The hype around Kratom leaf as an answer to opiate addiction, strength training enhancer, and mood booster to athletes continues to surge. This ancient medicinal leaf is native to Southeast Asian countries where farmers used it to enhance their energy when working in fields.

Over the last two centuries, Kratom has been used as an organic supplement to treat health problems like depression, anxiety, sleep disorders, inflammation, fatigue, and malaria. Additionally, it has been used to treat opioid addiction though health experts caution patients to use it in moderation. Check out the Kratom Library for more details.

Kratom has become a favorite drug to athletes, particularly those performing strength training exercises have due to its energy-enhancing properties. Much debate lingers regarding whether it is safe for athletes to use or not. 

Neither the FDA nor Who recognizes Kratom as healthy for human use as more research is required to find out its effects. However, athletes on the Kratom regimen cite that the herb provides these benefits:

Pain Killer

Athletes are bound to suffer pain after prolonged, strenuous exercise. Pain killers help the athlete’s body recuperate fast and relieve pain. However, athletes are warned against prolonged consumption of NSAIDs as they increase the risk of developing intracranial hemorrhage in the event of a minor head injury. 

Kratom provides an excellent alternative to NSAIDs due to its pain-relieving properties. Athletes who have used the herb have revealed exceptional positive results after intermittent Kratom use. Studies show that Kratom hinders the body’s ability to feel pain. It explains why weightlifters, jocks, and powerlifters are using Kratom routinely to alleviate pain experienced after exercise.

Anti-Depressant 

Athletes often develop depression due to their extremely stressful life. During tournaments, for example, they hardly get enough sleep. Such stressful conditions affect their psychological state and can cause depression.

Kratom has mood-boosting properties that can help such athletes. Athletes who have used it cite that a dose as low as one gram of Kratom helped boost their mood. Since Kratom has different strains, athletes need to look for one that has mood-boosting properties. Bali and Borneo are examples of Kratom strains with mood-boosting effects when used in moderate to high dosages. Thai, Maeng Da, and Malay strains on the other hand, require you to take only a gram.

Muscle Relaxant

Athletes, particularly those who perform strength training exercises, often develop sore muscles. Kratom is believed to relax the muscles helping athletes recuperate fast and resume work out. It explains why people in Southeast Asian countries like Thailand, Malaysia, and Indonesia chewed kratom leaves or tea made from Kratom to improve productivity during manual labor.

Pre-workout Drug

Pre-workout nourishment is a critical part of a workout routine as it boosts the athlete’s energy and vitality. You can buy Kratom capsules and pop one a few hours before a workout to boost energy. 

Kratom for Bodybuilding, Fitness, and Pre-Workout

Kratom is available in different forms: tea, capsules, and powder. Athletes can use any of the forms as long as they follow these rules:

  • Administer low doses: Kratom has invigorating effects when used in small doses. As such, 2-4 grams of powder should suffice
  • Take the capsule 30 minutes before the workout: The impact of the drug is evident 30-40 minutes after use, and the effects can last for up to three hours. As such, it is essential not to exceed the dosage for your daily schedule
  • Avoid taking energy drinks: Kratom has powerful effects hence the need to avoid mixing it with energy drinks
  • Take lots of water: One side effect of dehydration. As such, you need to take lots of water to keep your body hydrated

Kratom Strains for Athletes

White Thai

It has strong energy-boosting effects hence a suitable pre-workout Kratom strain. Also referred to as Green Thai, it is the most popular strain native to Thailand. White Tai has an adequate amount of alkaloids which nourish the body before a workout.

White Malay

This Kratom strain is grown in Malysia, and it is famous for its ability to fight fatigue and boost one’s energy. Its effects are so strong that it is recommended to athletes have intense workouts or morning exercises.

Green Maeng Da

The strain is commonly used to make espresso coffee. This is due to its effectiveness in boosting an athlete’s vitality and energy. Maeng Da is also used to alleviate addiction caused by opiates.

White Vein Indo

This strain is native to Indonesia and has become popular around the world due to its pain-relieving effects. It is also less sedative and has energy-boosting effects.