Kratom is exploding in popularity, and for good reason. It has a lot of mental and physical benefits. But no plant is perfect—if you’ve ever felt like you’re slowly turning into a giant raisin after taking kratom, you’re not alone.
If you’ve been wondering, does kratom cause dehydration?, we’ll help you understand exactly why kratom could dehydrate you, and how you can prevent kratom dehydration from the get-go.
We’ll unpack the science and the myths of dehydration from kratom, then give you practical tips to stay hydrated, avoid dry mouth, and feel your best while following your kratom routine.
- How Does Kratom Cause Dehydration? Understanding the Science
- How Kratom Can Cause Dry Mouth
- FAQs: Quick Answers to your Kratom Dehydration Questions
The Science Behind Why Kratom Can Dehydrate You
How does kratom dehydrate you? Is kratom dry mouth caused by dehydration, or is it rooted in something different? To answer these common questions, let’s start by understanding how kratom works.
Kratom leaves contains a range of alkaloids, which are naturally occurring compounds that are responsible for the plant’s wide-ranging effects. Many of these effects are beneficial, from a mild mood boost and focus to physical comfort and increased energy levels. But the alkaloids have some less-desirable side effects as well. Some of the alkaloids, including mitragynine, have diuretic effects as well as other effects that may lead to dry mouth.
What’s a Diuretic? Are Diuretics Bad for Me?
Simply put, diuretics are substances that increases your urine production—they make you pee more.
Even if you’ve never heard of the term diuretic before, you’ve probably tried one. Common diuretics include caffeine (the main alkaloid found in coffee and black tea), alcohol, prescription medications like Lasix, and even compounds in foods like cilantro or celery.
Diuretics aren’t inherently bad. They can actually be beneficial when used appropriately, as they may help the body get rid of excess fluid and salt. However, diuretics also come with potential downsides, especially if used excessively. Diuretics can lead to dehydration, electrolyte imbalances, and other issues if your body loses too much fluid or important minerals.
That’s why it’s important to stay hydrated and monitor your health if you’re consuming diuretics, whether they’re prescribed medications or herbal supplements like coffee and kratom, to avoid any unwanted short-term or long-term side effects. As with any wellness tool, balance and caution are key.
It’s easy to blame kratom for dehydration, but let’s keep things in perspective. As we mentioned, many factors can dry you out—caffeine, alcohol, even salty snacks. If you’re already skimping on water, kratom might amplify the issue, but it’s rarely the sole culprit. Think of kratom as a nudge—not a shove—in the direction of dehydration.
Do Some Types of Kratom Cause Dehydration More So than Others?
Certain kratom product types will be inherently more likely to cause dehydration. The form you consume—be it powder, capsules, extracts, or tea—plays a significant role in how dehydrating (or hydrating) your experience is.
- Which types of kratom cause dehydration more than others? Typically the culprits are dry kratom products (like loose powder or capsules) and products with a high alkaloid content (like extract shots and gummies).
- Which products will help you easily avoid becoming dehydrated? A few kratom products like tea, drink mixes, and seltzers have built-in hydration, helping you stay hydrated without much effort.
Note that some kratom drinks can have a high alkaloid content, or they may contain other plants that have dehydrating properties (like black tea). They can certainly be more hydrating than dry powder, but they’re not necessarily an alternative to drinking water
The Relationship Between Dehydration and Constipation with Kratom
The issue of dehydration from kratom is linked to the issue of constipation from kratom. As with dehydration, it’s possible to avoid this issue by understanding the root causes of kratom-related constipation and adjusting your routine accordingly.
Kratom leaves contain a range of compounds that can affect your digestion:
- The alkaloids in kratom may slow gut motility and contribute to dehydration. Normally, your colon absorbs water to help form stool. If you’re dehydrated, your body pulls extra water from your intestines, leaving your stool harder—and more difficult to pass. Without enough fluids, the movement of waste through your digestive tract slows down, increasing the likelihood of constipation.
- The leaves contain a significant amount of insoluble fiber, which generally aids digestion, but can also cause gas.
Here are a few tips to help prevent any issues with constipation when consuming kratom:
- Stay properly hydrated!
- Gradually increase your fiber intake to avoid bloating or gas. If you’ve never had kratom before and you start off with a large amount of leaf material, you may have some digestion discomfort related to the high fiber content (and the alkaloid content).
- Use the smallest amount of kratom possible. The “go big or go home” mentality isn’t great for building a sustainable kratom routine. Begin with a very small serving of your chosen product type and gradually increase the amount until you find what works best for you. (Note that the amount of kratom alkaloids in one serving will vary greatly between products.)
Easy Tips and Strategies to Prevent Kratom Dehydration
Don’t let kratom leave you feeling drier than your grandma’s sense of humor. Kratom dehydration is preventable!
