Dr. Oz is certainly well known in the daytime television arena. He offers up his advice on several controversial subjects, so it was no surprise to see Dr. Oz and kratom come together. However, the outcome did surprise a lot of people. Most thought he would share the opinion that many law officials do. This was not the case. He had a healthy amount of pros and cons for kratom, which is what we would expect from a doctor of his caliber. Let’s dive in and take a look at Dr. Oz’s thoughts on kratom.
Dr. Oz and Kratom
Dr. Oz aired his segment on January 17, 2017. This segment included Dr. Charles Michael White, who happens to be the head of the pharmaceutical department at the University of Connecticut. Also present was Hamilton Morris, a scientific writer and journalist, and Joy Atencio who claims that kratom is responsible for her sons’ death. So, you can see, this is a well-rounded panel to get the best opinion on kratom.
However, please be advised you should never take any of these opinions as safe advice. Before you ever decide to buy kratom you must talk with your family physician. They will be aware of your past and present medical history. They will also know all the medications you are on. They are the only ones who can safely advise you on kratom.
More than 2.3 million people tune in to watch Dr. Oz each day. While we are all keen to get the medical advice that we have been seeking, it is so important that you never perceive the advice being given as safe. Dr. Oz does not know the specific conditions or medications that you are on. For this reason alone, you need to be open and honest with your physician. This way you do get supplements that can truly give you the wellness support that you are seeking.
The kratom community was all hopeful when they heard that Dr. Oz would be airing a kratom segment. This is mainly because they were hoping for some positivity to be shined upon kratom. A good portion of the episode is shared with White and Morris, who are the experts surrounding kratom.
Each can offer some solid information regarding kratom but agreed that more scientific research was needed to better understand what this herb has to offer. The mother of Guy Garcia, who died in December 2013, spoke her opinion about kratom. She believes it is solely responsible for her son’s death. Guy’s death certificate states that he died from acute mitragynine toxicity.
Kratom is very misunderstood. A lot of medical professionals are not aware of this herb or the wellness support that it can offer. White directly stated that more clinical trials were needed to understand kratom and what it can offer.
Morris has traveled to Southeast Asia and did speak with officials about kratom. They were quick to state that no deaths have been associated with kratom in their country. The toxicology report for Guy Garcia was changed from 7-hydroxymitragynine being “positive” to “indeterminate.” The amount of this alkaloid in the deceased system is not calculated. It is just known that the substance was in his system at the time of death.
White, Morris and Dr. Oz have all come to the same conclusion when it comes to kratom. More scientific research is needed to understand how kratom interacts with the body. We need to understand the pros and cons of this herb. Until the proper research is conducted, unfair claims against kratom will continue to happen.
Dr. Oz ended his segment by saying, “Let’s get this done, smartly and carefully so we can get it out to the people who need it.” So, to sum it up, Dr. Oz and his crew are at the same conclusion that most have reached. Kratom may very well have a lot to offer when it comes to wellness support, but until more research is conducted, we will only continue to gain anecdotal reports that should not be perceived as safe advice.