Does Kratom Work Better On An Empty Stomach Or Full Stomach?

In the world of next-gen green wonders, kratom, Mitragyna speciosa is taking over the world day by day. It’s no longer just a legendary plant; it’s a known medicinal and recreational treasure. However, there are many unanswered questions since there has been limited research. So, you might be wondering: 

How should you take kratom? When is the best time to take it? Does taking kratom on an empty stomach make the effects stronger? And what about possible side effects?

With all the different forms of kratom on the market, it can be a tough choice whether to take kratom on an empty stomach or full stomach. Some folks prefer taking it on an empty stomach for a more intense experience, while others prefer to enjoy the effects without any side effects for a longer time after a meal. It comes down to personal preference.

In this article, we dig deeper into the best time to take kratom. Read on to find more.

A Few Pointers About Kratom

Kratom is a tropical tree from the Rubiaceae family, hailing straight from the enchanting landscapes of Southeast Asia. People in Southeast Asia have been using kratom leaves in traditional medicine for ages. These leaves have been chewed, smoked, brewed into teas, and even applied as poultices for wounds. According to the American Kratom Association (AKA), around 10 to 16 million folks in the U.S. routinely use kratom. 

The psychoactive and opioid-like effects of kratom cover a broad range of benefits – thanks to mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine. From relieving pain to boosting energy and giving a sense of relaxation, kratom does it all. 

When it comes to Kratom, you’ve got a few options to choose from. There’s the classic powder form, which is available for all the different strains. Other options include capsules, tinctures, tablets, and extracts.

How Does Kratom Work With An Empty Stomach?

Before talking about why you should consume kratom on an empty stomach, let’s first understand what “an empty stomach” means. 

From a medical perspective, an empty stomach indicates that the human body has completed digesting a full meal. Usually, this kind of condition follows a night of rest and bowel movement.

Now, if you’re aiming to get the most out of kratom, you’ve got to think about how your food plays a role. The answer is straightforward – your digestive system. The digestive tract is the entry point for both kratom and food into the bloodstream. Subsequently, the synthesized components reach your nervous system, producing the desired relieving and relaxing effects.

This explains why taking kratom first thing in the morning on an empty stomach yields the best results. This will allow your body to concentrate only on processing and absorbing the drug. And guess what? You’ll start feeling the effects in just 15-30 minutes.

It is evident since the herb will get absorbed faster and offer its full effects if taken on an empty tummy. However, the lack of studies cannot back up this claim and raise many question marks. Like what about the possible side effects and how exactly to consume it etc.?

After taking kratom, it is recommended that you wait at least 2-3 hours before eating. If you’re truly hungry, however, you should give the drug a few minutes to kick in before eating anything.

If you are a fairly new kratom user, you should keep certain things in mind before consuming it. You can start by consuming a specific strain of kratom that will not be very strong for you. Different kratom strains suit different users and their needs. Health professionals generally advise that it is not wise to use kratom on an empty stomach if they are new to this herb.

How to Consume Kratom on an Empty Stomach?

If you want to take kratom on an empty stomach, the ideal time to do it is first thing in the morning. If having it before breakfast isn’t possible, aim for at least 30 minutes to an hour before your meal. If you forget to take it earlier, wait around 2 hours after eating.

It’s important to note that individual differences in digestive systems and body types can affect these timeframes. To ensure proper absorption and the full effects of kratom, waiting at least 30 minutes after consumption is generally recommended.

What Are The Benefits Of Taking Kratom On An Empty Stomach?

• Quicker Onset of Effects: When taken on an empty stomach, kratom is absorbed more rapidly, leading to a faster onset of its effects. This can benefit individuals seeking quick relief from pain or other symptoms.
• Increased Potency: Some users report that the effects of Kratom are more potent when taken on an empty stomach. A lower dose may be required to achieve the desired results.
• Better Customization of Dosage: Taking Kratom without the interference of food allows users to gauge their ideal dosage more accurately. This can lead to a more controlled experience.

What Are The Risks Of Taking Kratom On An Empty Stomach?

Using kratom on an empty stomach might not be the best idea for everyone. It could lead to some not-so-great outcomes, like 

• Messing with your digestion
• Causing gastrointestinal problems
• Making you feel nauseous

Recent studies suggest that first-time users and those with a low body fat percentage are more likely to experience these side effects.

