Does kratom lead to constipation in adults?

Key points

Yes, kratom can cause constipation because it interacts with opioid receptors, which slows down digestive movement and reduces intestinal fluid. This is similar to how traditional opioids disrupt digestion.
Larger amounts and frequent use of kratom increase the risk of constipation. We recommend starting with lower doses and taking breaks to help reduce these effects.
Keep well hydrated. Drinking plenty of water and avoiding dehydrating drinks such as alcohol and caffeine is essential in counteracting kratom’s dry-out effect.
Eating a diet high in fibre, including plenty of fruit, vegetables, and whole grains, encourages healthy digestion and softer stools. Fibre supplements may also help.
Light physical activity, such as walking or practising yoga, helps stimulate your digestion. A daily exercise routine promotes regular bowel function.
Try different kratom strains—red vein kratom, for example, is more likely to cause constipation than green or white strains.

Kratom does often result in constipation, especially in adults who use it regularly. This side effect occurs because kratom slows down the gut, making bowel movements less frequent.

Many people who take kratom report constipation, especially with ongoing or higher-dose use. To help manage this, we need to stay hydrated, eat more fibre, and use kratom responsibly.

Understanding how kratom impacts digestion is vital if we want to use it sensibly, and we’ll explore the details in the rest of this article.

Why Does Kratom Lead To Constipation?

We can’t overlook that using kratom has a direct effect on our digestive system and nerves, which often leads to constipation. Here’s how kratom affects our gut and why it causes us to feel blocked up.

Opioid Receptors

Kratom contains alkaloids like mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine, which latch onto the opioid receptors in our gut. These receptors are crucial for regulating how our intestines move, and when kratom activates them, our digestion slows right down. This effect is very similar to traditional opioid painkillers, which are well-known for causing constipation.

When these opioid receptors are triggered, our intestinal muscles can’t contract effectively. This means waste moves more slowly through our digestive tract, dries out, and becomes hardened—making constipation a likely outcome. By interfering with our gut’s nervous system, kratom compounds the problem further.

Reduced Gut Movements

Kratom slows the process of peristalsis—the rhythmic muscle movements that push food through our intestines. When these movements are interrupted by kratom’s active ingredients, everything slows, food stays in our gut longer, and more fluid gets absorbed. The result? Harder stools that are difficult to pass. If we use kratom regularly or in higher amounts, this slowing down can become a long-term issue, making us prone to ongoing constipation.

Less Fluid In The Gut

Kratom also limits the amount of fluid produced in our intestines. Normally, this fluid keeps things soft and moving smoothly, but kratom’s opioid-like effects dry things out. If we get dehydrated—especially because kratom can make us lose more water as well—our stools become even drier and more compact, significantly raising the risk of constipation.

Disrupted Muscle Contraction

Our gut muscles need to contract in a coordinated way to keep waste moving. Kratom disrupts this balance, causing contractions to become weaker or out of sync. When things don’t contract as they should, waste gets backed up, slowing everything even more. For us, long-term or heavier kratom use can turn this occasional problem into a chronic one, and constipation can become an ongoing challenge.

Kratom Extract

Maeng Da Powder (50g)

14,46 €

Shop now

Key Influencing Factors

Kratom can lead to constipation in adults, but this is shaped by a variety of factors. By understanding what makes a difference, we’re able to use kratom in a way that’s gentler on our digestion. Let’s look at the main factors to keep in mind, from how much and how often we take kratom, to our diet, hydration, and which strain we choose.

Dosage

The amount of kratom we use has a major impact on our gut health. Larger doses slow down our digestive system, making constipation more likely. This happens because kratom’s active compounds attach to certain receptors in the body, reducing bowel movement.

Symptoms like bloating or hard stools are more common at high doses. That’s why starting low is so important—try 1–2 grams at first to see how your system reacts.

Taking over 8 grams not only raises constipation risks, but could also lead to more serious problems such as nausea or dependency. Sensible dosing is crucial if we want to avoid uncomfortable side effects.

Frequency

How often we use kratom makes a difference too. Using it daily or very regularly can cause ongoing constipation, because our body gets used to it and struggles to get back to normal.

If we take kratom every day for long stretches, irregularity can become a constant issue. Taking short breaks every few days—like three days on, two days off—can give our digestive system a better chance to recover. Giving ourselves a rest helps keep things moving normally and reduces the risk of dependency.

