Kratom (Mitragyna speciosa) is not a dietary supplement but it's popular with some who say it helps reduce joint and muscle pain and others who state it helps with their addiction to opioid pain medications. Compounds in the plant can bind to opioid receptors. Some in the gym may use kratom as a pre-workout too. Kratom -also called mitragynine – is also controversial with those who say it's not safe. In previous reviews which I'll link to, you learned what this herbal compound is and what to watch out for. In this quick video, you'll see the proof for kratom addiction. You'll also learn what the withdrawal symptoms are. If you have tried this, leave a comment below and share what happened.
In another report – not included in the video a man admitted to spending $15,000 a year on kratom. That comes to over $1200 per month. The herbal substance has the potential to interact with several medications.
For a longer list of side effects see the full kratom review.
Kratom may be found in gas stations, convenience stores as well as vape shops. In some states, it is illegal while in other states it is legal to purchase. Some people may use kratom because they hear it can cause a legal high. The number of those in the US who may be addicted is not known.
Is Kratom Addictive?
Reports of withdrawal symptoms in babies born to kratom mothers who use kratom are the strongest evidence for addiction. This, plus the lack of clinical testing in humans should be considered before trying this product.
Thanks for sharing this article. Everything in excess will always harm. Keep in mind, that an increase in the dosage will result in addiction. Also, Kratom when taken with citrus fruits results in the enhanced absorption of kratom. As citrus fruits have acidic pH which promotes the absorption of kratom in the stomach.
Thanks Jonas. Citrus fruits like grapefruit can interfere with many medications. Its called the grapefruit effect. Since kratom is sold in stores in so many neighborhoods, I dont understand the lack of human clinical trials.
Hi Joe,
I was wondering if you’ve had a chance to look at the product “Okinawa Flat Belly Tonic”. I’m very curious and interested. I noticed there appears to be at least two products available by the above name. One sells for $177 for 3 containers (90 day supply) and has a very exhaustive list of ingredients on the container. The other sells for approximately 1/3 the price and has a very short list of ingredients; it’s available on Amazon and Walmart.com. Unless you look very closely at the label design and wording you’d think they were identical products. I don’t think they are.
Can you shed any light on this product and whether there are inexpensive imposters. Maybe the original Okinawa Flat Belly Tonic company didn’t copyright their name, logo and packaging appearance. Thanks, Paul
Hi Paul, I’m familiar with Okinawa Flat belly tonic and have a review on it.
Here’s the Okinawa Flat Belly Tonic review
I have not seen the knock-offs at Walmart etc. That sometimes happens when a supplement gets popular.
I used Kratom during a couple of different spells. Definitely addictive for me. I will say however, in this world where even post operatively it’s hard to get appropriate pain relief (because the pendulum swing has gone from one side of ridiculous to another on pain relief) it was nice to go to the local gas station and get something that managed my pain. Only it’s hard to quit without sleepless nights etc. I did a long slow taper that worked great, and never had a problem sleeping.
Steve, thanks for sharing. Im glad to hear you were able to taper off when you no longer needed it and that you had no ill effects while you used kratom.
Hi Joe. Interesting information. I tried a Kratom variety pack that I purchased online. A “personal trainer” told me about it (seriously doubt the personal trainer was certified now). I took it for occasional knee/low back pain from old injuries. I was looking to reduce ibuprofen intake.
It did seem to help me sleep at night with the exception of one strain that acted like a stimulant. I was not taking it daily or on a regular basis, just when the pain flared up.
I broke my ankle a few months ago requiring plates and screws to put it back together. I would like to try it again when I have bad ankle days but when I have ordered it doesn’t seem to go through. Maybe they are not allowed to ship to Virginia??
Laura, I looked and it appears kratom is legal in VA (at least for now). You want to be careful with ordering kratom online. The last I looked, there seemed to be a lot of issues getting a clean, quality product. Heres a previous video I did on some of the companies selling it. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NOwEvIIrORk&t=4s
There were several cases of salmonella contamination in kratom products. To me, this says there are some trying to capitalize on its poupularity and not doing what they need to to ensure a quality product.
As an aside, the personal trainer should not have recommended kratom. That’s far outside the scope of personal trainers. Did he/she refer you to a specific company/website to get it? Just curious.
I have heard people talk about different strains of kratom having different effects but ‘Ive never seen any clinical studies on strains having different effects.