DAVE ASPREY NICOTINE BIOHACKING

KEY TAKEAWAYS

• Dave Asprey Uses Nicotine as a Cognitive Enhancer
  He advocates for low-dose, tobacco-free nicotine (like gum or sprays) to boost focus, memory, and alertness—not as a recreational habit.
• He Avoids Smoking and High-Dose Vaping
  Asprey discourages traditional nicotine use methods like smoking, instead favouring controlled microdoses to minimise health risks.
• Nicotine Biohacking Remains Controversial
  While some studies support cognitive benefits, nicotine is still addictive. Experts urge caution, especially for non-smokers exploring biohacking.

DAVE ASPREY NICOTINE BIOHACKING

A recent book from renowned author Dr Gundry talks about how to improve your gut health, and how this can lead to a wide array of benefits. Titled ‘Gut Check: Unleash the Power of your Microbiome to Reverse Disease and Transform Your Mental, Physical, and Emotional Health’, Dr Gundry covers a plethora of subjects on improving gut health to improve longevity and stave off disease, as well as function better overall.

Dr Gundry also spoke with Dave Asprey, the aptly named the ‘father of biohacking’ – a term used to describe using science and technology to improve how your body functions – to talk about the book and their experiences. One topic of discussion was the benefits of nicotine that are often overlooked due to its association with smoking tobacco.

So, this is a great opportunity to talk about the benefits of nicotine, some relatively well known, some not, and how biohackers can use nicotine as a tool to help enhance aspects of their bodies’ functionality. Nicotine is good for cognitive performance and mitochondrial health, making it a helpful nootropic when used in low doses. Readers can also watch videos of Dave Asprey discussing the benefits of nicotine and biohacking on various platforms.

UNDERSTANDING NICOTINE

Nicotine is a fascinating compound that naturally occurs in the nightshade family of plants, which includes not only tobacco but also tomatoes, potatoes, and eggplants. As a stimulant, nicotine can enhance cognitive function, improve focus, and boost energy levels, making it a popular subject in the biohacking community.

When nicotine binds to nicotinic receptors in the brain, it triggers the release of dopamine, a neurotransmitter associated with pleasure and improved mood. This mechanism is why many people find nicotine to be a powerful tool for enhancing mental performance and overall well-being. Different methods of nicotine administration deliver varying effects; for instance, smoking tobacco delivers nicotine rapidly to the brain, resulting in a quick euphoric rush. In contrast, nicotine gum delivers lower doses more slowly, which affects dependence and the overall experience.

Beyond its cognitive benefits, nicotine has shown promise in providing neuroprotective effects. Research suggests that nicotine may help prevent or slow the progression of neurodegenerative diseases such as Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s. Additionally, nicotine is being explored for its potential therapeutic applications in treating conditions like ADHD, depression, and anxiety disorders. By understanding these benefits, biohackers can leverage nicotine to enhance and improve various aspects of their health.

NICOTINE IN SMOKING CIGARETTES

So often, nicotine is associated with smoking due to its responsibility as the addictive chemical in tobacco. It is linked with smoking tobacco so commonly that many people conflate the negative effects of smoking with nicotine itself. However, nicotine is being studied separately from cigarette smoking and we can see some of the potential benefits of nicotine itself in this article.

For smokers, quitting is hard due to the addictive nature of nicotine, as well as the habits formed around smoking such as having a cigarette with your morning coffee, or smoking at the pub with friends, not to mention how the nicotine consumption from smoking tobacco helps them feel like they are functioning ‘normally’. This is one of the reasons that E-Cigarettes are proving to be one of the most effective ways to quit smoking!

The other challenge that smoking presents is the amount of nicotine that it gets into your blood due to the additives that tobacco companies use to ‘increase the effectiveness’ of their cigarettes. Smoking delivers nicotine rapidly to the bloodstream, creating a quick euphoric rush compared to other methods like nicotine gum, which deliver lower doses more slowly.

Nicotine also affects mitochondrial metabolism, altering cellular metabolism and triggering oxidative stress within mitochondrial structures.

DOES NICOTINE ENHANCE COGNITIVE FUNCTION?

While you may be unaware of the fact, it’s not new information that nicotine has shown promise for improvements in cognitive performance. There are many studies indicating that, yes, nicotine is good for improving coordination, vigilance, memory and reaction time. Users were able to remember what they had just read more effectively than those who did not use nicotine. These benefits define nicotine as a ‘nootropic’, which is to say it is a cognitive enhancing substance.

Similar substances may already be included in your diet that are also nootropic – the biggest one is probably coffee, or rather the substance caffeine! (1) If you are a coffee drinker, no doubt you feel a little tired and have a bit of a foggy brain before that morning cup, it may even perk up your mood! This indicates the nootropic effect of caffeine, that many of us take advantage of to get going in the mornings.

