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You may have been wondering what the different types of kratom are. Especially if you are new to kratom. There is a wide variety of strains available on the market, and things can get confusing. So, let’s break that down.

Most frequently, kratom is classified by color. There are three main types of kratom: red-vein, green-vein, and white-vein.

But kratom comes from the leaves of the same tree, you may think. Aren’t they all green? Yes, indeed, however, the colors refer to the stem and veins that run through these leaves.

If you look at the kratom leaves, you’ll notice that their stems and veins are a slightly different color. It means a different chemical composition, and, as a result, different properties.

What Causes the Different Kratom Vein Colors?

While some believe that there is such a thing as a red-vein, green-vein, or a white-vein tree, that’s not actually true. All three vein colors can grow on the same tree in a very similar way to bell peppers. Green, yellow, and red bell peppers can all be on the same plant and are simply at different stages of ripeness.

The different vein colors are the result of how kratom leaves grow and develop. Different strains thrive in different conditions and develop different alkaloids. Their properties will depend on factors such as soil content, the location of the leaves on a kratom tree, sunlight exposure, as well as the rain and dry period ratio, and the maturity of leaves.

These qualities are further amplified by kratom processing methods. Or, more specifically, by the conditions in which it’s dried. Farmers usually keep the exact process secret. But, we’ll give you a little sneak peek into what happens on the inside.

During the grinding process, farmers remove the stems and veins. So, the powder that you buy is purely the leaf matter. Yet, there are a few kinds of coarser kratom that does contain the stems and veins. It’s a matter of preference, but some users like the latter more.

Red-Vein Kratom and Its Effects

Red-vein kratom is generally the most popular by users and the most widely sold. It’s mainly due to the fact that it generally yields larger harvests. It also tends to be the kind that receives the most sunlight.

Its leaves have red strains and veins, and leaves have higher 7-hydroxymitragynine and lower mitragynine content than other varieties. Farmers dry it outdoors in direct sunlight or indoors under UV light lamps and also longer than the green and white varieties.

Red-vein strains are most widely known for their powerful sedative effect. They have the potential to relieve pain, stress, and anxiety. Red vein strains can also help one to fall asleep, which can be useful for people who suffer from insomnia and other disorders that may negatively affect sleep.

Nonetheless, varieties such as Red Sumatra can provide uplifting, mood-enhancing effects. Especially if used in smaller doses. So, make sure to look into individual strains, especially if you have never used them before.

These are some of the most popular red strains:

• Red Bali
• Red Maeng Da
• Red Thai
• Red Horn
• Red Borneo
• Red Kapuas

White-Vein Kratom and Its Effects

White vein kratom earns its name due to the white, or more so pale green, color of veins and stems. Its leaves receive less light than the red vein or green vein variety. As a result, it has the highest mitragynine and the lowest 7-hydroxymitragynine content out of all types of kratom.

Farmers primarily dry this variety indoors with no exposure to light.

White strains are best known for their stimulant and mood-enhancing properties. It can help you boost focus and concentration. Those who suffer from depression or stress can benefit from white vein kratom as well because it can energize and lift one’s mood. However, they need to be taken carefully and with moderation.

Quite a few users don’t recommend starting off with white strains if you are completely new to kratom. Instead, they suggest starting off with red or green strains and easing into the white ones.

Here are a few of the most popular varieties of white-vein strains:

• White Maeng Da
• White Horn
• White Borneo
• White Bali
• White Kali
• White Kapuas

Green-Vein Kratom and Its Effects

Green vein kratom comes from leaves that have green veins and stems. These are also the leaves that get moderate exposure to sunlight. Farmers dry the leaves indoors with little light and afterward also outdoors. Usually, only for a very short time.

Green vein strains provide a balance between the red and white vein varieties. If red strains primarily have sedative effects and white strains – a stimulating effect, then green strains have both. Yet, they are not as intense in potency, but rather somewhere in between. Both their mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine levels are moderate and in between those of red and green vein strains.

These are some of the most popular strains for this variety:

• Green Maeng Da
• Green Horn
• Green Malay
• Green Borneo
• Green Kali
• Green Bali
• Green Kapuas

How About Yellow-Vein Kratom?

Well done, you’ve noticed that something is missing! Indeed.

Although red, white, and green strains are the most common types, there’s also the fourth type of kratom – yellow kratom. And it’s been rapidly gaining popularity.

It’s not yellow vein kratom because no such thing as live kratom leaves with yellow stems and veins exixts. Instead, this variety is known as yellow kratom.

