The Impact of Nicotine Pouches on Your Body: What You Need to Know

Nicotine pouches, marketed as a smokeless alternative to traditional tobacco products, contain nicotine and other ingredients. Let’s explore their effects on your body:

1. What Are Nicotine Pouches?

• Nicotine pouches are small bags of smokeless tobacco that deliver nicotine without tobacco leaf. Brands like On!, Zyn, and Velo offer various strengths.

• Unlike cigarettes or snus (which contains moist tobacco), nicotine pouches don’t involve smoking or swallowing. Instead, you place them between your gum and lip, allowing nicotine absorption through mucous membranes.

2. Ingredients and Use:

• Main components: nicotine, water, flavorings, sweeteners, and plant-based fibers.

• Place a pouch in your mouth for up to an hour; your body absorbs nicotine through the mucous membranes.

• Contains numerous carcinogens.

3. Short-Term Side Effects:

• Hiccups

• Gum irritation

• Discolored teeth

• Nicotine addiction

• Sore mouth

• Upset stomach

4. Long-Term Risks:

• Harmful and Addictive: Nicotine is highly addictive and harmful to health.

• Oral health: Receding gums, mouth ulcers, and tooth loss.

• Heart and Lung Issues: Nicotine can raise blood pressure, weaken the immune system, and contribute to heart and lung problems.

• Artery Hardening: Nicotine may play a role in arterial wall hardening, increasing the risk of heart attacks.

• Fertility Concerns: Nicotine affects fertility in both men and women.

• Cancer: Increased risk of cancers affecting the pancreas and mouth.

Tobacco products and nicotine in any form are dangerous. Companies try to market a product as being “safer” when that isn’t the case. The products are all dangerous and harmful to your health. It is literally a matter of picking your poison when you choose to put any of these substances into your body. Your health matters…..stay tobacco and nicotine-free. For help and resources, please go to steeredstraight.org