The advantage that nicotine has over coffee is that the effects of coffee last between 5 and 6 hours, which is why many coffee experts say to leave in the region of 8 hours between your last cup of coffee and going to bed. Nicotine, however, lasts about 1 to 2 hours, making it a better choice for cognitive activity late in the day. To learn more about the cognitive benefits of nicotine, you can watch videos on platforms like YouTube.

DOES NICOTINE PROVIDE NEUROPROTECTION?

How nicotine stimulates cells may help explain some of the neuroprotective effect of nicotine. Based on evidence and safety considerations, nicotine use appears to stave off the onset of Parkinson’s Disease and Alzheimer’s. Many groups of smokers, for example, have lower incidences of some inflammatory and neurodegenerative diseases. (2)

CAN YOU USE NICOTINE FOR FAT LOSS?

Nicotine increases your heart rate, and therefore increases your metabolism. This leads to the use of more energy, and nicotine taken through smoking tobacco increases energy expenditure by about 10%, which means you burn about 200 more calories per 24 hour period. (3)

Nicotine is also an appetite suppressant, reducing the desire to eat. This, in addition to the increased metabolism makes nicotine a double-whammy for weight loss and preventing weight gain.

Further to this, there is evidence that nicotine helps to control mitochondrial function. It is in the mitochondria that our energy is effectively ‘made’, so nicotine helps to regulate the ‘powerhouses of the body’ as well as increasing ‘mitochondrial biogenesis’ which means nicotine may help increase the number of mitochondria. (4) Yes, it would appear nicotine is good for you, as it benefits fat loss and mitochondrial function.

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DOES NICOTINE IMPROVE LONGEVITY?

Recently it has been suggested that nicotine may play a role in something called ‘mitochondrial uncoupling’. This process was initially thought to be a dysfunction, an unwanted effect, however uncoupling proteins found locally in the body indicate that this process may be more significant that first thought and could have relevance in other biological processes.

We have already talked about the effect that nicotine has on mitochondria, but mitochondrial uncoupling appears to have beneficial effects on longevity, certainly in mouse models. This process activates signal pathways linked to the life-extending effects of calorie restriction, and a process called ‘mitohormesis’ which is a response to stress that actually increases stress resistance, producing beneficial health effects. (5)

HOW DOES NICOTINE AFFECT THE GUT BIOME?

There is a focus on the gut biome when it comes to health these days, with many experts indicating the importance of a healthy gut and how this links back to our overall health. While more studies need to be done, some do indicate a positive effect from nicotine on the gut. Keep reading for more details on understanding the options for safer nicotine consumption compared to smoking tobacco.

One such study found that oxidative stress response and DNA repair genes were increased in male mice subjected to nicotine. (6) This could mean nicotine is helping to tackle ‘free-radicals’ in the gut, and the presence of higher levels of DNA repair genes could be contributing to longevity as the aging process is attributed to the ‘fraying’ of DNA.

MITOCHONDRIAL GROWTH AND ENERGY PRODUCTION

Mitochondria, often referred to as the powerhouses of the cell, are crucial for generating ATP (adenosine triphosphate) through cellular respiration. This process is essential for maintaining healthy cells and tissues, as well as supporting overall energy production.

Nicotine has been shown to play a significant role in increasing mitochondrial biogenesis and growth. This leads to improved energy production and reduced oxidative stress, which are vital for optimal physical performance and overall health.

Enhanced mitochondrial function can result in reduced fatigue, improved physical performance, and increased overall well-being. By incorporating nicotine into their biohacking regimen, individuals can potentially boost their energy levels and support healthier cellular function.

FORMS OF NICOTINE FOR BIOHACKING

When it comes to biohacking with nicotine, there are several delivery methods to consider, each with its own set of benefits and drawbacks.

Heated Tobacco Products

Firstly, Heated Tobacco Products (or HTPs) are a new product innovated by tobacco companies. It falls under the idea of similar technologies to E-cigarettes, with a view to avoiding the combustion process to provide a safer experience by reducing the harmful chemicals inhaled by the user. Clearer research needs to be done on their safety, but studies indicate that these devices still deliver harmful chemicals found in tobacco the the body.

Oral Nicotine Gum, Lozenges, Sprays

Nicotine gum is a popular and convenient option, available in various strengths and flavours. It provides a quick and controlled release of nicotine, making it easy to manage dosage.

For those who need a fast-acting form of nicotine, lozenges are an excellent option. They dissolve quickly in the mouth, providing a rapid boost of energy and focus.

Nicotine sprays are a relatively new form of delivery, offering a rapid and sustained release of nicotine. They are easy to use and can be a great option for those who need an immediate effect.

Nicotine inhalers provide a more traditional inhalation method, which some users may prefer. While less common, they can be effective for delivering nicotine directly to the bloodstream.