This usually refers to blends, fermented, or differently dried varieties. This can be a green and white mix that’s fermented or a red and green mix that’s fermented. Yellow kratom can also be a red-veined variety that’s been dried longer or fermented. It can also be the green and white strains that have been dried outside rather than inside. But yet again, farmers keep the exact process to themselves.

As per its effects, yellow strains produce effects that are close to, yet slightly more potent than green strains. It also tends to last longer.

Here’s our pick for yellow strains:

• Yellow Bali
• Yellow Vietnam

Which Types of Kratom are Best for You?

The types of kratom that suit you best would depend solely on you, your needs, and situation. If you’re looking for a strong sedative or pain-relieving effect, then red strains may work better for you. If, on the contrary, you want to feel more energized, then white or green strains may be your type.

But, if you aren’t quite sure or are looking for a bit of both, you can start with green or yellow strains.

We’ve put together a quick quiz to help you find out which kratom would be the most suitable for you. Check it out here.

What are your favorite types of kratom, and why? Is there a type that you haven’t et tried but would like to? Feel free to leave your answer in the comments section below.

Kratom side effects is definitely a topic you’ve come across doing a simple online search. You may even feel hesitant about taking kratom after reading some of the highest-ranking articles on the topic.

There’s lots of misinformation about kratom and how dangerous (or not) it actually is. Many of the claims against kratom aren’t actually accurate. Instead, they are a way of scaring the public into believing that kratom is a dangerous drug.

When in actuality it is absolutely safe.

Why Are There Kratom Side Effects?

So, if kratom is safe, why does it have side effects?

We hear your concerns. However, kratom is a natural substance and each of our bodies has its unique chemical composition. It is impossible to tell exactly how each and every single body will respond to it.

That doesn’t just apply to kratom, but any natural product out there.

For instance, you can experience side effects from taking too much coffee. And if you intake too much vitamin A, you may suffer from vitamin A toxicity that is harmful to your liver.

Most Common Kratom Side Effects

Despite much attention being focused on the risks and dangers of kratom use, the majority of users report experiencing none or minimal kratom side effects.

The most common ones are the following:

• Dizziness
• Constipation
• Increased urination
• Dry mouth
• Nausea
• Loss of appetite
• Kratom hangover
• Blurry vision
• Kratom headache
• Upset stomach
• Drowsiness
• Difficulty concentrating
• Disrupted sleep cycles

Some people may feel sweaty and feverish for a short time after taking a larger dose of kratom; however, that’s not an actual fever. Kratom does not cause fever.

As you can see, none of them are life-threatening and can be experienced when taking other herbal supplements. They can also be easily prevented. However, before we get into that, let’s tackle a question that you are likely interested in.

Can Kratom Kill You?

There’s lots of information about the overuse and abuse of kratom out there. Yet, there are no solid investigations proving what amount exactly could cause an overdose.

You’ll sometimes see information referring to 200mg being a lethal dose.

Let’s clarify the details on it a bit.

A study in 2013 proved that 200 mg of pure mitragynine extract can kill a rat.

However, kratom leaves do not contain pure mitragynine, but rather they have about 0.5-1.5% alkaloid content. Mitragynine accounts for about 60-70% of all kratom alkaloids.

If we calculate that accordingly then a 200 lb person should consume an average of 3.5 kg of kratom leaf to achieve a similar dose.

While toxicity in rats and humans is not necessarily the same, it’s still a huge amount of kratom that you’d need to intake.

Obviously, we do not advise you to try any of that. No studies on humans have been done and there is no data that would indicate what amount would be lethal for a human.

However, don’t be deterred by that alone. Any substance has a toxicity level. Do you consume coffee? It has a lethal dose as well. 90 cups of coffee taken at once can kill a 200 lbs person if you’re interested.

How to Avoid Kratom Side Effects and Other Dangers?

Kratom has numerous benefits that considerably outweigh its side effects. Yet, it’s best to take kratom properly and avoid them altogether.

