Posted by If the recent statistics are correct, kratom is one of the most widely used natural botanicals in the world. Even with the recent Notices of Intent from the FDA to ban products that contain a higher concentration of 7-OH than what’s found in pure plant leaf products, 1.6 million Americans use kratom products every year. Globally, the numbers are whopping 15 million, and these figures are expected to continue increasing.
Kratom has been around for centuries and helps millions of people cope with everyday struggles like anxiety, stress, and low energy levels. But like other medicinal products, it’s not devoid of side effects. Knowing the effects and how to cope or avoid them will help you get the best experience.
Key Takeaways
- Kratom products can contribute to dehydration in some people, especially when combined with sweating, heavy exercise, low fluid intake, caffeine, alcohol, some juices like apple and prune, or large servings.
- Common dehydration symptoms include dark urine, increased thirst, dry mouth, dizziness, fatigue, headaches, muscle cramps, and urinating less often.
- Drinking fluids regularly, limiting alcohol and excessive caffeine, and following recommended serving sizes can help reduce the risk of dehydration when using kratom.
- Confusion, fainting, severe weakness, or an inability to keep fluids down can signal a more serious problem and may require immediate medical attention.
- Oxonol and Pseudo are alternative kratom products, while Acend contains no added 7-hydroxymitragynine and uses a full-spectrum Mitragyna speciosa extract in a scoreable tablet.
- Acend contains 160 mg per tablet, divided into four 40 mg servings, and the manufacturer recommends starting with one-quarter tablet and waiting at least 90 minutes before considering another serving
Does Kratom Cause Dehydration?
Yes, kratom can cause dehydration in some people, but the link between kratom and dehydration is not straightforward. Assuming that everyone who uses kratom powder or kratom capsules experiences dehydration is false.
Based on our experience, if you have underlying conditions like constipation, nausea, sweating, or dry mouth, the risk of dehydration after using some products like kratom powder is high.
The risk depends on the individual. For example, if you prefer concentrated kratom products like shots, consume large amounts of powder, exercise heavily, or spend most of your time outdoors in hot weather, you are more likely to feel dehydrated after using kratom.
Likewise, a person who drinks very little water, takes kratom with caffeinated drinks, or already has a condition that affects fluid balance is more likely to experience dehydration symptoms than someone who stays hydrated and adheres to the kratom dosage guidelines.
What Are The Symptoms of Dehydration?
Now that we know kratom can cause dehydration, what are the tell-tale signs you should watch out for after using your preferred kratom products? The most common signs include;
- Dark yellow urine
- Urinating less often
- Dizziness
- Increased thirst
- Dry mouth
- Fatigue
- Headache
- Muscle cramps
- Confusion (though rare and often after excessive use/overdose)
If you prefer taking kratom with fruit juice, remember that some juices, like prune and apple juices, can contribute to dehydration. Drink enough water afterward to stay hydrated.
How To Avoid Dehydration When Using Kratom
Firstly, you don’t need to overcomplicate dehydration. We recommend drinking water regularly throughout the day, which is usually more sensible than waiting until you feel extremely thirsty.
Other tips for avoiding dehydration when using kratom are:
- Avoid combining kratom with alcohol
- Drink more fluids when exercising or sweating heavily
- Do not exceed the recommended serving
- Be careful when combining kratom with large amounts of caffeine. If you must combine the two, do it in moderation
- Stop and reassess if you feel unwell after taking a product
More importantly, seek medical help if you experience confusion, fainting, severe weakness, an inability to keep fluids down, or other concerning symptoms.
7-OH And Recent FDA Actions
Let’s digress a bit to talk about the recent FDA actions on concentrated 7-OH products. For years, the FDA has warned consumers about concentrated 7-OH products.
However, the recent FDA Notices of Intent didn’t come as a surprise to many. Brands like Real Botanicals had prepared adequately for this, as evident from their new product line, Oxonol, Pseudo, and Acend.
Sadly, Oxonol and Pseudo will be affected by the ban once it takes effect on 5th August 2026, but you can still buy the two at a discounted price. Stock up by taking advantage of the 20% discount on Real Botanicals.
Check out this best 7-OH alternatives article to learn more about Oxonol and Pseudo tablets.
What is Acend and Why It’s The Best 7-OH Alternative
In contrast to traditional liquid shots or highly concentrated items, Acend utilizes a unique methodology. These are full-spectrum Mitragyna speciosa extract tablets, with each 160 mg unit conveniently scored into four 40 mg portions.
Notably, Acend DOES NOT contain 7-hydroxymitragynine. Instead, Real Botanicals utilizes its proprietary ChromaPure technique to create this full-spectrum botanical extract. This makes it totally different from concentrated 7-OH products targeted by the FDA ban.
To ensure safety and quality, the brand confirms that each batch is screened for impurities like pesticides and heavy metals. They are also produced in the brand’s own facility based in South Carolina, USA, which strictly adheres to GMP standards.
The manufacturer’s instructions recommend starting with one-quarter of a tablet, equivalent to 40 mg, and waiting for at least 90 minutes before redosing, as the effects are gradual. You should also avoid combining Acend with alcohol, opioid-class substances, and sedatives to get the best experience.
Our Final Take
Yes, kratom can potentially cause dehydration, but you can reduce the risk by drinking fluids regularly, avoiding alcohol, sticking to the recommended serving, and avoiding other risky combinations we highlighted earlier in this article.
Finally, the recent FDA actions concerning concentrated 7-OH products have also changed the conversation around kratom-derived products. Oxonol, Pseudo, and Acend represent different product approaches, while Acend offers a 7-OH-free, full-spectrum extract in a scoreable tablet designed for more precise serving control.
Don’t wait for the FDA 7-OH ban on 5th August. Stock up today!