Nicotine Effects

What is nicotine?

It seems to be one of those things that's talked about all the time, but nobody really says much about what it actually is, or what it does to the body. Or at least that's how it was for me... 

Nicotine is a chemical compound which is naturally apart of several plants, the most common being tobacco. When consumed it provides a type of rush, and that can be highly addictive.

Due to its most common source being tobacco, and the most common use for tobacco being smoking, tobacco and smoking have become intertwined in the minds of many, because of this, many people assume that either:

1. a) Nicotine is what makes cigarettes harmful, and smoking is just a way of taking in nicotine
2. b) Nicotine is not harmful, only smoke itself causes issues.

Both of these points have validity, but both are oversimplifications. So let’s look into this a bit more.

Cigarettes contain nicotine and are harmful.

Smoking is the leading cause of preventable death globally, and it costs the United States billions of dollars each year in healthcare. The most harmful part of cigarettes is the smoke that is being inhaled into the body. Any type of smoke is harmful to the body, but cigarette smoke contains nicotine and many other chemicals which make it react with the body in unique ways.

Nicotine is harmful by itself, even if it is not smoked.

The effects of nicotine in the body are widespread. In the cardiovascular system use of nicotine causes an increased risk of atherosclerosis (build up of plaque in blood vessels),an increased tendency for harmful blood clots, increase in blood pressure and increased risk of stroke.

Nicotine can be a contributing factor in pneumonia and spasms in the lungs, as well as contributing to an increased risk of diabetes.

Nicotine is a component that contributes to the addictive nature of smoking.

While many factors are influential in making a behavior addicting, such as social pressures, emotional connection and physical fixation, it is largely agreed upon that nicotine is largely what makes smoking addictive. When nicotine is consumed it gives the user a hit, it triggers the adrenal glands to release adrenaline, as well as triggers a release of dopamine, the contentment/happiness neuro-chemical. This combination is addicting as adrenaline results in increased heart rate, breathing and alertness and it combines with a dopamine release, giving feelings of pleasure and contentment.

These changes often are experienced as a change of mood or pick-me-up. All of these factors combine to make nicotine a potential highly addictive substance. The addictive nature of nicotine becomes more apparent when it is mixed with other substances found in cigarettes, which have been shown to work together with nicotine to increase nicotine dependence.

How can FUM help with Nicotine Dependence?

We are really excited about the potential of FUM to help smokers and vapers quit nicotine altogether. While vaping is being debated for its ability to reduce harm in comparison to smoking, it often still includes large amounts of nicotine, such as products from the industry leader JUUL. So why not choose health and quit nicotine completely with FUM? 

Why FUM?

FUM with Black Pepper Essential Oil both gives you  a physical replacement for the habit and sensation of smoking and vaping as well as utilizing biological properties of Black Pepper for reducing nicotine cravings. A large part of addiction is based in habits. Habits form our days, we become used to certain times of day being times to eat, times to smoke, or by certain occurrences indicating us to act certain ways. While habits are necessary and are mostly good, they can also be harmful, such as with smoking or vaping. FUM can help in nicotine addiction by giving you something to hold in place of a cigarette and experience to replace the habit of smoking or vaping.

In regards to directly coming against nicotine cravings, Black Pepper has been shown to reduce nicotine cravings when it is inhaled. In two studies (see references), inhaling black pepper essential oil was shown to decrease nicotine cravings. While using other essential oils in your FUM for smoking cessation may also be effective, Black Pepper has shown to be a front runner in reducing cravings. FUM makes it easy to inhale black pepper, without a mess or tissues, wherever you are, whatever you are doing.

At FUM, we are working to empower people to join us in Redefining Health, by overcoming nicotine dependence and living healthier lives. We are excited to be a part of offering a natural solution to nicotine dependence. We have been so encouraged to hear from people who have been having success using FUM this way.

Cheers to health!

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References

https://www.lung.org/stop-smoking/smoking-facts/e-cigarettes-and-lung-health.html?referrer=https://www.google.com/

https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/240820.php

Cordell B, Buckle J. (2013), The effects of aromatherapy on nicotine Craving on a U.S. campus: A small comparison study. The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine,  Volume 19, Issue 8, 709-713

Rose J., Jed E. et al. (1994), Inhalation of vapor from black pepper extract reduces smoking withdrawal symptoms. Drug & Alcohol Dependence, Volume 34 , Issue 3 , 225 - 229

World Health Organization, Tobacco Fact Sheet,  http://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/tobacco