Smoking is one of the most common vices and it is harmful to health in numerous ways. Cigarette smokers are well aware of this, yet quitting this addiction can be one of the most difficult endeavours.
In such times, what can help is an effective alternative that delivers a steady and strong nicotine rush without the effects of tobacco smoking. We’re talking about nicotine pouches, of course. These pouches are revolutionizing the way people consume nicotine, and they do it without putting your precious lungs at risk. In this guide, we’ll dive a little deeper into what makes them such a great option if you’re trying to end tobacco smoking.
Dangers of Cigarette Smoking
Tobacco is estimated to kill more than eight million people globally every year. It has been considered a leading cause of preventable deaths by the WHO. The worst part about this figure is that it includes both smokers and passive smokers.
Wondering all the different ways cigarette smoking steals precious days from your life? Keep reading.
Risks Lung Damage
No surprise here, but this is the most well-known harmful effect of cigarette smoking. Research proves that most lung cancer deaths are directly associated with cigarette smoking.
Smoking harms the lungs by introducing numerous harmful chemical substances into the body besides nicotine. Together, they wreak complete havoc on the human body.
Leads to Heart Disease
Heart disease and other heart-related problems are a common byproduct of heavy cigarette smoking. Cigarette smoking poses a threat to blood vessels, blood cells, and the heart. Peripheral artery disease is a common ailment that impacts heavy smokers.
Fertility Issues
Smoking is especially harmful to the female reproductive system and leads to several prenatal and pregnancy-related complications. In addition to being harmful to the pregnant woman, smoking can also harshly impact the developing fetus, leading to post-birth complications.
It is not just the women who stand to get affected by the hazards of smoking. Men are affected as well, and heavy smoking can lead to erectile dysfunction, low sperm motility, and other complications.
Hair and Skin Woes
Smokers can’t expect to have great skin and hair as smoking leads to unhealthy, prematurely wrinkled skin and thin, lifeless, dull hair.
In some people, smoking can increase the propensity to skin cancer and can lead to premature balding too.
Weakens the Immune System
Cigarette smoking is detrimental to the immune system. It can lead to inflammation in the body and make the person prone to falling ill.
These are just a few of the potential hazards of cigarette smoking. There are many more harmful effects of smoking, which is why quitting is a healthy option.
However, quitting may not be easy for someone who is addicted to smoking. And so, it makes sense to consider switching to less harmful substances.
What Are Alternatives to Smoking?
It is not recommended to replace one addiction with another or to even use addictive substances. However, if your end goal is quitting tobacco smoking, you could try a few alternatives in the interim to deal better with the withdrawal symptoms that are bound to surface.
Here are a few alternatives to cigarette smoking.
Nicotine Replacement Therapy
You should consult your doctor about nicotine replacement therapy if you are trying to quit.
Nicotine gum and patches, nasal sprays, and inhalers are some alternatives that are said to be effective in overcoming cravings for cigarettes. Most of the time, these short-term therapies are used in conjunction with long-term therapies and non-nicotine medications.
Snus
Unlike nicotine pouches, snus contains tobacco. The only good thing here is that the substance is smokeless so it doesn’t harm others with passive smoking. Snus can either be found loose or in pre-portioned sachets. The sachets are placed behind the upper lip for a slow and steady release of nicotine.
Vapes and E-Cigarettes
Vaping involves inhaling vapour produced by heating a liquid nicotine solution, also known as e-liquid. This is typically administered through a variety of different devices known as vapes and e-cigarettes.
Many heavy smokers prefer this method of nicotine consumption since the vapours produced are very similar to smoking. Also, a lot of the tar and other carcinogenic substances present in cigarettes are not used in these devices. Then again, vapes pose other health risks, and it has been reported that some vape liquids contain for example metals.
Nicotine Pouches: Alternative to Cigarette Smoking
A nicotine pouch is a small tea-bag-like pouch with various fillings inside, right from flavourings and plant fibres to tobacco-free nicotine extract.
It’s absolutely tobacco-free, making it one of the most popular alternatives to smoking.
Since the pouch doesn’t require combustion, it is considered a viable smoking alternative. All you do is place the pouch between your lip and gum and immediately begin to feel the effects of nicotine.
Several companies are making nicotine pouches that come in different flavors. Some of the prominent nicotine pouch makers include KILLA, PABLO, Loop, EXTREME, and White Fox.
Why Nicotine Pouches?
One of the biggest differences of nicotine pouches over other tobacco-based products is that they are completely smokeless and tobacco-free. Tobacco smoking harms your own health, but also for the health of others. You may not think much of it but passive smoking is real and can affect the people around you who are routinely bothered by your smoking habits. The pouches do contain nicotine, but not a single trace of tobacco.
Various Flavours
Nicotine pouches come in a variety of flavors for every palate and preference. From minty to fruity and everything else in between, you’re sure to find a flavour that’s exciting to consume.
