Drinking kava is a trend that has risen in popularity over the years, with many US cities even having their own dedicated kava bars where people gather to partake in this beverage. It is mainly drunk by most to help relieve their anxiety and soothe tired muscles, although others find it helps with their focus and creativity.
The drink famously tastes bad, but gives a pleasant buzz. Many find that drinking Kava on an Empty Stomach will improve the effects. I certainly find this to be the case!
In this article, I’ll go over the details of drinking kava on an empty stomach.
Kava On An Empty Stomach
Kava, the beverage that has become popular in recent years, is made from the roots of the kava plant, which is cultivated in the South Pacific, where it has been traditionally used for years, including in ceremonies.
These days though, many people enjoy drinking kava, because of the effect that it has on reducing their feelings of stress and anxiety.
In fact, the New York Times back in 2017 called it Nature’s Xanax, because the effects that it gives your body are quite similar to the prescription anti-anxiety medication Xanax, which is also known as Alprazolam.
However, if you want to really benefit from all of the effects that kava has to offer, then it is best to drink it on an empty stomach. This means that you shouldn’t ingest anything — except for clean, fresh water — for at least four hours before you start your kava journey.
If you want to really benefit from all of the effects that kava has to offer, then it is best to drink it on an empty stomach. This means that you shouldn’t ingest anything — except for clean, fresh water — for at least four hours before you start your kava journey.
This is also because kava acts as a diuretic, which means that it makes you go to the bathroom often. Therefore, it’s extremely important that you drink lots of water beforehand, as well as between your kava drink and afterward.
If you find yourself hungry after drinking your kava, then you can eat a very light meal so as not to counteract its effects.
Typically I’ll fast for several hours before dinner, mix up a good batch of kava while cooking, and drink before eating. Then I’ll have a light meal for dinner while riding with the effects.
The Science
The kava plant is part of the pepper family. Scientifically known as Piper Methysticum, it is a shrub with large leaves that is found mainly in the South Pacific and has traditionally been used as a medicine to treat respiratory problems, convulsions, and fevers.
It’s the root of the plant that is used to make the kava beverage. The roots contain active substances, including flavakavains and kavalactones, and it is the latter, especially, that causes your nervous system to relax after you’ve been drinking it.
Kavalactones are nutraceuticals, which is something that is derived from a food source and have effects that benefit your health.
Therefore, when you drink kava, your body is benefiting from the effects of kavalactones, which have been scientifically proven to reduce symptoms of anxiety, insomnia, as well as smoking, and substance abuse withdrawal.
And drinking your kava on an empty stomach will allow for the absorption in your small intestines to happen more rapidly.
Research has also shown that if you’re a biohacker, and have a practice of intermittent fasting for health, then drinking kava during your fast will not only help you to tolerate your detoxing symptoms better but will boost the other benefits you’ll receive from the experience.
However, if this sounds good to you and you want to try kava, you should also be aware that you can have too much of a good thing.
Buy your kava from reputable companies. If it’s a generic supplement company or they don’t provide proof as to where the kava has been made, don’t buy it.
It’s junk.
The kava subreddit is an excellent resource for finding good Kava vendors, and I’ve flagged some of my favorites here.
After Effects
Depending on your dosage, your body weight, and your gender, most people who drink kava will start to feel a numb mouth almost immediately, and then further effects after 15 minutes have passed.
Make sure that you drink plenty of water during this time.
Kava can stay in your system for up to 18-20 hours, so you should definitely set some time in your schedule dedicated to yourself. In addition, don’t even think about driving, and operating heavy equipment or machinery is also out of the question.
When Should You Not Drink Kava?
Although kava might seem like a wonder drink, it’s not for everyone, because of the effects that it has on the nervous system. It can even cause a severe adverse reaction that will affect your liver if you choose to drink too much of it. And that’s something you don’t want to happen.
In addition, kava should definitely not be drunk by those who have Parkinson’s disease or multiple sclerosis, because it can make these symptoms worse.
And if you have a problem with blood clotting, stay away from kava, because it can cause excessive bleeding if you become injured for any reason. Therefore, if you’re about to have a surgery, even a dental one, steer clear of kava for at least a month before your operation, even if you’ve never had a blood clotting issue before.
Kava also elevates the effects of medication used to treat seizures and anxiety, so if you’re popping these pills, avoid kava for now. And kava should never be mixed with alcohol — just don’t do it!
Empty Rest
Drinking kava for medicinal purposes will not only help you to control any feelings of anxiety, but you’ll also benefit from better sleep while it’s in your system. And drinking kava on an empty stomach will allow you to feel these effects faster than you’re having to digest a meal.
Whether you drink it every day on your own, or occasionally with a group of friends for a chilled night in, you will always get more out of the experience by keeping your stomach empty for 3-4 hours before diving into the kava.