Hydration

Kratom can make us dehydrated, which is a big contributor to constipation. If we’re not drinking enough, stools become harder and more difficult to pass. Making sure we drink plenty—aim for two to three litres of water a day—helps keep everything running smoothly.

We might also want to try herbal teas or drinks with electrolytes to give our digestive system even more support while using kratom.

Diet

Eating plenty of fibre is a simple but effective way to avoid constipation. Foods like oats, beans, and leafy greens add bulk, helping everything move through the system.

Processed foods or those low in fibre can make constipation from kratom worse, so we want our meals to be rich in whole grains and fresh produce. A high-fibre diet goes a long way towards balancing out kratom’s effect on the gut.

Strain Type

Some kratom strains are gentler on digestion than others. Red strains, which tend to be more relaxing, are often linked to stronger constipation effects due to their alkaloid content.

Green and white strains, which have more energising properties, may be easier on our gut. It pays to experiment to find which varieties work best with our body. If constipation sets in, switching to a green strain and making dietary tweaks can make a notable difference.

Key Points Summary

Dosage: Higher amounts raise the odds of constipation—start small.
Frequency: Frequent use increases the risk—take regular breaks.
Hydration: Drink lots of water to keep things moving.
Diet: Go for high-fibre foods to ease digestive issues.
Strain Type: Red strains can be problematic—consider trying green or white.

Long-term effects on bowel health

When it comes to our digestive system, kratom’s long-term use is an important topic to discuss. While many people turn to kratom seeking its pain-relieving or mood-boosting qualities, its impact on gut health shouldn't be overlooked. Studies as well as user experiences indicate that using kratom over an extended period can lead to a range of bowel issues—from mild discomfort to serious complications.

Long-term bowel effects from kratom	What happens?
Constipation	Often reported, as kratom targets the same receptors as opioids, which slow the gut’s normal function.
Stomach pain	Some of us feel cramps or aches when our bowel habits are disrupted.
Dependence on laxatives	Persistent constipation might push us to use laxatives more often, leading to reliance.
Bowel blockage	Rare but possible, ongoing constipation can cause obstruction, a condition requiring urgent care.
Withdrawal symptoms	If we stop kratom suddenly, diarrhoea and other stomach upsets can signal withdrawal.
Severe complications	Reported cases include bleeding in the gut and bowel obstruction for some long-term users.

Over time, kratom can alter how our bowels work, mainly by slowing down the natural rhythm of movement. This occurs because kratom acts on the same pathways in the body as certain painkillers, which are known to reduce gut motility. As a result, chronic constipation becomes more likely the longer we use kratom.

For some of us, this means only occasional tummy pain—but for others, the risks are greater. In severe cases, there’s a chance of bowel obstruction or even life-altering complications that can mean hospital treatment is necessary. This is a stark reminder that monitoring our digestive health is vital if we’re using kratom, particularly without medical oversight.

A key worry for regular users is becoming reliant on laxatives. When constipation is an ongoing battle, we might turn to over-the-counter or prescribed solutions. However, this can lead us into a pattern where our bodies depend on these aids, making it even harder to keep things moving naturally.

This cycle brings its own problems, creating further hurdles for maintaining a healthy digestive system. Personally, I pay close attention to changes—alternating bouts of constipation and diarrhoea can sometimes be an early warning sign of bigger problems ahead.

Others in our community have also experienced nausea and stomach aches, which usually means it's time to lower our dose or cut back on how often we take kratom. If these symptoms don’t fade or get worse, we should seek advice from a healthcare professional. With limited research available on the long-term bowel effects of kratom, the best thing we can do is stay informed and listen to our bodies every step of the way.

The hidden gut chain reaction

When we talk about kratom, its impact on our digestive system goes far beyond just constipation. Compounds like mitragynine found in the plant attach to opioid receptors, affecting how our gut moves and triggering a variety of knock-on effects. Over time, or at higher doses, this can really take a toll — not just on our comfort, but also on the way our bodies absorb nutrients and maintain gut health.

Dealing with bloating

Bloating is one of the most frequent and uncomfortable effects that many of us notice when taking kratom, usually as a consequence of backed-up stool due to constipation. The longer waste remains in our digestive system, the more gas is produced, causing our stomachs to swell and leading to noticeable discomfort. Severe bloating can make it tough to get on with everyday life.