Below are a few of our tips on how you can avoid kratom side effects:

• Purchase kratom from a trusted and reputable seller. Don’t save up a few dollars for a questionable product from a shady seller. Check buyer reviews and make sure you’re purchasing a quality product. If you are looking for a more competitive price, look for a vendor who has direct connections with kratom suppliers. Many stores selling kratom act as middlemen which results in a higher price.
• Make sure the kratom you purchase is tested for contaminants. Chances are you may get side effects not from kratom itself, but from any substances that it may contain. To avoid that, check if the kratom vendor tests its product and acknowledges that on their site. After the April 2018 kratom salmonella breakout, it’s a common practice to make such information available. If you can’t find it, that’s likely not the vendor you should go for.
• Chose the right vein type and strain. Each can have varying effects. For instance, reds are usually sedating, but there are exceptions such as Red Sumatra and Red Borneo. Do proper research before purchasing kratom, and read user reviews. Order some samples first and see how kratom affects you.
• Take proper doses of kratom. It’s best to start with a smaller dose and build up until you discover what works best for you. You can also interact with other users or read user reviews to discover what dose they take. Do not go over the suggested limits. While there is no solid data on the lethal amount of kratom, that doesn’t mean there is none.
• Drink plenty of water. Several users have reported feeling constipated after taking kratom. So, make sure you hydrate yourself properly to avoid it. Consume plenty of fiber in your diet, which means eating lots of fruit, vegetables, and whole-grain products.
• Measure your dosage accurately. In order, to experience optimal results, use a scale to accurately measure your dose. Be especially careful if you take kratom extracts.
• Take a proper dosage of kratom at proper times. Depending on the strain as well as the dosage that you take, you may either feel more alert or sleepy. Make sure you take adequate doses at the right times to ensure you get the results you are looking for. Otherwise, you may end up feeling sleepy at work if you take a larger dose. Or you may have trouble falling asleep if you take stimulant kratom in the late hours of the day.
• Keep a log of kratom usage. You can take notes about the dose you take, times you take it and other factors. Such as your diet, water intake, and more. In case you start experiencing side effects, this log can help you determine what is causing it. Perhaps, you can easily adjust your lifestyle to eliminate the side effects.
• Don’t use any other substances alongside kratom. By that, we mean alcohol, drugs, and similar. The FDA has reported multiple cases of “kratom toxicity” that haven’t been actually caused by kratom. Most of the victims actually died from using another substance together with kratom. Also, keep in mind that there are minimal reliable studies on kratom. Therefore, we may not know about all the substances that are not compatible with kratom.
• If you are taking prescription medicine it may be a good idea to talk to your physician and find out about a possible incompatibility. For instance, taking the prescription painkiller Tramadol and mitragynine simultaneously can be dangerous.
• Avoid using kratom if you have liver or kidney issues.
• Don’t take kratom during pregnancy. While no studies on pregnant women have been done, it’s best to stay safe than sorry in this case.
• Avoid driving while you take kratom. Depending on the dose, kratom can have a sedating effect and you may fall asleep while driving.

Have you ever experienced kratom side effects? What are your tips on dealing with them?

Arthritis is a growing concern among the adult population of America. According to the CDC, there are over 54 million people in the United States with arthritis. This equates to roughly 23% or one in every four people.

While arthritis is more common among adults over 65, yet people at any age, even children and teenagers can develop early arthritis symptoms.

Around 60% of the affected with arthritis are people of working age (18-64). Arthritis can limit what tasks they can perform, and well as making working impossible. In fact, arthritis is one of the leading causes of work disability, and the medical costs associated with it are at least $140 billion yearly.

Due to high costs and other issues associated with typical prescription medications, many people seek alternative means of managing their pain. One of them is kratom.

Let’s look more into arthritis and how kratom can help.

What is Arthritis?

Arthritis is an inflammation that affects the joints. Arthritis isn’t a single condition, but rather an umbrella term for over 100 different types of arthritis. Each of them has different symptoms as well as treatment methods.

Some of the most common types of arthritis are:

• Osteoarthritis,
• Rheumatoid arthritis,
• Gout, and
• Lupus.

Osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis are the most frequent ones, yet many describe gout being the most painful one.

Arthritis is a degenerative disease and increases in intensity with time. It can affect different types of joints as well as organs.

The Symptoms of Arthritis

People affected by arthritis most commonly experience pain, swelling, or stiffness around the joints. However, they can also experience a decreased range of motion in the affected joints, especially in the morning, and as their condition worsens with time.

Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease, and the immune system of the body mistakenly attacks the joints, other organs, and tissue. As a result, a person with this condition may experience low-grade fever, extreme fatigue, or become anemic.

The Causes of Arthritis

The causes of arthritis depend on the type. Osteoarthritis, the most common form of the condition, as well as some other types are frequently caused by regular wear and tear.

Our joints have cartilage, a firm and flexible type of connective tissue that absorbs the pressure and shock created when we move or put pressure on our joints. As the amount of this cartilage reduces, this is how some forms of arthritis develop.

