Another Way to Hook Our Youth on Nicotine. ZYN Pouches Are Not Where You Find Your Zen.

What exactly are Zyn nicotine pouches?

Zyn nicotine pouches are not cigarettes, vapes, or chewing tobacco. They produce no smoke, don't contain tobacco, and there is no need to spit. They are nicotine pouches that are growing considerably in popularity, in particular with young people.

Look on social media, and you will find what has been dubbed "Zynfluencers." In their videos, supporters of Zyn pouches are seen putting the little white pouches between their cheek and gum. Some users of Zyn pouches say it gives them a rush, and others say they hope it will help them quit smoking.

Other influencers are warning against using this product and stating health concerns. The pouches contain nicotine. They also contain plant-based fibers and flavorings such as citrus, coffee, cinnamon, and sweeteners.

Xyn pouches are addicting the next generation of our youth to nicotine. The marketing is similar to how vapes are marketed, where the packages look like candy, and there are flavors that are popular with young people, such as citrus and mint, and with names like "smooth" and "chill." Who do you think this marketing is geared towards? What demographic are they targeting? Youth, our young people are being targeted.

"These nicotine pouches seem to lock their sights on young kids, teenagers and even lower, and then use the social media to hook 'em," said Dr. Nidhi Kumar.

What are the concerns and health risks associated with Zyn and are they better than vaping?

Although Zyn pouches are tobacco and smoke-free, they still contain the highly addictive chemical nicotine.

The fact that nicotine is in Zyn means that they are only legal for people over 21. Zyn has a warning label that states it is not intended for use by "minors, women who are pregnant or breastfeeding, or persons with or at risk of heart disease or high blood pressure."

Zyn also states, "If you do not currently use nicotine, ZYN is not for you." yet these pouches are still being marketed to children.

Zyn pouches are marketed as something that can help you stop smoking, yet there is absolutely no evidence to back that claim up.

Dr. Mustali Dohadwala, medical director and practitioner at cardiology-focused private practice Heartsafe, does not consider Zyn a lesser of the two evils. Rather, "it's certainly a different evil."

"It is supposed to serve as a methodology for weaning, and you could argue that it can be even more difficult to quit a use of nicotine due to the flavor profiles...that are being marketed, manufactured and the way they're making it stylish to consume these products, " Dohadwala says.

Long-term effects?

Zyn hasn't been around long enough to know the long-term effects yet. Still, health experts are stating there are several health concerns to watch out for when it comes to using nicotine, such as gastrointestinal, cardiovascular, and oral health issues.

"We know that it increases heart rate and blood pressure," Dohadwala says. "In particular to oral nicotine pouches, what I worry about is periodontal disease. There are toxic chemicals in these pouches, which can lead to injury of the gums. Persistent, recurrent injury can end up leading to inflammation, infection but most importantly cancer."

Google nicotine pouches and see for yourself.

Gastrointestinal issues can include nausea and vomiting as well as diarrhea.

Nicotine can affect your cells and make you glucose and insulin-intolerant, which will increase the risk of diabetes in the future.

Can nicotine addiction affect your mental health?

Dr. Nidhi Kumar stated that although nicotine produces an immediate sense of relaxation, the feeling is short-lived.

"When it wears off, there's a spike in edginess and anxiety, even stressful types of feelings," she said. "So it creates this vicious cycle because then you have cravings that want you to get that relaxation feeling again, but in the end, it ends up increasing your anxiety level and your stress level when you use these products."

Kumar states that addiction is a big concern. Young brains are particularly vulnerable to addiction.

If young people choose to experiment with these products, they must be aware of the consequences.

"There are so many things out there that are trendy, and something that is artificial that's potentially toxic to your body, you would want to really be cautious," he says. "There are untoward effects that are related to experimenting with these things, and at times, those experimentations end up becoming habits and addictions."

Zyn pouches are harmful; how can they not be? They contain nicotine. Zyn pouches are yet another attempt at big tobacco to hook the next generation. Please educate yourself even further and know that just because there is no smoke doesn't mean no fire. This is another danger in the continually expanding world of ways to ingest nicotine. None of them are healthy and most certainly unsuitable for adolescents.