What Effects Does Kratom Produce On Full Stomach?

If you’re not experiencing the desired effects of kratom on an empty stomach, you might want to consider pairing it with a meal.

When you consume kratom on a full stomach, You may still experience the effects, but it will take much longer. The onset of effects may be delayed for up to an hour. This delay is because the presence of food interferes with kratom’s absorption, causing it to work at a slower pace.

Moreover, taking kratom with a full stomach might alter how you feel its effects compared to an empty stomach scenario. In simple words, you may want to increase your kratom dose. To find out how much Kratom you should take after eating, you may need to try different doses.

Advantages of taking kratom with food?

Taking kratom on a full stomach can have certain advantages for some individuals:

Consuming Kratom after a meal can help mitigate any potential stomach discomfort that some users might experience when taking it on an empty stomach. Since kratom is rich in alkaloids, it is not safe to be taken on an empty stomach and may not be an ideal choice for everyone. The food acts as a buffer, reducing the likelihood of nausea or digestive issues.

Many people prefer eating something light when taking kratom as it can help avoid the direct effects of this herb on an empty stomach. Combining kratom with light ingredients like a banana, bread, or some side item can help support your stomach and let you digest it easily. You can also add kratom to smoothies and drinks.

What are the risks of taking kratom on a full stomach?

I’ve highlighted a couple of drawbacks associated with the consumption of kratom with food: 

• When taken with a meal, there’s a higher likelihood of developing tolerance. Continuously doing so may result in a diminished experience of its effects; instead, you’ll increase your risk of becoming dependent on it.

• Some studies even suggest that users notice a reduction in the potency of their dosage when consumed alongside food.

• Some users have mentioned that taking this strain with a meal can significantly reduce its effects by almost half.

Now, let’s compare both options to help you understand the best time to take kratom:

How To Maximize Kratom Effects?: Tips & Tricks

Here are some things to consider if you want the most out of your kratom experience:

• Take it Slow: Patience is the key. Wait for the effects to kick in before thinking about a second dose. Give it at least 4 hours between rounds.
• Watch Your Meals: When using kratom, light meals are recommended. Both the drug and the meal may make you sick to your stomach.
• Take Breaks: Put your fear of missing out to rest. If you take a break from kratom for a few days, you’ll appreciate how much better it makes you feel when you return to it.
• Stay Informed: Learn the facts. Understand the side effects of kratom and what to do if you start feeling off. It’s always good to be in the know.

FAQs About Kratom Consumption:

• How much kratom to take on an empty stomach?

It is typically advised to take two to three grams of kratom on an empty stomach, and it can differ depending on the individual. Never exceed your normal dosage depending on your body weight and tolerance to the herb.

• What time of the day is best to take kratom?

There is no right or wrong answer to this question. However, for stronger effects, kratom should be taken before a heavy meal. 

• Does taking kratom on an empty stomach increase tolerance to it?

Yes, taking kratom on an empty stomach regularly may increase the body’s tolerance to it. To avoid the buildup of tolerance, you should take kratom 3 to 4 hours after your first dosage or typically along with a meal.

• Do I need to increase the Kratom dosage to feel the effects on a full stomach?

Many people overdose to increase the onset of its effects which can be pretty harmful. Doing this can also lead to a high level of tolerance to kratom, which is why long-term users tend to take a very high dosage, leading to a dependency on kratom.

• Does taking kratom on an empty stomach gets you high?

Yes, especially for first-time users, kratom on an empty stomach can get you high. You should experiment with different strains and different dosages when taking on an empty stomach to see how your body reacts to it.

Conclusion

When it comes down to it, deciding whether to go for kratom on an empty stomach or a full one isn’t a one-size-fits-all situation. It boils down to how your stomach and body react to it. However, only some have an easy time properly metabolizing this plant. Since the herb is rather potent, some individuals find it more tolerable to take it with meals so that it may be digested gradually over the day. This is especially true of first-time users. The determining factors are how effectively the herb works for you physiologically and the results you want to achieve.

Reference:

Heather Burton

Heather lives with her husband and two children in beautiful British Columbia. Her passion has always been to enhance the lives of others by helping them reach their own personal goals and accomplishments. Content management is her specialty, and writing is what she does best. Her love for helping others lead her to the cannabis and kratom scene, where she saw an immense gap between patients and medicine that can help them.