It is one of the commonly asked questions within the kratom community, especially from women consumers. Kratom, hair loss, or alopecia; is there a potential link?
Individuals who are taking kratom for their wellness often ask this online. While definitive and large-scale scientific studies are not available and kratom progresses on anecdotes, this topic might be worth exploring. In this article, we will examine all the available information on the internet about kratom and hair loss and explore other relevant side effects that affect your appetite and hair conditions.
Does Kratom Cause Hair Loss? Examining the Evidence
No, there is no conclusive scientific study that proves kratom directly causes hair loss; however, several consumers reported a correlation between those two after heavy, long-term use. These reviews have led researchers and Kratom community members to propose several theories on how it might contribute to hair loss or alopecia.
Potential Indirect Mechanisms:
- Hormonal Influence:
Some alkaloids in kratom may influence your hormonal levels, mainly those related to stress and metabolism. Hormonal fluctuations, such as those of cortisol or thyroid hormone, can be a known trigger for telogen effluvium. It is a condition in which hair is permanently pushed into the shedding phase.
- Nutrient Absorption:
Heavy dose consumption of kratom also causes a lack of appetite or digestive discomfort, which leads to reduced food intake. The malabsorption of nutrients in the body can result in vitamin and mineral deficiencies, such as iron, zinc, biotin, and vitamin D, which are necessary for healthy hair growth and follicle function.
- Dehydration:
Kratom has a diuretic effect on the body, which can lead to dehydration if your water intake is not increased as needed. Chronic dehydration also affects scalp health and the strength of hair shafts. Dehydration can cause hair loss, brittle hair, and more breakage.
- The Role of Heavy Metals:
A large part of the kratom industry is unregulated, which means low-quality, untested kratom products. These might be contaminated with heavy metals like Lead or Mercury, which can cause hair loss. Heavy metals present in anything can cause serious health issues, including hair loss. This is one of the most critical, however, often overlooked factors.
Important Consideration:
Genetics, significant stress, thyroid disorders, hormonal changes, diet and medication changes, and other factors also contribute to hair loss apart from kratom.
How Kratom Affects Your Appetite
The combined effect of kratom on appetite is not the same for everyone, as it depends on many factors, such as the type of strain, dosage, and individual body chemistry. Some people have reported an increase in hunger, while others find that it suppresses their appetite with high doses.
The impact of kratom on weight loss remains inconclusive as the effects vary from person to person. While kratom may offer mild appetite-modulating effects, however, it’s not recommended to use it as a main source for weight loss. It is suggested to always approach kratom with caution, mainly for people using it for appetite regulation or weight management. Make sure to contact a healthcare provider before adding it to your daily routine.
The quality of kratom also matters a lot. Finding the best quality kratom is difficult these days, as companies are adding additives and other chemicals that contaminate the quality of kratom.
A Broader Look at the Side Effects of Kratom
Kratom can cause side effects other than hair loss, such as constipation, dizziness and drowsiness, dehydration, tolerance, and dependence. These side effects are only caused by high and frequent dosages. Responsible use is necessary for kratom consumption, which includes proper hydration, a healthy diet, the lowest dose, and regular breaks to manage tolerance.
Key Takeaways
If you are concerned about hair loss and using kratom, a proactive approach is best. Always prioritize high-quality lab-tested kratom that is free from contaminants like heavy metals.
Analyze your nutrition and hydration throughout the day, especially during kratom consumption. Must add a daily multivitamin to your routine to make your scalp and hair better. If you are a heavy and long-term user, try a tolerance break or reduce the dose.
A direct link is unproven between kratom and hair loss; however, it is plausible that low-quality products coupled with poor nutrition and hydration can contribute to hair loss.
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