I agree with most everyone's analysis. An empty stomach, in the regards that you need to have abstained from food for a couple hours, and not eaten anything too heavy? Definitely a must for the best experience. Ravenous hunger that's been gnawing for hours, and then drinking kava? Always gives me some nausea. Yeah, the effects are stronger, but not THAT much stronger. I often use the metho of letting myself get very very hungry, have the kava, and immediately chase it with a snack, with a portion about the size of my thumb, or so. Like a small stick of cheese or a dozen goldfish or oyster crackers. A quarter of an apple. Most of these range from 100-200 calories, to given an idea. Works really well.