If you enjoy drinking kratom, then you are probably likely to have been advised to add lemon or orange juice to the beverage. It is said to just improve the flavor but something more is going on outside of flavor. Combining kratom drink mix and citrus is not new but has been employed for years by more seasoned kratom drinkers in an attempt to assist with adjusting and improving the experience on occasion.
At the center of kratom's effect are its alkaloids—namely mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine. These are pH-dependent to your body and how they're broken down in your digestive tract. Citrus fruits like lemon and lime are highly acidic, and that acidity is used to break down the plant matter and to trigger these alkaloids more efficiently. This has the ability to result in faster and more intense effects when ingesting a kratom and citrus combination.
Be honest now—kratom is extremely strong and earthy-tasting, with a bit of bitterness here and there. Some people can tolerate it, but others don't like it. Adding citrus juice, especially lemon juice or lime juice, prevents the bitterness, balancing the flavor with zest and tartness. It doesn't just make the beverage more palatable—it also makes it easier to consume on a daily basis without the flavor being a nuisance.
Citrus juice acidity can also be used to slightly extend the shelf life of beverages prepared using kratom drink mix. Not a replacement for refrigeration or storage, the pH decrease can slow down some bacterial growth, so your beverage will be healthier if you don't drink it immediately. This is particularly handy for homemade beverages you intend to drink on the move.
There is a hypothesis among heavy users that acidic liquids can aid in increasing the bioavailability of kratom's alkaloids. Little has been researched, but by anecdotal experience, citrus is said to taste better and also assist your body in absorbing more of what you're taking. Whether or not it is a placebo or true synergy, most attest to its effectiveness.
Not all citrus fruits are created equal. Grapefruit, for example, is said to interact with liver enzymes and affect how some compounds—some of which are alkaloids—are metabolized. While the interaction is continuous, it is best to avoid grapefruit juice in your kratom drink until more is known. Lemon, lime, or orange alone is safe if you want a safer mix.
Adding citrus to kratom drink mix is not just a matter of taste. From enhancing alkaloid delivery to potentially speeding up alkaloid delivery, a pinch of lemon or lime can do wonders. Just make sure to be careful of what citrus you add, and always pay attention to your body when you are experimenting with blends.