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Kratom is a substance that comes from dried, powdered leaves of kratom trees (Mitragyna speciosa). It’s often used for its stimulating and sedating effects — but does kratom cause hair loss?
Disclaimer: We sourced information from what we consider trustworthy sources, but we are not doctors. Before taking any supplements, we highly suggest consulting your doctor. We also never suggest taking Kratom.
Does Kratom Cause Hair Loss?
Kratom usage can lead to hair loss, primarily when used repetitiously over extended periods. That’s because kratom can stimulate the immune system, causing the body to focus on white blood cell production instead of other processes, including hair formation.
Additionally, kratom can stress the body, causing rapid heart rate, vomiting, and insomnia. When this happens, the body’s stress response causes hair follicles to enter a dormant phase. Therefore, due to a lack of growth, it may seem like you’re losing hair.
Let’s explore how kratom affects the body and discuss ways to prevent kratom-related hair loss to ensure you continue to enjoy a head full of gorgeous, healthy hair, regardless of your kratom usage.
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How Kratom Affects the Body
Though it might seem counterintuitive, kratom is both a stimulant and a sedative. The dosage you consume (and the frequency of your kratom usage) significantly impacts how it affects your body.
Kratom Is a Stimulant
People have enjoyed the stimulating effects of kratom leaves long before kratom capsules and powders hit store shelves in the United States. Like coca leaves, people have chewed on kratom leaves to enjoy a boost in energy and focus.
That’s because kratom’s primary chemical component is mitragynine, a known stimulant.
In small doses (less than five grams), this compound can increase a person’s heart rate and make them feel more alert. But when taken at higher doses (ten grams or more), this herbal drug can have the opposite effect.
Kratom Is a Sedative
When consumed in higher dosages, kratom can produce sedating effects. It can make you feel drowsy, confused, and lethargic. Like any other drug, kratom can interact with the body in many ways.
These interactions can increase the amount of stress your body experiences. Kratom can also trigger the immune system to jump into action, a response that may be harmful in the long run.
Kratom Stimulates the Immune System
In addition to producing body-wide effects, kratom interacts with the immune system. While most evidence points to kratom improving and strengthening the immune system, this response can be dangerous over time.
After all, the immune response changes your biological priorities. If you think of your bodily functions as a to-do list in order of importance, keeping your heart beating and body free from infection would sit near the top of the list.
But growing healthy hair and fingernails would be very low on this list. So when kratom triggers your body’s immune response, your body can hit the pause button on these “auxiliary” biological functions.
When this happens, your body may trigger hair follicles to enter a resting (also called dormant) phase, preventing them from growing. At the same time, old hairs may continue to fall out at their regular rate. The combination of these reactions can lead to a noticeable loss in hair.
How to Prevent Kratom-Related Hair Loss
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You may notice hair loss if kratom constantly triggers your immune response. Technically, this loss stems from a lack of new hairs rather than the current hairs falling out more quickly.
Either way, kratom-related hair loss can be embarrassing and impact your confidence and self-esteem. Fortunately, preventing this type of hair loss could be as simple as making a few lifestyle changes.
For example, you can put an end to kratom-related hair loss by:
- Taking a daily multivitamin
- Eating plenty of healthy foods
- No longer using kratom
Let’s explore these options to discover which might be suitable for you!
Take a Daily Multivitamin
One of the best ways to combat hair loss is to take a multivitamin. Sometimes hair loss stems from nutritional deficiencies. So ensuring that you’re consuming plenty of life-sustaining nutrients is a surefire way to help boost your natural hair growth.
Enjoy a Healthy Diet
If taking a daily multivitamin doesn’t appeal to you, you might want to consider making a few dietary changes. Consuming three or meal nutrient-rich meals every day can also help your body receive all the vitamins and minerals needed to produce healthy, fast-growing hair.
When creating a hair-friendly diet, focus on ingredients rich in biotin, vitamin D, and vitamin B (all types). These are some of the most vital nutrients associated with hair growth.
Stop Using Kratom
If you’ve noticed hair loss after using kratom, you may simply want to stop consuming kratom. After all, this herbal drug can increase biological stress, resulting in telogen effluvium, a process that causes hair follicles to become dormant.
Quitting kratom can reduce the stress your body experiences, thus “awakening” hair follicles and allowing for more satisfying hair growth. Giving up kratom can also help reduce your risk of developing unwanted symptoms associated with this drug, including nausea and seizures.
Frequently Asked Questions
Below you’ll find some of the most frequently asked questions regarding kratom’s effect on hair growth. If you’re worried about kratom causing your hair to fall out, you’ll want to check out these related questions and answers.
What substance makes your hair fall out?
Several substances can make your hair fall out. For example, exposure to heavy metals like mercury can cause hair loss. But some medications, like birth control pills and antibiotics, can also contribute to hair loss.
Does hair loss from drugs grow back?
Hair loss caused by drug usage is typically reversible. However, it can take several months for hair strands to grow at their regular rate, especially if the body experiences prolonged periods of stress.
Why is my hair thinning?
Several issues can cause hair to thin. Hormonal changes, stress, and illness are some of the most common culprits behind hair loss. Consulting with a physician can help determine the precise cause of your hair’s growth changes.
Which vitamin deficiency is responsible for hair loss?
Individuals deficient in vitamin B, vitamin C, or biotin may experience slower-growing hair or hair loss. Vitamin D is also crucial to hair growth. Therefore, it’s crucial to consume a variety of vitamins are part of your daily diet to avoid vitamin-related hair loss.
How can I regrow hair?
Eating a healthy diet, lowering stress levels, and avoiding drugs that trigger autoimmune responses are excellent ways to regrow hair. But in some cases, you may need to see a hair growth specialist to increase hair growth or prevent baldness.
So, Does Kratom Cause Hair Loss?
Kratom can trigger your body’s immune response to jump into overdrive. When this happens, the body focuses more on healing than growing hair, potentially leading to hair loss. Ceasing kratom usage can help you grow thicker, healthier locks of hair.