Sluggish digestion means undigested food starts to ferment, and this fermentation process ramps up the production of gas, making bloating even worse. If our digestive systems are already sensitive, or we’re dealing with something like IBS, this can become especially troublesome.

To help keep bloating at bay, we can make a few changes to our diet. Eating more fibre by including fruits, vegetables, and whole grains can loosen things up, while staying well-hydrated encourages our intestines to move more efficiently. Cutting down on typical gas-producing foods, like beans and fizzy drinks, can also ease the symptoms.

Getting the most from our food

Slow digestion caused by kratom doesn’t just make us uncomfortable — it also interferes with how our bodies absorb nutrients. This can mean we end up missing out on essential vitamins and minerals our bodies need to work at their best.

When our bodies aren’t taking in enough iron or B vitamins, for example, we might find ourselves feeling drained or even run down in the long term. These shortfalls really add up over time, especially for those of us who rely on kratom for ongoing issues.

That’s why it’s so important to focus on a diet packed with nutrients. Dark leafy greens, lean meats or proteins, and nuts are all smart choices. Some of us might also need to think about adding supplements, like magnesium or a daily multivitamin, to help make up for any gaps that slow digestion may cause.

Supporting gut balance

Kratom has the potential to throw our gut microbiome — the community of helpful bacteria in our digestive system — out of balance. Changes to this internal ecosystem can make symptoms like constipation or diarrhoea worse, and play havoc with our general wellbeing.

Introducing probiotics into our routine can help restore harmony. Fermented foods like yoghurt or kefir, or even probiotic supplements, can help boost the numbers of good bacteria. Supporting this with a diverse diet, including foods rich in prebiotics such as garlic and onions, provides further benefit.

Sticking to a diet rich in plant foods and steering clear of processed options can further help protect our gut health and offset the unwanted effects of kratom on our digestive bacteria.

Does kratom lead to hair loss?

Kratom may contribute to hair thinning for some, often due to stress or nutrition, but direct scientific evidence is limited.

Jul. 4, 2025

Early signs to look out for

Constipation is one of the most commonly encountered side effects, and it’s something we’ve seen pop up quite frequently among those of us who use kratom. Fortunately, by spotting the early signs, we can take action before things get worse and keep ourselves in good shape. For many of us, the first indication is noticing a change in how our stools look or feel. If they become dry and hard, using the loo might start to feel uncomfortable – that’s the trademark signal of constipation.

Kratom can slow down our digestive system, which is why we need to pay close attention to these early changes. If we start having bowel movements less frequently – for instance, fewer than three times a week, when that’s not typical for us – it could be a red flag.

Often, these issues don’t come alone. We may also feel discomfort in the stomach, like cramping, bloating, or a lingering feeling of fullness. These symptoms are tell-tale signs that our digestive system is under strain, especially if we’re using kratom frequently or taking higher doses. Tuning in to these early warnings can help us avoid more serious problems, such as faecal impaction or developing piles.

It’s important that we pay attention to slight shifts in our bodies, even if we’re still regular. Should our stools gradually become firmer or more compacted, that’s something we shouldn’t ignore. It could be our body’s way of telling us it’s starting to react to kratom use, potentially leading to more significant problems down the line.

Being mindful of these signals is essential for keeping our digestive health on track while using kratom. The trick is to act quickly at the first sign of constipation. Small changes, like drinking more water, upping our fibre intake, and cutting back on kratom, can make a real difference.

For example, eating a variety of fibre-rich foods such as fresh fruit, vegetables, and wholegrains can help us get things moving again. It’s also worthwhile to balance kratom use with a bit of exercise to support a healthy gut. Addressing these signs sooner rather than later not only prevents discomfort but also encourages us to use kratom responsibly.

Although constipation is relatively common with kratom, other effects such as dizziness, nausea and headaches can also occur. More severe concerns, like dependence or neurological issues, are rare but do happen. Fewer than 1% of users report visiting their GP for these effects, which goes to show just how important it is to stay aware of how our body responds.

Practical management strategies

Managing kratom-related constipation calls for both prevention and a few straightforward lifestyle tweaks. While only a small percentage of us who use kratom—roughly 6%—experience this issue, it’s still important to keep our wellbeing in check while enjoying kratom’s unique benefits.