Rheumatoid arthritis, however, is an autoimmune disease. It is unclear what exactly causes it. However, it makes the immune system attack a type of tissue that produces a fluid that nourished cartilage and helps it work properly. As a result, this condition destroys the bones and cartilage of the joints.

How Is Arthritis Treated?

There is no way of reversing arthritis. Therefore, treatment methods focus on reducing pain and preventing and minimizing additional future damage.

Some of the most common treatments methods include:

• Medication – analgesics, anti-inflammatory drugs, topical creams that clock pain signal transmissions to your joints, or immunosuppressants,
• Surgery – in severe cases, an affected joint may be replaced with a new and artificial one. Knee and hip replacement surgeries are some of the common ones. In severe cases of wrist and finger arthritis, doctors may recommend joint fusion surgery during which they link joints together, which eventually causes them to grow together. This reduces pain, yet drastically limits the range of motion.
• Physical therapy – this helps strengthen the muscles surrounding the affected joint and make movement more controlled and easier. Some specialists may also recommend yoga, swimming, and other forms of mild exercise for similar reasons.
• Lifestyle changes – weight reduction and non-inflammatory diet can help reduce and inflammation and manage pain. It is often advised to avoid processed, fried, or dairy products and consume larger amounts of antioxidant-rich and anti-inflammatory foods such as fruits, vegetables, fatty fish, and nuts.

In many cases, doctors advise a combination of two or more methods for a more holistic approach to arthritis management.

Can Kratom for Arthritis Help?

Out of every four people who suffer from arthritis, one experiences severe joint pain. While pain medication and topical solutions are among the most common treatment methods, regular use is not only expensive but can also develop an addiction. As we already know, the opioid crisis is raving, and more than 130 people overdose opioids every single day.

Moreover, arthritis doctors are not available to everyone, especially in rural areas. Only 7% of all arthritis doctors attend patients in rural areas where 20% of the population live.

Therefore, many people seek alternative natural treatment and pain management methods.

Kratom is one of them, and the popularity of this beneficial herb speaks for itself.

According to the American Kratom Association, there are at least 5 million active kratom users in the United States, and their number keeps growing as more people are finding out about its beneficial effects.

How Does Kratom for Arthritis Work?

Kratom alkaloids affect the same receptors in the brain that opioids do. However, in contract with opioids, they do not engage with receptors in quite the same way.

As a result, you can feel pain relief that is akin to what you can experience from opioids, yet without the risk or respiratory depression or addiction associated with opioids.

Moreover, kratom has a wide range of beneficial properties, with potent pain relief being only one of the main reasons for its popularity. The alkaloids in kratom have pain-relieving properties, with 7-hydroxymitragynine being about 13 times more potent than morphine.

Moreover, kratom can help with other issues such as depression, anxiety, energy, mood, and focus, which also frequently affect arthritis patients — all that with a single herb.

While many kratom buyers complain about the high kratom costs of some vendors, it can still be a lower investment than buying all the different types of medication that doctors may prescribe or recommend.

Kratom community agrees, with people even indicating that kratom for arthritis and joint pain is “god-sent.”

Best Strains of Kratom for Arthritis

Depending on what type of arthritis affects you and your other needs, you may benefit from looking into different strains of kratom for different times of the day, as well as unique effects that you may be looking for. While various strains of kratom for arthritis can be effective, different kratom veins and stems also have their unique effects and benefits.

Let’s take a look at which the best strains of kratom for arthritis are.

1. Red Bali Kratom

Reds, in general, provide the most potent kratom pain relief for arthritis. However, you may find Red Bali Kratom to be one of the best choices for potent arthritis pain relief.

Red Bali is a popular, widely available, and affordable strain that provides relaxation and strong pain relief. It also boosts the mood and makes you feel euphoric.

However, Red Bali is a sedating strain, making it an excellent strain of kratom for arthritis relief in the evening and at night. It can help you relax, wind down, fall, and stay asleep, as well as have a better rest.

You can also look into other red strains such as Red Thai, Red Borneo, and Red Horn for similar effects.

2. Green Maeng Da Kratom

Another popular strain, Green Maeng Da provides milder pain relief, but it is also energizing. Therefore, you can feel more positive and energetic and get through your daily-to-do list easier and with less pain.

Green Maeng Da also can improve the mood and help with depression symptoms. Many find Green Maeng Da kratom effective for anxiety as it calms down intrusive thoughts and helps you a calm and steady focus.

