Kratom as a tropical plant that originated in Southeast Asia, has gained more popularity due to its stimulating and relaxing properties. But one of the most frequent and not so pleasant effects of the usage is nausea, which can sometimes be mild, still it can still be strong enough to provoke vomiting. You are not the only person who wants to avoid kratom nausea.
This article explores the reasons why kratom may lead to you feeling sick, the mechanism of action of kratom and nausea, along with some useful tips on how to minimize this side effect or even prevent it completely.
Understanding Nausea from Kratom
What Is Kratom Nausea?
Kratom nausea is described as the nausea feeling in the stomach that may follow kratom consumption. To some, it may be a temporary discomfort; to others, it may go up to dizziness, sweating, and vomiting.
The nature and extent of nausea may be based on factors such as your dosage, the form in which you ingested it, whether you have a sensitive nature, and your recent eating habits.
Why Does Kratom Make You Throw Up?
Kratom nausea is mainly due to its agitation with the opioid receptors in the brain. These are the same receptors that prescription opioids target, yet they are also infamous for causing nausea, usually experienced by first-time users.
Due to the binding of kratom alkaloids, which are chiefly mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine, to these receptors, there is a propensity to bring out the vomiting reflex in the body.
Other reasons kratom might make you feel sick include:
- Overconsumption: Taking too much kratom at once overwhelms your system, increasing the risk of nausea and vomiting.
- Alkaloid Sensitivity: Some people are naturally more sensitive to kratom’s active compounds, particularly when starting.
- Consumption Method: Swallowing raw kratom powder (the “toss and wash” method) can irritate your stomach lining.
- Empty Stomach: While kratom may hit harder on an empty stomach, it also increases the likelihood of nausea.
- Dehydration: Kratom can be dehydrating, and not drinking enough water can make nausea worse.
- Poor-Quality Kratom: Old, contaminated, or low-quality kratom may contain impurities that upset your stomach.
- Mixing Substances: Combining kratom with alcohol, caffeine, or certain medications can amplify nausea.
Symptoms: Kratom and Nausea
Recognizing the symptoms of kratom-induced nausea can help you take action before it becomes severe. Here’s what to watch for:
| Symptom Level | Common Symptoms |
| Mild | Queasiness, lightheadedness, stomach discomfort |
| Moderate | Dizziness, sweating, increased salivation, flushing |
| Severe | Vomiting, headaches, uncontrollable gagging, difficulty focusing, extreme drowsiness |
If you experience severe symptoms, especially repeated vomiting or difficulty breathing, seek medical attention.
How to Prevent Kratom Nausea
While some sensitivity may be unavoidable, especially for new users, most cases of kratom nausea can be minimized or prevented with the right approach.
1. Be Careful with Your Dosage
- Start Low: Start with a small effective dose of 1 to 2 grams in the case of a new user. The doses larger than 5 grams have a much higher risk of causing nausea.
- Increase Gradually: You can take a higher dose gradually as time goes by in case you require a stronger effect.
- Use a Scale: Whenever you use your kratom, you should always use a digital scale.
2. Choose Your Consumption Method Wisely
- Avoid Toss and Wash: Ingesting straight powder may be painful to your stomach. Rather, use kratom tea, capsules, or mix the powder with juice or yogurt.
- Mask the Taste: The bad taste of Kratom can cause nausea. This can be eased up by mixing it with a drink of strong taste.
3. Don’t Take Kratom on an Empty Stomach
- Eat a Light Snack: It can help your stomach by eating some small, boring food (such as yogurt or a banana) 30 minutes after your dose.
- Avoid Heavy Meals: Greasy or heavy foods may worsen nausea.
4. Stay Hydrated
- Drink Water: It can dehydrate you, so you must get lots of water before and after taking Kratom.
- Avoid Alcohol and Caffeine: These may exacerbate the lack of water and stomach cramps.
5. Consider Antacids or Ginger
- Antacids: Avoiding irritation can be facilitated by taking an antacid half an hour prior to your dose, and getting the stomach acid neutralized.
- Ginger: A natural cure for nausea is ginger tea or ginger capsules, and it can be used to stave off queasy feelings caused by kratom.
6. Use High-Quality Kratom
- Buy from Reputable Sources: Ensure your kratom is fresh and lab-tested to avoid contaminants that could upset your stomach.
- Store Properly: Keep kratom in a cool, dry place to maintain its quality.
7. Avoid Mixing with Other Substances
- Medications: Some prescription drugs can interact with kratom and worsen nausea.
- Alcohol and Other Drugs: These combinations increase the risk of side effects, including vomiting.
Kratom Vomiting: What to Do If It Happens
If you find yourself vomiting after taking kratom, don’t panic. Here’s what you can do:
- Stop Taking Kratom: Give your body a break and let the nausea pass.
- Hydrate: Sip water or an electrolyte drink to replace lost fluids.
- Rest: Lie down in a quiet, dark room until the nausea subsides.
- Try Ginger or Peppermint: Both are traditional remedies for nausea.
- Monitor Your Symptoms: If vomiting is severe or persistent, seek medical advice.
Why Does Kratom Make You Throw Up? The Science
Kratom major alkaloids, mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine, bind to opioid and mu-opioid receptors of the brain. This not only elicits the effects of this kratom but also incites the natural process of vomiting, mostly in high doses or in sensitive persons.
Moreover, kratom can induce hyper-reactivity in the vestibular system (responsible for balance and motion sickness), resulting in dizziness and vomiting.
The poor taste of the plant and the physical discomfort caused by the lining of the stomach, which is irritated by the raw powder, can also help cause one to feel sick.
Kratom and Nausea: Who’s Most at Risk?
Certain groups are more likely to experience nausea from kratom:
- New Users: The body isn’t yet accustomed to kratom’s effects.
- Those Taking High Doses: Overconsumption is the most common cause of kratom sickness.
- Sensitive Individuals: Some people are naturally more sensitive to kratom’s alkaloids.
- People with Sensitive Stomachs: Pre-existing digestive issues can increase the risk.
Additional Tips to Prevent Kratom Nausea
- Rotate Strains: Some strains may be gentler on your stomach than others. Experiment to find what works for you.
- Take Breaks: Regular breaks can help prevent tolerance and reduce side effects.
- Listen to Your Body: If you consistently feel sick, consider lowering your dose or taking a break from kratom altogether.
Final Thoughts
Although using kratom might be beneficial in very specific ways, the threat of experiencing nausea and vomiting is quite literal, at least when you start to use it or when you experiment with increased doses.
Knowing the causes and using the following tips, you will be able to avoid nausea during your kratom experience, and it will become safer and more pleasant.
Never ignore what your body tells you, and remember to take kratom responsibly because you can always talk to a medical expert in Kratom and Kratom and the brain.
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