Research on kratom's effects on the liver is still in the early stages and conflicting. So, is kratom safe for the liver? Here's what's known so far.
The liver often gets overlooked, but let's be honest. Not only is it one of the largest internal organs in the body, but it's also among the most interesting.
With over 500 body functions, the liver's most essential in that long list is removing toxins and metabolizing everything that goes into your body. That means everything you eat goes through the liver. It also filters the blood and breaks down hormones after they've completed their job in the body.
As someone interested in kratom's benefits, you might have come across reports suggesting that it could be harmful to the liver. Naturally, this can be concerning, as the last thing you want is your wellness routine to have any adverse effects on your body.
Let's dive into kratom's impact on your liver.
What are the Claims?
Before getting into the weeds, let's highlight why kratom is thought by some to be associated with liver damage.
From the onset, it's worth noting that while some studies have investigated the potential adverse effects and toxicity of kratom, scientists have yet to definitively determine whether it has a negative impact on liver health. However, here's what we do know:
- Some studies have suggested that kratom may cause liver injury, while others have found no evidence to support this claim. The plant's effects on the liver have not been thoroughly studied, and there is still much to learn.
Despite lacking conclusive evidence, some people remain concerned about kratom's potential impact on liver health. Here are the two primary claims:
- Some believe that kratom's active compounds may bind to the opioid receptors in the liver, leading to side effects such as vomiting, dark urine, abdominal pain, and jaundice.
- Additionally, excessive use of kratom may be linked to liver damage.
It's important to note that these claims are still being researched, and the extent to which they are true remains unclear. We'll dive deeper into the evidence surrounding these claims.
What is Kratom?
Kratom is an herb from an evergreen tree and has been used for wellness purposes in Southeast Asia for centuries. Traditionally, the tree leaves were chewed, brewed into tea, or smoked to extract the active compounds. Today, kratom is available in many forms, including kratom capsules and sweetened kratom gummies.
The two primary active compounds in kratom are mitragynine and 7-α-hydroxy mitragynine. These compounds interact with various receptors in the body, producing uplifting and calming effects, depending on the quantity consumed.
In small quantities, kratom can produce various effects, including:
- Energy - Our Kratom shots are great for this!
- Sociability
- Increased alertness
In high quantities, kratom can produce various effects, including:
- Sleep enhancement
- Calmness and relaxation
- Stress relief
There are also different types of kratom leaves, each known for their unique benefits. Therefore, depending on the kind of leaves you consume, you may experience other effects.
These effects haven't been fully confirmed. Instead, they are based on anecdotal evidence and consumer reports from people that have tried kratom.
However, despite its potential benefits, there are concerns that kratom may be hard on the liver and could adversely affect liver health. While these claims have yet to be confirmed by research, they are worth examining more closely.
How Does the Liver Work?
The liver is a vital organ in the body, responsible for filtering out toxins from the bloodstream and processing nutrients for use by the body.
But it does much more than that. The liver is also essential in metabolizing fats, proteins, and carbohydrates, which are critical to maintaining a healthy diet.
If the liver is not functioning correctly, it can have a devastating impact on the body. There are many reasons why liver disease and damage can occur, including environmental factors and genetics. But lifestyle choices such as diet and substance abuse can also contribute to liver deterioration.
Some products designed to help the body can damage the liver if taken in the wrong conditions or too frequently. These include:
- OTC pain relievers such as acetaminophen
- Antibiotics, steroids, antifungals, and arthritis medications
- Some common herbal supplements
While most of these compounds are generally safe when taken responsibly and in moderation, excessive consumption can lead to problems. So, it's essential to practice moderation when consuming substances like alcohol and medication to protect your liver's health.
How Does Kratom Affect the Liver?
Reports have surfaced linking kratom to potential liver damage. As mentioned earlier, the jury is still out. There is no concrete scientific evidence or research to support these claims. However, some experts have suggested possibilities based on anecdotal reports.
Here's what we know so far.
Kratom contains a group of 12 alkaloids in its active ingredients, and the liver metabolizes each of these alkaloids before they can be eliminated from the body, mainly through the kidneys.
While this happens to most supplements and medications, kratom contains a high volume of alkaloids, which may put extra strain on the liver.