You can also try Green Malay or Plantation Maeng Da Kratom for arthritis pain relief and other similar effects.

3. White Borneo

White Borneo Kratom is a fast strain. This means that its most potent effects are increased focus, better mood, and ore energy.

White Borneo won’t be the most potent strain of kratom for arthritis; yet, if you suffer from mood disorders, low energy, and motivation and require a bit of extra help to manage your arthritis pain throughout the day, then White Borneo may be a great strain for you.

Check out White Thai, White Bali, and White Horn Kratom for similar effects.

Last but not least, make sure to dose each strain properly and according to the recommended amounts. Fast, moderate, and slow strains all require different dosages, and taking too much kratom can result in you feeling nauseous and sick.

Do you suffer from arthritis? Which type affects you? Have you tried kratom for arthritis, and how did it make you feel? Which strains do you prefer? Feel free to share your experience and tips with us and the Speciosa Guide community.

Fibromyalgia is a long-term health condition that causes pain all throughout the body. Though there are several ways of easing the pain and improving the quality of one’s life, there is currently no cure for it.

Common treatments include conventional medicine such as painkillers, antidepressants, sleep medication, anticonvulsants, antipsychotics, and muscle relaxant. That’s a lot of medication. Yet, it needs to be complemented with additional treatment options, for instance, exercise, psychological help, relaxation techniques, and more.

For various reasons, there are people who turn to alternative treatment methods. One of them is kratom. Let’s take a look at more detailed information on fibromyalgia and how kratom can help with it.

What Is Fibromyalgia?

Fibromyalgia is a chronic musculoskeletal disorder. Along with pain in the bones and muscles, those who suffer from it experience fatigue. They also frequently have sleep, mood, and memory issues.

The symptoms of fibromyalgia are considered subjective. This means that they can’t be measured or determined by tests. They also can overlap with symptoms of other conditions. Because of that, doctors often misdiagnose it as another disease such as multiple sclerosis,  Lyme disease, or lupus.

Symptoms of Fibromyalgia

Fibromyalgia causes pain and aches on ‘tender points’. It normally affects specific places like arms, hips, shoulders, legs, and back. They hurt when one puts pressure on them. In addition to the aforementioned pain and discomfort, common Fibromyalgia symptoms include:

1. Exhaustion and Extreme Fatigue


These are common symptoms of this chronic disorder. However, some people also experience “fibro fog’. It’s a condition when one has a difficulty remembering information, following conversation, and concentrating. This can make everyday activities and work difficult.

2. Sleep Disturbances


People suffering from this condition struggle to fall asleep or have disturbed sleep. The reason is a pain on tender points that wakes people up many times throughout the night. Common sleep disorders like restless leg syndrome and sleep apnea are also common.

3. Psychological Symptoms


Fibromyalgia can be associated with imbalances in the brain chemistry. Thus, there are many psychological symptoms as well. They occur due to irregular levels of particular neurotransmitters, dealing with the disorder.  These psychological symptoms include:

• Anxiety
• Depression
• Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)

Causes of Fibromyalgia

The actual cause of this chronic condition is not clear yet. But many believe that it’s the result of trauma, infection, or surgery. Below are a few factors involved:

1. Hormonal Imbalances


Hormones like dopamine, norepinephrine, and serotonin help our bodies to process pain. If their levels are lower than normal levels, one may become more sensitive. Inadequate hormone levels interrupt pain signals to the brain.

2. Triggers


In some people, fibromyalgia symptoms start after a physical or emotional trauma, or due to an infectious disease. As compared to men, women are more prone to this condition. Common triggers include:

• Repeated injuries
• Infections such as the flu
• Traumatic events in life such as the death of loved ones, divorce, or breakup
• Childbirth

What Is Kratom?

Kratom, or ‘Mitragyna Speciosa’, is a rare tree found in some of the richest lands of Southeast Asia. It provides a complete drug-like effect to treat a number of health issues. A few of them are depression, opiate withdrawal, lower back pain, and anxiety. But the list definitely doesn’t stop here.

Kratom is also excellent for managing fibromyalgia symptoms.

How Can Kratom Benefit Fibromyalgia Symptoms?

There are many different strains of kratom available. While purchasing, it is important to pay close attention to the strain you are buying. Especially, if you aim to use kratom for fibromyalgia pain and symptoms.

Kratom classifies into three main types: red-vein, green-vein, and white-vein. Red vein kratom is a muscle relaxant. White vein strain is a stimulant. Green vein kratom assists in both managing pain and boosting energy levels. But, at a lower intensity.