Every person’s individual needs and preferences for how to stay hydrated vary. A good guideline is to drink an extra glass of water with your kratom serving and continue sipping water throughout the day, but you can try out different tactics to find what works best for you. Here are easy tips to follow so that your kratom routine doesn’t cause dehydration:
1. Drink a glass of water when you have your kratom.
A simple rule of thumb? Drink at least one full glass of water for every teaspoon of plain kratom powder you take. Your body will thank you!
2. Switch to kratom tea.
If you’re not great at remembering to drink water, try a kratom product that will naturally keep you hydrated, like crushed-leaf kratom tea or a kratom drink mix. Added bonus: you get something tasty to sip on—having tea instead of an extract is like having a cup of coffee or latte instead of just swallowing a caffeine pill.
3. Keep your electrolytes balanced.
You may lose electrolytes when you have diuretics. Whole foods like sweet potatoes, spinach, avocados, bananas, and tomatoes are can provide electrolytes like potassium, magnesium, or sodium. You can also get electrolytes from drink mixes—these are especially helpful if you’re losing excessive amounts of water in the summer, when you exercise, or when you’re sick.
4. Listen to your body for signs of dehydration.
The common advice from doctors and nutritionists is that you should drink water before you feel thirsty. Some people may not realize they’re thirsty until they’re already dehydrated.
Other signs of dehydration include a dry or sticky feeling in your mouth, or darker urine. As dehydration progresses, you might start to experience headaches, fatigue, and more noticeable dry mouth. Catching the signs of dehydration early can help you prevent more serious symptoms.
If you’re experiencing long-lasting or severe dehydration symptoms such as extreme thirst, dry mouth, dry skin, dizziness, confusion, dark yellow or amber-colored urine, rapid heartbeat, fainting, or vomiting, it’s important to seek medical assistance immediately. These symptoms may indicate that dehydration has reached a dangerous level, and it could potentially lead to long-term health issues if not addressed.
5. Drink water (or other hydrating drinks) throughout the day.
Stay ahead of dehydration by drinking water regularly throughout the day, even if you don’t feel thirsty yet. Aim for 8–10 glasses a day (more if you’re active or live in a hot climate). If plain water feels boring, add a bit of citrus or some other flavoring to make it more enticing.
6. Make yourself a hydrating kratom cocktail.
A fun way to stay hydrated is to make a mix of your kratom with flavored water or seltzer. You can do this with extract shots, tea, and powder. Check out our favorite kratom cocktail recipes here.
7. Pair kratom with hydrating foods and snacks.
Whole fruits and veggies like apples, oranges, tomatoes, peppers, and pears are not only hydrating but packed with nutrients.
8. Make a kratom smoothie.
Want to get your hydration, nutrients, and kratom effects all in one? Try a kratom smoothie as a meal or a nutrient-dense snack.
Does Kratom Cause Dry Mouth? Is Kratom Dry Mouth Related to Dehydration?
Dry mouth (which is sometimes referred to as “cottonmouth”) occurs when your salivary glands don’t produce enough saliva. For most people, kratom doesn’t lead to noticeable dry mouth, but experiencing dry mouth from kratom is not unheard of.
How does kratom cause dry mouth? Dry mouth can be caused by a number of factors. Here are a couple of the potential reasons some people experience dry mouth from kratom:
- One cause is just dehydration. If you aren’t well-hydrated, this can lead to dry mouth. Staying properly hydrated before and after having kratom can help you avoid dry mouth related to dehydration.
- The second culprit has nothing to do with how hydrated you are: dry mouth can be caused by plants and substances that interfere with your body’s saliva production. Cannabis is a very good example of this—when you smoke, you may experience cottonmouth even if you’re well-hydrated. Researchers haven’t yet studied how kratom alkaloids (or other components of kratom leaves) affect salivation, but it’s possible that there is some interaction.
Individual sensitivities can play a big role in whether or not you experience dry mouth. Some people have more severe dry mouth than others when consuming coffee, kratom, cannabis, and other supplements or medications.
How to Manage Kratom Dry Mouth
While dry mouth from kratom isn’t extremely common, when it happens, it can be distracting and uncomfortable. The sticky, dry feeling in your mouth can make it difficult to chew, swallow, or speak—and this might negate all of kratom’s other benefits. So here are a few tips to prevent or manage kratom dry mouth so you can improve your overall kratom experience:
1. Reduce your kratom serving size and take breaks.
A lower serving size may help you avoid dry mouth. While the effects you get from a smaller serving size may be different or less strong, in some cases less is actually more. If you can, try taking regular breaks from kratom. You may find that you won’t need as much kratom to get the same benefits, and you won’t experience as many unwanted effects.
2. Try sugar-free gum or lozenges.
Gum and certain candies can help you salivate more and relieve the discomfort of dry mouth. Try to avoid eating high-sugar candy or chewing ice chips, because they can lead to dental decay and damage over time.
3. Avoid combining kratom with other products that cause dry mouth.
As we mentioned earlier, other things like caffeine, alcohol, and cannabis can reduce your salivation and/or hydration levels. Try consuming just one at a time to avoiding compounding any negative effects.
