Kratom (Mitragyna speciosa) is a tree that belongs to the marshy areas of South East Asia such as Malaysia, Thailand, Myanmar, etc. The leaves are used as therapeutic medicine and as recreational drugs. This tropical tree boasts numerous compounds. However, the Kratom tree’s medicinal value majorly depends on its two compounds, namely, 7 hydroxy mitragynine and mitragynine.

When you consume an extract derived from Kratom leaves, you will experience opioid drug-like euphoric effects due to the secretion of feel-good hormones. Traditionally, kratom leaves are crushed or chewed. Its dried leaves were also smoked or brewed into tea. Today, Kratom is available in powder, capsule, raisins, and many other edible forms.

Let’s now briefly discuss the varied benefits and uses of Kratom leaves.

Benefits of Kratom Leaves

1. Can Increase Metabolic Activity

You will be pleasantly surprised to know that Kratom and coffee plants come from the same family. So, just like coffee, Kratom can support strenuous physical activity. Kratom accords the body’s sudden energy bursts for intense workouts and even improves sexual vitality. You can consume an extract of Kratom leaves just before a strenuous exercise or have it before a long hard day at work.

Kratom leaves come in a variety of strains. The White Vein Kratom is the most popular strain. Moreover, several other types of this tropical tree offer different therapeutic effects on the body. You can gain their nuanced benefits by trying out the Kratom variety pack.

2. Pain Relief

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Kratom is widely used for its pain-relieving abilities. Kratom is used as a panacea for chronic pain conditions like arthritis and fibromyalgia. Kratom leaves, when consumed in sufficient amounts, produce sedative and opioid-like effects and alleviate pain. An NIH report says that the analgesic effects of Kratom are due to the presence of its two compounds, 7-α-hydroxy mitragynine, and mitragynine. These compounds react with the opioid receptors present in the brain and produce an analgesic effect to reduce pain.

3. Can Improve Mood Disorders

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Consuming Kratom leaves can elevate mood and boost mental health. A 2018 study has substantiated this. As mentioned earlier, though not an opioid, Kratom can create an opioid-like effect by interacting with the opioid receptors of the brain and regulating mood. Hence, you feel more upbeat and develop a positive outlook towards life. 

Moreover, Kratom’s sedating properties help with relieving symptoms of anxiety and depression. Though several strains of Kratom can be used, the red vein Maeng Da Kratom is the most suitable strain to quell anxiety and uplift mood.

4. May Enhance Cognitive Abilities

When we consume Kratom, it releases acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter. Acetylcholine is majorly involved in enhancing focus. It can improve the cortical circuits’ ability to answer to sensory stimuli. Kratom may also enable the secretion of dopamine and serotonin, which are responsible for enhanced focus and increased attention span. This quality of Kratom is helpful for students who are studying for exams.

The brain’s optimal functioning depends on nutrients and the energy released through metabolic functions. Kratom is metabolized into various alkaloids by the liver enzymes. These alkaloids interact with some opiate receptors situated in the peripheral nerves and the central nervous system. Such an interaction can enhance cognitive performance.

5. Can Help in De-addiction

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Are you someone who is struggling to get off heroin or opioids? Well, then, Kratom might just be right for you. The herbal extract of this tree is used to treat opioid addiction. Though Kratom gives an opioid-like feel-good feeling, you will remain relatively cocooned from nasty comedowns associated with opioids. Your opioid withdrawal symptoms like nausea, mood swings, and anxiety might be relieved by Kratom. 

Additionally, unlike opioid drugs, this tropical herb does not lead to long-term dependency. Even if you use Kratom for extended periods, your body’s craving for it is unlikely to change.

6. Can Help Control Diabetes

Anecdotal reports suggest that Kratom might help manage blood glucose levels. The alkaloids of Kratom leaves might help in regulating glucose and blood insulin levels. The fatal peaks and troughs associated with the fluctuating blood glucose levels are effectively prevented by Kratom leaves. Obesity and diabetes are interrelated. Kratom leaves interact with the hypothalamus’s satiety receptors and curb cravings for trigger foods like sugary drinks and chocolates.

Other Uses of Kratom Leaves

Besides the varied benefits of Kratom leaves mentioned above, Kratom is also used to treat the following conditions:

• Diarrhea
• Cough
• Depression
• Improving immune function
• High blood pressure

Looking Ahead

Though a natural herb, Kratom comes with its set of risks and side effects. Moreover, there are several Kratom strains, and each variety comes with its unique properties. You should appraise the efficacy of each Kratom strain and how your health needs will be fulfilled.  Though Kratom is a legal recreational drug, the FDA does not regulate its products. The regulatory body cautions against Kratom use to treat health ailments. Moreover, most Kratom products are devoid of dosing instructions. 

People underrate the importance of having a beautiful smile. Not only does it boost confidence, but it also makes the quality of life better. Not so many people are born with a perfect smile, which is why there are ways around it. If you have decided to straighten your teeth, there is more than one treatment option. Most people are aware of the metal braces, but there are other ways you can get a perfect smile.

1. Invisalign

The newest treatment used to straighten teeth is Invisalign. It is very comfortable, and one of the advantages is that the aligners are almost invisible. People will not notice that you are undergoing the treatment. The Invisalign dentist will create a series of customized aligners after examining your mouth and jaw. The clear aligners are attached firmly to the teeth to help push them to the correct position. You never know how long the treatment takes until you go for a consultation. However long it takes is determined by the condition of your teeth. It can go for only six months if the teeth can be treated quickly. Before you jump on the new treatment, you have to decide which method works best for you. This method, however, is fast and allows you to eat anything.