To get analgesic relief from fibromyalgia, you can use a mix of white and red strains. Together, they act as stimulants and muscle relaxants and can provide pain relief.

It is also possible to use a blend of green and red strain. Green strains boost energy levels and red strains provide muscle relaxation.

Some users report using a blend of all three strains as well.

As per specific strains, for instant pain relief and to fall asleep easier, red vein strains and Maeng Da Kratom are a good mix. To reduce discomfort or pain due to fibromyalgia, Red Bali strains can be very useful.

Are you taking kratom to deal with fibromyalgia pain? Which strains or blends are you using?

The benefits of kratom are diverse, and so are the needs of those who take the herb. Therefore, some may prefer kratom in the morning or during the day while others may need it in the evening. So, the question is, what do you do with food? Do you take kratom on an empty stomach? Or should you eat something along with your kratom dose?

Taking Kratom on an Empty Stomach

Many kratom users are huge advocates of taking kratom on an empty stomach. Some may even go long stretches of time without consuming any food to ensure that it does not interfere with kratom.

Let’s find out if that’s for you.

Benefits of Taking Kratom on an Empty Stomach

Just like going to the grocery store first thing in the morning can help you avoid crowds and get through the checkout faster, taking kratom on an empty stomach can result in a faster onset of kratom effects.

Since there is no food in the stomach, it allows your body to start metabolizing kratom almost instantaneously. Therefore, you are likely to feel faster and more prominent effects.

A number of kratom users swear by consuming kratom on an empty stomach as they experience weaker effects if they take kratom with food.

The same occurs with certain medications. Prescription medicines like ampicillin do not work as effectively if they are taken with food. Moreover, certain foods like grapefruit juice, leafy greens, or other foods high in vitamin K, as well as bananas and other potassium-rich foods can interfere with how the medication is absorbed and affect the body.

If you would like to take kratom on an empty stomach, you can do that first thing in the morning. If you prefer taking kratom later during the day, do so about 2 hours after a big meal or 30 minutes to 2 hours before a meal.

The timing is rather personal and can vary based on the specifics of your body and how it interacts with kratom. However, in general, many kratom users prefer to wait until the full effects set it, which averages around 30 minutes and only then take some food.

If you are new to taking kratom on an empty stomach, try experimenting with different wait periods after your meals as well as different meal sizes. For some, a small snack 30 minutes after a kratom dose is enough. Others may go for a few hours without food and have a solid meal then.

Drawbacks of Taking Kratom on an Empty Stomach

Yet, not everyone can stomach kratom on an empty stomach. It may upset the stomach causing gastrointestinal discomfort, kratom stomach pain, or even nausea.

We’ve observed this to be especially true for people with low body fat percentage and fast metabolism, as well as those who are new to kratom.

Taking Kratom with Food

If taking kratom on an empty stomach is not benefiting you, then you may want to look into taking kratom with food.

While not everyone agrees unanimously, for some people consuming food with kratom brings more benefits.

Benefits of Taking Kratom with Food

Firstly, taking kratom with food can prevent kratom stomach pain, nausea, or vomiting. This is especially true with potent kratom. Since alkaloid concentration is high, not every stomach can handle it. So, even if you gain potent pain relief or an energy boost, nausea can make your kratom experience miserable.

When it comes to food and meal sizes, it’s best to experiment and find out what your body responds to best. For some, mixing kratom in yogurt or a smoothie may be enough. Others may need a small snack such as a banana or a handful of nuts before they take kratom.

Some actually state that kratom effects are stronger for them with food.

In general, it’s best to opt for foods that are light and easily digestible. This can provide support for the stomach and prevent unpleasant effects, yet not dilute the effects of kratom.

Drawbacks of Taking Kratom with Food

Many report feeling that their kratom dose is weaker if they consume food with it. Some even state kratom effects diminish by half or even more.

In addition to that, the risk of developing kratom tolerance can increase if you take kratom with food. Especially if you choose to up your dose to compensate for weaker kratom effects. We strongly advise that you avoid doing that. That’s because food may dilute kratom and make its absorption slower, but the concentration of alkaloids is still there regardless.

As a result, you might end up not experiencing kratom effects and developing kratom tolerance at the same time, which can make the diminished effects even weaker.

Should You Take Kratom Capsules on an Empty or Full Stomach?

