AMA #9: Kratom Risks, Does Infrared Sauna Work & Journaling Benefits
Huberman Lab Podcast Recap
Published:
Duration: 37 min
Guests: Dr. Robert Merlanka
Summary
This episode examines the risks and addictive nature of Kratom, its role in the opioid crisis, and its potential benefits and dangers. Andrew Huberman also discusses the effectiveness of infrared saunas and the benefits of journaling for mental health.
What Happened
Andrew Huberman, a professor of Neurobiology and Ophthalmology at Stanford School of Medicine, provides a comprehensive overview of Kratom, a substance derived from the Mitragina speciosa tree in Indonesia. At low doses, Kratom acts as a mild stimulant, while at higher doses, it serves as an analgesic and sedative. Kratom's addictive potential is highlighted, as it is an opioid that binds to mu and kappa opioid receptors, similar to morphine and hydrocodone.
While Kratom is sometimes used to help individuals wean off more potent opioids, it carries its own risk of addiction and withdrawal symptoms. Andrew Huberman notes that 10-40% of people may have a heightened response to opioids, making them more susceptible to addiction. Moreover, although death from Kratom is rare, it can occur, particularly when mixed with other substances.
The episode also delves into the role of Kratom in the broader context of the opioid crisis, characterized by the overconsumption and addiction to opioids like morphine and oxycodone. Andrew Huberman emphasizes that while Kratom might seem like a safer alternative, it is not a benign substance and poses significant risks.
In addition to Kratom, Andrew Huberman touches upon the potential health benefits of infrared saunas. He discusses ongoing research aimed at determining whether these saunas can effectively aid in recovery and improve overall health metrics.
The episode also explores the benefits of journaling for mental health. Huberman elaborates on how regular journaling practices can help individuals organize their thoughts, reduce stress, and enhance emotional well-being.
Dr. Robert Merlanka, an expert on addiction and dopamine, contributes his insights on the addictive properties of Kratom. His expertise provides a deeper understanding of how Kratom interacts with the brain's reinforcement circuitry, involving both dopamine and serotonin pathways.
The Huberman Lab Podcast Premium channel's efforts to fund research for developing protocols for mental health, physical health, and performance are also highlighted. The Tiny Foundation's matching of every dollar generated by the Premium channel underscores the importance of funding human-based research in these areas.
Key Insights
- Kratom, derived from the Mitragina speciosa tree, acts as a mild stimulant at low doses and as an analgesic and sedative at higher doses. It shares similar opioid receptor binding properties with drugs like morphine and hydrocodone.
- Approximately 10-40% of individuals have a heightened response to opioids, increasing their risk of addiction. This subgroup is particularly vulnerable to substances like Kratom, despite its lower potency compared to more potent opioids.
- Death from Kratom is rare but poses a significant risk when combined with other substances. The addictive potential of Kratom should not be underestimated, as it can lead to withdrawal symptoms similar to those of other opioids.
- Journaling offers mental health benefits by helping individuals organize thoughts, reduce stress, and improve emotional well-being. It serves as a practical tool for enhancing mental clarity and stability.