By following these approaches, we can look after our digestive systems and continue to make the most of kratom’s therapeutic effects, responsibly.

Increase fluids

Staying well hydrated is key to keeping constipation at bay. We aim for 2–3 litres of water each day, which helps soften stools and makes bowel movements easier.

Kickstart your morning with a glass of warm water to stimulate your digestive system.
Spread your drinks evenly throughout the day, rather than all at once.
Try herbal teas—peppermint and chamomile are soothing options for the gut.
If you’re active or sweat a lot, top up with electrolyte drinks to replace lost minerals.

It’s wise to avoid beverages that dehydrate us further—coffee and alcohol, for example, can draw water out of the digestive tract and worsen constipation.

Increase fibre

Eating more fibre is a natural way to support healthy and regular bowel movements. We make a habit of adding high-fibre foods to our plates every day.

Enjoy wholegrains like oats, quinoa or brown rice with meals.
Choose fruits such as apples, pears, and berries—with skins on for extra roughage.
Fill your dishes with veg like broccoli, carrots, and plenty of leafy greens.
Snack on nuts and seeds—chia and flaxseeds are particularly good sources.

If we still need a boost, fibre supplements like psyllium husk or methylcellulose can help. Fibre works by bulking up our stools and moving them along our intestines, reducing the likelihood of constipation.

Gentle movement

Getting our bodies moving encourages digestion. Just 30 minutes of gentle activity—like walking or a spot of yoga—can really pay off.

Those of us who prefer more energetic routines can benefit from jogging, cycling or other cardio for improved gut health overall. Keeping active not only helps prevent constipation but also supports balance when using kratom.

Consider supplements

In more persistent cases, we can turn to supplements. Over-the-counter fibre supplements are handy, and adding probiotics can support our gut microbiome if our diet or habits have changed.

Short-term use of stool softeners may give temporary relief but shouldn’t be seen as a long-term fix. Natural options like magnesium can act as gentle laxatives—but they should be used sparingly and ideally under medical guidance, to avoid dependency.

Conclusion

We’ve found that kratom can have an effect on our digestion, and for some of us, constipation is a common issue. This mainly happens because kratom slows down how quickly things move through our digestive system. Factors like how much we take, how often, and whether we’re keeping hydrated can all play a part. In the long run, using kratom without paying attention to these signs might make things harder for our bodies, so it’s important to spot any symptoms early.

Simple steps, such as drinking more water, adding fibre to our diet, or taking the occasional break from kratom, can really help. Some of us also find that herbal teas or probiotics help restore balance. Everyone responds differently, so it’s important for us to figure out what works best.

If constipation becomes persistent or gets worse, we should consult a healthcare professional. Staying informed and aware is the best way for us to stay safe while using kratom. Let’s look after ourselves.

Frequently asked questions

Does kratom cause constipation in adults?

Yes, kratom can contribute to constipation in adults. Its active compounds interact with the body’s opioid receptors, which may slow down bowel movements and lead to digestive discomfort.

Why does kratom contribute to constipation?

Kratom has properties similar to opioids that slow the passage of food through the gut by affecting opioid receptors. This can cause your digestive system to work more slowly, making stools harder to pass.

How can we recognise if kratom is impacting our digestive health?

Look out for changes such as less frequent bowel movements, hard or dry stools, bloating, or stomach discomfort. If you notice these signs persisting, it’s sensible to review how much kratom you’re using and consider reaching out to a healthcare professional.

Is constipation from kratom use risky?

While mild constipation may sometimes be manageable, ongoing or severe issues can lead to complications like haemorrhoids or even blockages. It’s important to pay attention and address symptoms promptly to avoid longer term problems.

How can we prevent constipation when taking kratom?

Make sure to drink plenty of water, include lots of fibre in your diet, and keep physically active. Adjusting the amount or frequency of kratom you use might also be helpful.

Could long-term use of kratom damage our digestive system?

Extended use of kratom has the potential to cause chronic digestive problems, such as persistent constipation and related health issues. By monitoring how much you use and checking in with a healthcare provider, we can minimise risks to our gut health.

Should we stop taking kratom if we experience constipation?

It’s not always necessary to quit immediately. Try simple steps like increasing water and fibre first. If constipation carries on, talk to your doctor about next steps.