While many prefer kratom capsules due to ease of use and not tasting kratom, the capsule casing acts as a barrier that needs to be broken down first for the body to metabolize kratom. This can occur gradually, making the overall kratom effects weaker.

So, if you add food to the equation, this can slow down the breakdown and metabolism of kratom even further, making your dose feel weaker or nonexistent. So, you may feel that kratom is no longer working for you.

What Should You Do?

Taking kratom on an empty stomach or a full one is a preferential thing. While the former works for some people, others find the latter a more comfortable and beneficial alternative.

Therefore, it’s best that you have an open mind and try a few approached to discover what your body prefers.

Do you prefer taking kratom on an empty stomach? How long do you wait before having a meal? Or do you like consuming kratom with food? If so, what food do you like best? Do you take it with or before your kratom dose?

Kratom provides diverse effects and benefits which is one of its most astonishing features. This is due to kratom alkaloids, natural chemical compounds present in Mitragyna speciosa leaves.

Users report feeling differently after using different strains and strain varieties. And even different doses of the same strain can have one experience distinct effects. This occurs due to the different alkaloids that are present in the kratom leaves as well as their concentration in each individual strain.

While many kratom lovers know that alkaloids are beneficial and responsible for kratom effects, most don’t know their specifics and they actually work.

What Are Alkaloids?

Just like any other living organism, plants contain natural chemicals. In plants these plant chemicals also known as phytochemicals.

There are different kinds of phytochemicals such as carbohydrates, lipids, amino acids, proteins, flavonoids, polyphenols, tannins, and many more. Alkaloids are one of them.

Alkaloids are naturally occurring nitrogen-containing molecules in plants and fungi. Scientists hypothesize that they protect plants from insects and animals. However, it’s not entirely clear what the purpose of alkaloids in plants is.

What we do know is that they have powerful medicinal as well as other properties, even in small quantities. They have unique effects on the human body and provide diverse effects and health benefits.

Alkaloids can treat pain, inflammation, immune disorders, and even more. Nonetheless, some can also be toxic.

Because of this, alkaloids are popular in conventional medicine and other industries. Some of the popular alkaloids the effects of which you may be familiar with are:

• caffeine – alkaloid with stimulant properties found in coffee and cocoa beans and tea plant leaves,
• ephedrine – it’s a stimulant used in asthma medication and to prevent blood pressure drop during anesthesia,
• quinine – alkaloid used in malaria medication,
• morphine – the primary alkaloid in the opium poppy with strong analgesic properties,
• nicotine – stimulant alkaloid present in tobacco.

The Main Types of Kratom Alkaloids

It’s believed that kratom’s leaves have at least 25 different alkaloids. Other hypothesize there are at least 40 or even more. But, there have only been limited scientific studies on kratom thus far to confirm the exact number.

While there are many different alkaloids in kratom, two of the most powerful ones are mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine. Both of these alkaloids are different in terms of the benefits that they provide. But, they both are responsible for pain relief as well as opioid withdrawal relieving effects.

The variety and amount of kratom alkaloids both depend on various factors. These can be the type of strain, the maturity of the leaves, where and in what conditions it grows, how it is harvested, and more.

For example, younger kratom leaves have a higher mitragynine concentration and the amount lowers as the leaves mature. The opposite is true about 7-hydroxymitragynine. Young leaves have less 7-hydroxymitragynine and the amount increases as the leaves mature.

So, the younger leaves tend to have pale green veins and stems. As the amount of mitragynine lowers and that of 7-hydroxymitragynine increases, the stems and veins gradually turn green and then red. As a result, all three – red, green, and white vein leaves can be present on the same tree and mature in a similar way to how bell peppers do, turning from green to yellow and then red.

Factors such as the amount of sunlight can also affect the concentration of the alkaloids. For instance, leaves that develop during the rainier and less sunny periods of the year tend to be white or green-veined.

This change in alkaloid concentration does not only affect the appearance of the leaves but also the effects that they produce.

Mitragynine and Its Effects

Mitragynine is the most abundant of all alkaloids in the kratom leaves, making up around 60% or more of the total content of kratom alkaloids. It is primarily responsible for the stimulant effects of kratom. That’s why it is found in higher amounts in green-vein and white-vein strains.

Mitragynine’s stimulating effects are much smoother and much more stable than those of other stimulating substances, such as caffeine.

Yet, stimulation is not the only benefit of this alkaloid. It has a variety of different properties.