Many smokers opt for nicotine pouches that offer a robust tobacco flavour which helps battle the cravings Additionally, there are also some flavourless options out there.
Discreet and Effortless
The ease of usage makes nicotine pouches a tremendous hit over cigarettes. You can carry them with you wherever simply place them between your lip and gum for a steady rush of nicotine.
The best part about using nicotine pouches is that they can be used discreetly. If you have a sudden craving, you can simply put one in your mouth without drawing much attention. This is a luxury that smokers don’t have.
Given their small size, nicotine pouches comfortably fit under your lip, all while going unnoticed by those around you.
Better Oral Hygiene
Ever closely noticed a smoker’s teeth? You’ll see a number of visible stains and marks that are hard to get rid of. Nicotine pouches, on the other hand, do not stain your teeth and are better for your oral health than cigarettes.
Their odour-free nature means you won’t have to deal with any sort of bad breath after using them.
How to Use Nicotine Pouches?
So you’re thinking of getting your hands on nicotine flavours but don’t know where to start? We’ve got your back.
Nicotine pouches are extremely easy to use and are readily available both in the market and online stores. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to get the most out of them.
Pick the Nicotine Pouch That Works Best For You
Since there is a lot of variety in nicotine pouches, you need to pick one that works best for you. This involves the brand, flavor, quantity, and other such things. There are some very popular brands that you may want to check, such as PABLO, KILLA, Velo, and Loop, among others.
Pay due consideration to all elements as usually these pouches come in a pack and it would be wasted money if you pick one up in haste and don’t like it later.
Dispose the Pouch Safely
This is the most crucial step, and you should not be disposing of nicotine pouch-like cigarettes. The right way to throw it is to take the pouch out carefully, and put them in the trash. Most companies, like us, design their cans in a way that there is dedicated space for used pouches.
How Should Nicotine Pouches Be Stored?
Nicotine pouches can be kept in the fridge for prolonged freshness, but it isn’t necessary.
These pouches are designed to be carried and thus, they will not get spoilt easily. If there are any specific usage guides, they’ll usually be on the nicotine pouch tin.
Are There Any Side Effects of Nicotine Pouches?
Anything in excess is harmful and that applies to nicotine pouches as well. This is the main reason why you should only consume the amount of nicotine you’re otherwise used to. Using too many pouches every day can lead to problems. The same goes for the strength of the nicotine pouch and choosing one significantly higher than what one is used to is not recommended.
Some of the minor inconveniences caused by nicotine pouches include sore gum, hiccups, sore throat and mouth, and nausea. To avoid any issues, it is advisable to start with lower strengths (e.g. the 6mg/pouch strength).
Nicotine Pouches vs. Cigarettes: Nicotine Content Compared
Different brands have different nicotine content which can range from a couple of milligrams to 50 mg/pouch. But the content is usually lower than cigarettes which also contain a ton of other harmful substances.
So, if you are looking for cigarette alternatives, nicotine pouches may just be the right product for you.
Nicotine Pouches FAQs
Nicotine pouches are like the new kid on the block. They are popular but at the same time, they invite a lot of questions.
Though we have covered a lot of details on nicotine pouches in the sections above, here is a compilation of commonly asked questions that may tell you more about nicotine pouches and why they are great alternatives to smoking.
- What are the exact constituents of nicotine pouches?
Nicotine pouches contain nicotine, fillers, stabilisers, flavours, and sweeteners as their key constituents.
- Are nicotine pouches vegan?
The market is replete with both vegan and non-vegan nicotine pouches. Some brands such as Haypp make vegan nicotine pouches that are made up of a vegan fiber base primarily alongside nicotine and flavouring.
- How often can I use nicotine pouches? Are there any harmful side effects associated with its use?
This varies from user to user but on average, an average smoker can get through three to five nicotine tubs in a week. However, it is difficult to determine a figure without knowing your independent preferences. First-time users may experience slight discomfort or a burning sensation on consuming a nicotine pouch. But this is momentary and not harmful in most cases. Once you get more used to nicotine pouches, you won’t experience these discomforts.
- What kind of flavours do nicotine pouches come in?
Nicotine pouches come in several flavours such as mint, citrus, coffee, berry, various fruits etc. However, this is not standard for all brands and each brand has its unique offering in this regard.
- What is the right strength for me if I am new to using nicotine pouches?
There is no measure of the right strength. However, if you are new to using nicotine pouches, we would advise you to start with the lowest strength.
Summing Up
Nicotine is overall an addictive substance. You should not addiction with another. Anyway, tobacco smoking is one of the leading causes of lung cancer, and therefore you should consider giving up nicotine totally or maybe trying other methods of using nicotine.
If you are trying to quit smoking, you can give nicotine pouches a try. We have the cheapest nicotine pouches in the UK, so why not try us?
