Let us and others know!