Sip Smarter: Prevent Dehydration by Drinking Kratom Tea
Let’s talk tea—kratom tea, to be exact. Sure, we’re a kratom tea company, so you might think, “of course they’re going to promote tea…” But hear us out: we created Top Tree tea bags specifically because we loved most of kratom’s effects, but really didn’t like the way that dry leaf powder made us feel (not to mention, how it tasted).
We knew we weren’t alone in this feeling, and we knew that there were tons of people who would potentially never even try kratom because they were turned off by the formulations that were available.
So, we created kratom tea bags. Here’s the pitch: kratom tea is a game-changer for avoiding common kratom side effects, like dehydration and constipation. Here’s why kratom tea might be your new go-to brew:
- Hydration Built In: Kratom tea is, well, tea. You’re sipping 8-12 oz of water per serving while enjoying the same benefits you get from powder or concentrated shots.
- Gut-Friendly: No more wrestling with raw powder—tea is easier on your stomach.
- Strength, Your Way: You can keep things light or be bold and bracing; your brew can match your mood.
The bottom line? Kratom tea isn’t just a drink—it’s a smarter, smoother, more hydrating way to enjoy kratom.
Frequently Asked Questions About Kratom Dehydration
1. Why does kratom cause dehydration?
Like with caffeine in coffee, there are compounds in kratom leaves that can increase the amount you urinate. If you consume large quantities of kratom powder or alkaloid extracts, you may become dehydrated—but dehydration is preventable if you have moderate serving sizes and stay properly hydrated.
2. Does kratom cause dry mouth?
Most people don’t experience dry mouth from kratom. If you do experience dry mouth, it could be because you’re dehydrated. It could also be related to interactions between kratom and other supplements or medications.
3. Which kratom products are least likely to make you feel dehydrated?
Some kratom products have built-in hydration, like kratom tea, seltzers, or drink mixes. With every serving of kratom alkaloids from these products, you’ll naturally drink 8-12 oz of water.
4. What types of kratom dehydrate you the most?
Dry kratom products (like leaf powder) and products with a high alkaloid content (including extracts shots and gummies) could lead to mild dehydration if you consume them without any extra water.
5. Can kratom cause dehydration headaches?
Yes, kratom can contribute to dehydration headaches if you’re not staying properly hydrated. Like coffee or tea, kratom can have mild diuretic effects, which might increase water loss. To avoid headaches, make sure to drink plenty of water when consuming kratom, especially if you’re active or in a dry climate.
6. How can I prevent kratom dehydration and dry mouth?
Increasing your water intake can help prevent dehydration and dry mouth or alleviate the issues if you’re already experiencing them. You can also consider reducing the amount of kratom you consume.
If you’re experiencing serious dehydration, dry mouth, or other unwanted effects, you should speak with a medical professional.
7. How much water should I drink when taking kratom?
There isn’t a set rule for how much water to drink when consuming kratom, but we recommend drinking an extra cup of water with each serving of kratom. Listen to your body and watch out for signs of dehydration like dry mouth and bright yellow or dark urine.
At Top Tree, one serving is 2 grams for plain leaf powder or 3 grams for crushed-leaf tea steeped for 20 minutes. Keep in mind that each kratom product has a different amount of alkaloids in a single serving.
8. Is it safe to mix kratom with coffee?
Many people love drinking coffee and kratom together (including the TTH team—we call it kroffee). Mixing kratom with coffee is generally safe for most people, but it’s important to be cautious.
Drinking excessive amounts of caffeine and kratom together can dehydrate you, but small amounts of each in combination are typically fine. Additionally, both kratom and coffee contain active compounds that can be energizing, which may lead to jitteriness, increased heart rate, or upset stomach when combined.
Start with small amounts of each to see how your body responds, and avoid mixing them if you’re sensitive to caffeine or kratom alkaloids.
9. Is it safe to mix kratom with other drinks?
Yes, kratom can be mixed with other drinks, such as juice, herbal tea, or smoothies, to improve taste or enhance your experience. Avoid mixing kratom with alcohol or excessive caffeine, as these can increase dehydration.
The Bottom Line
So, does kratom cause dehydration? The answer isn’t a simple yes or no. The secret to preventing kratom dry mouth and dehydration lies in how you consume your kratom and how much water you’re having alongside it.
Dry kratom products like powder and large servings of kratom alkaloids can be dehydrating, but if you adjust your water intake when you consume kratom, you can avoid dehydration. If you want a kratom product that can help you hydrate without any conscious effort, kratom tea or seltzers might be a perfect solution.
Pay attention to how your body feels after consuming different types and amounts of kratom, adjust your hydration habits accordingly, and don’t hesitate to explore different forms to find what suits you best. Remember, staying hydrated isn’t just about avoiding dry mouth or fatigue; it’s essential for overall health. So next time you reach for your kratom, make sure a glass of water is close by.
Happy hydrating!