2. Metal Braces

Everyone with teeth alignment issues has considered metal braces at one point. They are the most common teeth-straightening method. They are more effective than other methods in treating extreme tooth overcrowding. Metal braces are brackets and wires attached to the teeth. The metal brackets are bonded to the teeth using adhesive. They are what exerts pressure on the teeth and encourage them to move. There are also wires that run through the brackets and bands, which will be replaced for gradual progression. Acquiring metal braces is very simple, and it’s often considered cheap compared to the rest. They are also effective for fixing overbites, closing gaps, and straightening teeth. Whether it’s for a medical or aesthetic reason, you should expect the best results from the braces. They come in different colors to improve the smile during the treatment.

3. Cosmetic Contouring

Cosmetic contouring is also a dental procedure that can be used to straighten teeth. Irregular-shaped and placed teeth will become better looking after the treatment. It entails small changes that will significantly affect your overall appearance. The dentist will remove some of your enamel to change the shape and length of the teeth. It’s a painless and fast way to get your desired smile. Most people go for the procedure because it can be completed with one visit. However, this mainly works with minor imperfections. When you need extreme straightening, the reshaping may not give you the best results. Sometimes the dentists will alter the position of the teeth being straightened to get a more attractive look. The procedure uses a sanding grill to remove enamel until the tooth has achieved the best shape. After all the teeth are done, the dentist will smoothen them to get the last look. Cosmetic contouring is done on healthy thin only. Anyone with gum issues, thin enamel or any other problem is not eligible.

4. Dental Veneers

Dental veneers, also known as porcelain veneers, can be used to straighten teeth. Veneers are made using porcelain material. They probably are the only method that will require so much preparation before they are applied. Your teeth will appear straighter and whiter after they are permanently bonded with the veneers. They will give you a perfect look, especially for people with stained teeth. They are stain-resistant, but the edges may show signs of staining after five years or so. They are also customized according to the treatment you need. The lengthy preparation involves thinning your teeth so that the veneers can fit perfectly. There is no turning back once you go for veneers, which most people consider a disadvantage. They are permanent, so your enamel will be compromised. When taken care of, they can last even up to twenty years. You should take advice from your dentist first before you decide veneers are the best treatment.

Conclusion

These four treatments are practical when you want straight teeth. There is no one dental treatment method that fits everyone. So consult your dentist, who is better positioned to give you advice. Crooked teeth are a more common problem than you may think. They mostly don’t need treatment unless they start causing health issues. But you can treat it for aesthetic reasons to get the appearance that you want.

Whether you are tired of feeling tired all the time, or you want to shed a few extra pounds, there can be many reasons to want to start improving your health. However, it may not always feel like an easy journey, especially if you are just getting started. The good news is that even though it can seem like a lot, there are simple ways that you can start improving your health and feeling better naturally, today. 

Eat a Better Diet

Along with keeping stress in check, you also need to make sure that you are eating a health-supporting diet. The reality is that even though many may think they are eating a healthy diet, they may still be consuming lots of foods that are damaging to their health. This is due in part to the fact that many foods labeled as diet or health foods actually contain lots of additives and extra sugars.

To make sure that you are avoiding these foods, it can be a good idea to carefully read all of the labels of packaged foods that you eat. Another way to get around this is to limit the amount of packaged foods that you eat, and instead sign up for low carb home chef meals to avoid sugary and processed foods. Talking about better diet, it is incomplete without fiber and all the green foods. Looking at Morning Complete ingredients, they are hand-picked and contain nutrient blends that are designed to rev up the metabolism, help your body protect itself against oxidative stressors, support healthy digestion and cellular functioning, and helps providing more energy and feeling of refreshment. 

Slash Stress

If you truly want to improve your health naturally, one of the best things you can do for yourself is find effective ways to slash stress. Whether you try out things like cbd oil or essential oils, finding ways to control and manage stress is key to feeling better. What many don’t realize is that even small amounts of stress can cause your stress hormones, like cortisol and adrenaline to skyrocket.

When your body has high levels of these hormones, it can lead to a wide range of issues, from weight gain to mental fog. Even though it may not be possible to prevent yourself from experiencing stress, finding ways to curb it once you do can make a big difference for your health. 

Get the Best Sleep Possible

Most are aware that good sleep is important if they want to feel healthy. However, they may not realize how significant of an impact it can have on their overall health. When you sleep, your body undergoes many healing processes. If you don’t get adequate amounts of sleep, your body may not be able to undertake these processes properly, or at all.

This can leave you feeling exhausted and run down in the short term, and even lead to serious health concerns like heart disease and stroke in the long term. By doing things like reducing screen time before bed and making sure that you limit your caffeine intake to the early hours of the day, you can help ensure that you are taking the right steps to get better sleep at night. 

Get Regular Exercise

Getting plenty of exercise is something else that is important for maintaining good health naturally. When you work out, you are not only increasing your muscle tone and flexibility, but you are also helping to balance out your hormones and increase endorphin production as well. This can include increasing hormones like serotonin which can help reduce stress and increase levels of wellbeing.

Make Hydration a Priority

Along with working out, you also need to make sure that you are staying well hydrated if you want to make strides with your health goals. Even though some may think that they would feel thirsty if they are dehydrated, the reality is that it can have many other symptoms, including brain fog, lack of energy and headaches. If you aren’t sure where to start when it comes to hydration, taking your body weight, dividing it in half, and then consuming that many ounces of water can be a good place to start. 

A Few Parting Thoughts

Whether you want to feel more energized, or would like to lose some weight, there can be multiple reasons to want to improve your health. While it might not always feel easy, the upside is that there are many simple, natural changes you can make that will make a big difference.