“Cracking open a cold one” means something different to almost everyone. Whether it's a local IPA, a hand-mixed co*cktail or a Diet co*ke, the goal is to relax. Nowadays the possibilities are virtually limitless. Entire aisles in your local supermarket are dedicated to helping you find exactly the taste and feel you're looking for.
Kava products and psychedelic drinks are a relatively new addition to the popular mix in the United States. They are appearing in more and more stores and can be purchased legally online. But why do people choose to drink them and are they safe? We caught up with Bryan Kuhn, PharmD, a poison education specialistfor more information about these products.
Wat is kava (Piper methysticum)?
Ofcoffee plantsis a small shrub found mainly on the islands of the South Pacific. There are more than 100 varieties. The powder, which is largely ground from the root of the plant, is mixed with water to create a kava drink, which has a long history with the original islanders. Most would call it an acquired taste, with a strong, earthy taste.
Kuhn commented, "Like alcohol, kava is a depressant. Which means it slows down communication between your brain and body." He went on to list some of the most notable effects of kava, including:
- A cheerful, relaxed attitude
- Mild drowsiness
- Numb mouth and throat
- Verminderde eetlust
The effects will vary from person to person. Some may experience all the pleasurable feelings described above, while others may not. like youdrink too muchyou may experience side effects such as loss of muscle control, low fever and nausea. Just like everyonemood altering substancemoderation is essential.
What are psychedelic drinks?
There is a wide variety of psychedelic drinks. A popular brand you may have seen advertised in your Instagram feed is Psychedelic Water. The main ingredients in their flagship drink are green tea, damiana leaves and kava root. Essentially, the canned drink is a new twist on the traditional mix. It is combined with other ingredients to make the taste more accessible to the masses. The product is marketed as having similar effects to traditional kava drinks, including bliss, relaxation, detachment from the world and increased creativity. The drink is touted as a solution to reduce anxiety, insomnia, stress and other common problems. As with traditional kava drinks, the effects vary from person to person.
Liver damage
“Natural or not, you need to be aware of the risks associated with what you put into your body,” Kuhn said. Although its benefits over alcohol seem clear, kava may not be immune to some of the risks also encountered with excessive alcohol consumption. Kuhn added: "Some studiessuggests that kava can lead to liver damage. But these studies are being refuted, leaving many confused about the risks of use.”
Weigh the benefits and risks
At first glance, there are clear benefits to choosing kava as a substitute for alcohol. Looking beyond recreational use, some psychoactive supplements are consideredas treatmentfor many mental health conditions, including the treatment of anxiety disorders. Research has not shown that kava is addictive, meaning you can probably quit without experiencing withdrawal symptoms. The day-after symptoms are also much milder, making hangovers a thing of the past. But before you switch cans of kava, keep these important reminders in mind:
- The research is still incomplete. The regulations and research on nutritional supplements such as kava are still very imperfect. The popularity of alcohol, cigarettes and other harmful substances has led to a lot of research. We know how dangerous they are, and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has much stricter rules for manufacturers. Until sufficient time and interest is devoted to kava and other psychoactive supplements, we may not fully understand their long-term effects.
- Be moderate and careful. Aside from the potential risks of liver damage, kava can put you in dangerous situations. The same can be said about alcohol, drugs, and even the abuse of prescription and over-the-counter medications. Driving under the influence of a mood-altering drug means you are taking your life and the lives of others into your hands.
In short
“We wouldn't take a prescription drug without our doctor's assurance that it will be safe and effective,” Kuhn said. "Be equally cautious with kava products, herbal remedies, alternative medications, and medications that may be supported by less research. In some cases, prescription drugs may even have milder side effects." If you have questions about kava supplements or need help tracking intake of a similar substance, call Poison Control at (800) 222-1222 or calldirectly at (602) 253-3334. Both numbers are available 24/7.
Other useful articles:
- Beware of these hidden dangers lurking in energy drinks
- Myth or Fact: Can CBD Oil Help Your Child?
- Are Sleep Gummies the answer to a sleepless night? 5 things to know.
- You may want to think twice before trying a Kambo cleanser
The product information in this article is for informational purposes only. It does not constitute an endorsem*nt or approval by Banner Health of any products, services or statements made by the company, organization or individual.
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