Mitragynine effects slightly vary from person to person. It mostly depends on their sensitivity towards kratom. Nonetheless, its overall effects are quite consistent. A few of them are:

• Anti-malarial
• Anti-tussive (relieving or stopping cough altogether)
• Anti-diarrheal
• Stimulation
• Pain relief

While mitragynine provides pain-relieving properties, they are lower than those of 7-hydroxymitragynine.

Also, its effects can vary according to how large a dose is. Lower dosages generally provide more stimulating effects, while higher dosages result in less stimulating, but rather more pain-relieving and relaxing effects.

Due to its versatile nature, mitragynine still needs to be scientifically studied in more depth to understand the full breadth of its potential.

7-Hydroxymitragynine and Its Effects

7-hydroxymitragynine is the fourth most abundant alkaloid in kratom. It is more concentrated in sedating kratom types, such as red-vein strains. It is less versatile in terms of its properties and effects and is present in much lower amounts than mitragynine. However, it is a lot more potent than mitragynine.

In fact, it is the most potent alkaloid found in kratom.

Some experts believe 7-hydroxymitragynine may even be 30 times stronger than mitragynine. Studies have indicated that it is also 13 times stronger than morphine.

The most prominent effects of 7-hydroxymitragynine include:

• Powerful pain-killing effects
• Opiate withdrawal relief

Other Kratom Alkaloids

As we already know, kratom has a lot more than just these two alkaloids. Though there are numerous alkaloids present in its leaves, some of these need to be studied in more detail to know their full potential

Below, you’ll find a few of the important alkaloids that are inside kratom leaves. Although they appear in kratom in much smaller quantities, they are working together with each other to create the unique effects of kratom.

• Ajmalicine is a muscle relaxant as well as an anticoagulant (a blood thinner that can prevent blood clots).
• Ciliaphylline works as a sturdy analgesic.
• Corynoxeine serves as a calcium channel blocker. It helps to relax blood vessels and lower blood pressure.
• Corynoxine helps dopamine move throughout the body.
• Corynantheidine is an antagonist of the opiate receptors. It blocks opioid receptors from responding to opioids and endorphins. That can help with opioid addiction.
• Epicatechin has numerous functions. It is an anti-leukemic alkaloid. In addition, it also has anti-cancer, anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory and antiviral properties. It also helps to prevent fat cells from clogging the arteries and controls blood sugar levels.
• Paynantheine is a muscle relaxant.
• Speciophylline has an anti-leukemic action.
• Speciogynine gently releases the muscles.
• Tetrahydroalstonine has an anti-adrenergic (can help with anxiety, heart disease, and high blood pressure) and hypoglycemic activity (can lower blood sugar).

Note that these are only a few of the alkaloids present in the leaves that we know more about.

Even though the effects and benefits of kratom can be life-changing, we may only be scratching the surface when it comes to understanding kratom’s full potential.

More Studies on Kratom Alkaloids

Sadly, scientific research on kratom is still quite limited at this time, preventing us from knowing the full potential of the herb.

Yet, more are being carried out.

The University of Florida College of Pharmacy is where Christopher McCurdy, the pioneer of kratom research works. He was the person to first uncover and perform studies on kratom in the United States.

NIDA (National Institute on Drug Abuse) has awarded Mr. McCurdy and his team two grants to study kratom, its alkaloids, and their effects. They are worth $6.9 million and give the team seven total years for this research.

The team has already come up with some positive conclusions, suggesting that kratom could treat opioid withdrawal and addiction. While kratom users already verify that from personal experience, having scientific studies back that up could improve the general reputation of kratom and help keep it legal and accessible.

Common Misconceptions about Kratom Alkaloids

Much attention is drawn to the fact that kratom alkaloids hit the same receptors as opioids. That does not mean that the kratom alkaloids themselves are opioids. But rather that they target the same receptors that opioids do.

Opioid use comes with a dangerous side effect of affecting the user’s respiratory system. It slows down the breathing and can result in death, especially if used improperly and irresponsibly.

Kratom does not do that. It causes minimal respiratory depression that doesn’t endanger human life, and Mr. McCurdy’s team’s research has proven that.

As a matter of fact, kratom is actually an opioid antagonist. It can help to minimize opioid withdrawal symptoms as well as overcome opioid addiction.

Chemically, the structure of alkaloids resembles that of psychedelic drugs. However, kratom users do not actually experience psychedelic effects.

Instead, they feel pain relief and euphoria among other effects and benefits. Ones that are already discussed above.

What kratom strains have you used and what effects have you experienced?

Don’t hesitate to share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below.