You must have seen athletes and sports celebrities consuming green powder mixed in various beverages. Kratom has gained attention in the sports world for improving natural performance and recovery aid. Athletes are using kratom for relief, energy, and focus, but there are questions about its safety, legality, and benefits in sports.
In this article, we will explore kratom’s efficacy for athletic performers, potential benefits and risks, doping regulations, and legality. We will also tell you the best strain and dosing strategies for consuming kratom.
How Kratom Affects Athletic Performance?
Two main alkaloids in kratom, mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine, interact with mu-opioid receptors to provide relief after heavy exercise. Used by runners, MMA fighters, and weightlifters to deal with (DOMS) delayed-onset muscle soreness.
Low doses of white and green kratom strains provide stimulation, energy, and endurance similar to caffeine but without crashes. By modulating adrenergic receptors, it relieves fatigue often caused after practice.
Athletes often consume kratom to strengthen their focus and mind-muscle connection. Mitragynine works with alpha-2 adrenergic signals, subsequently improving concentration.
Some sportsmen also use it for post-workout recovery, as Red kratom strains in moderate quantities help with muscle relaxation and improve sleep quality.
Potential Risks:
- Kratom is a mild diuretic that causes dehydration.
- It can cause overexertion as masking pain in the field can lead to injury.
- Kratom’s legal status varies around the world, which is why it is banned in some sports organisations.
Kratom in Professional Sports: Legal Status
It is not banned everywhere; however, some leagues prohibit opioid-like substances, which include kratom. The FDA has classified kratom as a “drug of concern” and labeled it as an herbal product that needs regulation and surveillance. However, nearly 2 million Americans are using (kratom), a substance that is banned in multiple states.
| Organization | Kratom Policy | Tested For? |
| WADA (Olympics) | Not explicitly banned | No standard test |
| NFL | Not listed as prohibited | Rarely screened |
| NBA | No specific ban | Unlikely tested |
| UFC | Permitted (but discouraged) | Not on the standard panel |
Best Kratom Strains for Athletes
- Green Malay is best for gaining focus and stamina if taken in 2 to 4 grams after every 4 to 6 hours.
- Red Borneo kratom is known for post-workout recovery. You can consume 3 to 5 grams after every 6 to 8 hours.
- Yellow Vietnam kratom is another good strain known for balanced energy and relaxation. It can work wonders if consumed in 2.5 – 4 grams after every 5 to 7 hours.
- White Maeng Da is best to gain pre-workout energy after every 3 to 5 hours.
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Dosing Protocols for Athletic Use
1. Pre Workout
To gain energy and focus, consume 1-2 grams of white strain kratom 30 minutes before your workout. You can use it with electrolytes to avoid dehydration.
2. Post Workout
For post-workout recovery, you can use kratom after cooling down. Red strains in 3 to 4 g are suitable for recovery, plus you can add magnesium to prevent cramps.
3. Competition Days
During your competition days, you should avoid high doses and opt for milder kratom, such as white and green kratom, in low doses.
Safety Considerations for Athletes
- It can cause nausea, dizziness, and digestive issues like diarrhea with improper use, such as high dosage intake.
- Prolonged use of kratom can lead to tolerance and dependency, so it should be used with caution.
- High dose provides a sedation-like effect, which is counterproductive for athletic performance.
Scientific Research & User Reports
Scientific studies on kratom are still limited; however, it has some anecdotal evidence that shows its benefits. According to the research in the Journal of psychotic drugs, kratom can stimulate energy levels at low doses by acting on dopamine pathways.
Another study shows that alkaloids found in kratom work with opioid receptors and provide the effects of a mild relaxant without addictive properties. Some studies have also found that this herb increases serotonin and endorphin levels in the human body, which resultantly enhanced mood and reduced anxiety.
Final Verdict: Should Athletes Use Kratom?
While kratom is known as a natural supplement for athletes to get back on their energy track, more research is needed to fully understand its effect on sports performance.
If you are considering kratom for your well-being, start with a low dose, choose a reputable vendor, and analyze your body’s response.
Before adding kratom into your daily routine, you must consult with a healthcare provider and consider getting legal advice on using kratom for athletes.
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