Kratom consumers with a healthy liver won't have trouble metabolizing kratom and have little to worry about liver injuries. However, those with genetic defects, pre-existing liver damage, or sensitivity to kratom may experience problems if they consume a lot of kratom, similar to liver-toxic medications or substances.
The most abundant alkaloid in kratom is mitragynine. It requires CYP2D6 liver enzyme to metabolize. It requires other enzymes as well. If you have problems in these enzyme pathways or take medications involving these enzymes, you may have a higher risk of liver damage.
Signs and Symptoms of Liver Damage
Liver damage can be challenging to detect early on because the liver performs many different bodily functions. However, some of the initial signs and symptoms of liver damage or disease include:
- Abdominal pain
- Easy bruising
- Fatigue
- Indigestion that lasts for a long time
- Nausea and vomiting
- Dizziness
- Swelling in arms and legs
As liver damage progresses, more severe symptoms may develop, including:
- Yellowing of the skin and eyes (jaundice)
- Dark-colored urine
- Light-colored stool
If you experience any of these symptoms, seeing a healthcare provider immediately for a medical examination is important. Your healthcare provider may recommend further tests to check for specific markers that indicate liver damage. Early detection is critical for effective treatment and management of liver disease.
How Does Kratom Interact with the Liver?
To assess how kratom affects the liver, it's essential to understand how the organ interacts with this substance. Like other substances, kratom interacts with the liver when consumed.
However, there is a lack of research to determine the impact of kratom on the liver. Reports from user forums and regulatory agencies suggest that while there is a risk of liver toxicity from kratom, most users do not experience liver damage.
Research indicates that liver toxicity symptoms may appear between 7 to 21 days after taking large doses of kratom. One study on adverse effects associated with kratom use found that of 404 patients, only eight had a history of recent kratom use, and seven had been exposed to kratom. The researchers used their consumption over 22 days before symptoms appeared as a factor in the case.
Other findings suggest symptoms may develop in kratom fans within 7-21 days. Kratom liver toxicity occurs when you take too much kratom. Another study looked into kratom's adverse effects and noted that kratom liver toxicity occurs when you take too much.
The study established that while there was a link between kratom use and liver injury, it was rare. It's unclear how much of this liver injury was caused by contaminants in the plant matter that are not part of the plant itself.
How to Use Kratom Safely
If you choose to use kratom to feel better or be more productive, there are several precautions you can take to minimize the risk of liver damage while enjoying its benefits.
Currently, kratom comes in many forms, including tablets, powders, and the famous, delicious kratom gummies. The key to safely taking kratom products is to purchase them from reputable and reliable sources.
Kratom products from unreliable sources are often contaminated and may contain substances that might potentially cause liver dysfunction.
For long-term kratom use or when taking kratom for the first time, it's best to take low servings and gradually increase them over the next few days as needed. Give yourself time to experience the effects before deciding whether to increase the serving. Only oral consumption of kratom is considered safe.
Another precaution when taking kratom is not to mix it with alcohol or prescription medications. Combining them will only increase the workload on the liver.
Staggering your kratom intake and avoiding daily use can help reduce the workload on the liver, giving it enough time to recover from alkaloid processing and reducing the risk of liver injuries or damage.
If you have any underlying health conditions or are taking medications or supplements, it's best to consult your doctor before adding kratom supplements to your routine.
If you experience any side effects like nausea, fatigue, or dizziness after taking kratom, it's recommended that you visit a doctor. Other signs of liver damage warranting a doctor's visit include yellowing of the skin and eyes, abdominal pain, dark urine, and pain when urinating.
Remember that consuming too much of anything, including kratom, might produce undesirable side effects. Therefore, it is essential to consume kratom in moderation and responsibly.
In Short
The evidence suggests that kratom can be used safely, but it carries some risks. While there is limited research on the topic, reports of liver damage and toxicity associated with kratom use exist.
However, the incidence is relatively rare and is usually linked to consuming excessive kratom or using contaminated products. As with any supplement or substance, the key to using kratom safely is to purchase from reputable sources, start with small servings, and avoid mixing it with other substances.
And if you experience any symptoms of liver damage, seek medical attention immediately. With responsible use and proper precautions, kratom may provide some natural relief benefits and improve overall well-being.