While mitragyna speciosa or Kratom is a newcomer in the modern-day health and fitness market, it has historically been used by Southeast Asian farmers for a long time. Farmers chewed on Kratom leaves to boost their focus and their physical productivity. Today, Kratom is quickly becoming relevant as more and more of its potential benefits are uncovered.
When it comes to athletes, their drive to succeed and improve themselves is a constant push for them to explore and find legal health supplements and natural ingredients which can boost their performance. As the Kratom industry grows worldwide, its use has penetrated the athletic world as well, whereby various athletes have reported their experiences with using Kratom.
In this piece, you will find out everything you need to know about Kratom in sports and athletics;
Its legality in sports,
Its efficacy
Whether or not it synergizes with an athlete as well as it does for a regular joe?
All your questions will be answered, so keep reading!
What is Kratom?
Kratom is a plant native to Southeast Asia and is known by many names such as mitragyna speciosa, Ketum, and many more. The two main alkaloids present in Ketum are mitragynine and 7-hydroxy mitragynine which directly influences the opioid receptors of your brain and consequently affect factors such as your mood, pain threshold, focus, and more. However, Kratom should not be confused with opioids as not only does Kratom not come under the ‘controlled substances,’ its effects are much milder than opioids.
Is Kratom legal in sports?
The World Anti-Doping Agency governs the athletic world and the legality of substances for athletes. While Kratom was a monitored substance till 2018, it has been removed from the list since then. This means it is completely legal for an athlete to consume Ketum as it would not be considered doping.
Benefits of Kratom for an Athlete
Since Kratom is legal, there are numerous ways in which athletes can benefit from the substance. Some of them are as follows;
- Pain Relief and Analgesia
One of the biggest issues athletes face is the strain any, and every sport puts on their bodies. From physical injuries to muscle fatigue and cramps, the physical toll a professional athlete’s body encounters is unfathomable for a layman. This is why many athletes have either been addicted to in the past or currently are addicted to anabolic steroids and painkillers. Whether it be to not miss out on an important competition or simply because they don’t want the rest, numerous athletes have even gotten themselves hooked on painkillers after simple sprains and fractures. Here is where Kratom comes in as an author at Mel Magazine who tested Kratom for three months and referred to it as the ‘miracle drug for bodybuilders and addicts.’ Kratom has strong pain-relieving qualities, and since it also impacts the opioid receptors in your brain, it can also be used to drive yourself out of addiction to various opioids and painkillers.
- Energy and Focus Boost
Sports don’t only strain you physically but are mentally taxing as well. Maintaining your energy levels and focus are some of the most difficult things an athlete has to do. Kratom can help with this as it has proven to energize users and enhance their focus. Consequently, athletes can utilize Kratom for a quick surge of energy during an important match or competition and be on their merry way to outperform the competitors.
- Stress and Anxiety Relief
Speaking of the psychological challenges of athletes, stress and anxiety is a part and parson of their careers. Elevated stress levels before big games and the anxiety that comes with not performing as well in every game are something athletes have to go through constantly. In such high-pressure environments, any substance that can help elevate stress and anxiety levels is godsent. Kratom is such a substance as it can help athletes relax and alleviate their anxiety. This allows athletes to participate in their respective sports with a clearer head and a calmer thought process not influenced by pressure.
Conclusion
All in all, whether it be research or experiences of sportsmen such as Matt Wiese, a WWE Wrestler, Kratom is not only safe for athletes but can also be a big help to them. Kratom has proven to help athletes with numerous facets of their careers, from pain relief to a boost in their energy and focus levels. As long as Kratom dosage is maintained and athletes start small and work their way up in dosage, there is no need to worry when consuming Kratom.