Nicotine Patches

Nicotine patches offer a steady release of nicotine over an extended period, which can be beneficial for those looking for a more consistent effect throughout the day. These patches are discreet and easy to use, making them a practical choice for many.

E-Cigarettes and Vaping

Finally, nicotine vapes are an option for smokers used to the positive effects of nicotine but want to cut out most of the harm from smoking tobacco! Unlike Heated Tobacco Products, vapes use a mixture known as 'e-liquid', not tobacco, that is heated to aerosolise the mixture, which can then be inhaled/ By exploring these various forms of nicotine, biohackers have more options to find the method that best suits their needs and lifestyle.

POTENTIAL RISKS AND CONSIDERATIONS

While nicotine offers several potential benefits, it is essential to be aware of the risks and considerations associated with its use.

• Nicotine is highly addictive, leading to dependence.
• Nicotine can interact with certain medications, so if you have a prescription you need to consult a doctor before using nicotine.
• Nicotine can cause gastrointestinal side effects.
• Nicotine increases heart rate and blood pressure.

Nicotine is highly addictive, and regular use can lead to dependence and withdrawal symptoms. This is a significant concern for anyone considering incorporating nicotine into their biohacking routine.

Additionally, nicotine can interact with certain medications, including blood thinners, and may not be suitable for individuals with specific medical conditions. It is crucial to consult with a healthcare professional before using nicotine, especially if you have any underlying health concerns.

Nicotine can also cause gastrointestinal side effects, such as nausea and vomiting, particularly when taken in high doses. Furthermore, it can increase heart rate and blood pressure, which may be problematic for individuals with pre-existing cardiovascular conditions.

There are ways you can control your dosage to minimise risks, like using fixed dosage nicotine patches and low strength nicotine gum - like SMOKO's new Sugar-Free Nicotine Gum available in 3 distinct flavours containing 2mg of nicotine.

By understanding these potential risks and consulting with a healthcare professional, individuals can make informed decisions about using nicotine as part of their biohacking strategy.

BIOHACKING WITH NICOTINE - CONCLUSION

It is important to remember that the positive effects of nicotine will not outweigh the negative effects of smoking tobacco, so if you want to use nicotine without that harm you need to stop smoking and get your nicotine by other means.

This is where vaping can help! The largest evidence review to-date, conducted by Cochrane, found ‘high-certainty’ evidence that E-Cigarettes are more effective for quitting smoking that traditional forms of nicotine replacement therapy, like nicotine patches and nicotine gum! (7)

So if you are a smoker who is concerned about quitting, but you don’t want to lose the beneficial effects of nicotine, make the switch with SMOKO and grab one of our E-Cigarette starter kits today – you can still enjoy that morning coffee with our great-tasting, UK made e-liquids that are available in tobacco flavours, or something a little different to pique your taste-buds!

The important thing is to stop smoking today!

FAQ: Dave Asprey – Nicotine Biohacking

Q1: Who is Dave Asprey?
A: Dave Asprey is a well-known biohacker, entrepreneur, and founder of Bulletproof. He’s famous for his unconventional health practices, including using nicotine in small doses to enhance cognitive performance.

Q2: Why does Dave Asprey use nicotine for biohacking?
A: Asprey believes that nicotine, when used in low doses and without tobacco, can act as a nootropic—a substance that improves focus, memory, and mental clarity. He compares its effects to a mild stimulant, similar to caffeine.

Q3: Does Asprey recommend smoking or vaping?
A: No. Dave Asprey strongly advises against smoking or high-nicotine vaping. He typically uses nicotine gum, sprays, or lozenges to avoid the harmful by-products of combustion or high-dose delivery systems.

Q4: Is nicotine safe for biohacking?
A: While some studies suggest short-term cognitive benefits, nicotine is highly addictive and not risk-free. Asprey emphasises using very low doses occasionally, and only by informed adults aware of the potential risks.

Q5: What do health experts say about this approach?
A: Most medical professionals do not recommend nicotine use for non-smokers, even in small doses, due to its addictive nature and potential cardiovascular effects. It's important to consult a healthcare provider before experimenting.

REFERENCES

1) What are nootropics and how do they work?

2) Smoking and Parkinson's and Alzheimer's disease: review of the epidemiological studies

3) Can vaping help with weight loss?

4) Nicotine Modulates Mitochondrial Dynamics in Hippocampal Neurons

5) Mitochondrial uncoupling and longevity – A role for mitokines?

6) Nicotine Alters the Gut Microbiome and Metabolites of Gut–Brain Interactions in a Sex-Specific Manner

7) Latest Cochrane Review finds high certainty evidence that nicotine e-cigarettes are more effective than traditional nicotine-replacement therapy (NRT) in helping people quit smoking

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Written by Dan Overgage 

Dan Overgage is a former smoker of 10 years until he became a client of SMOKO E-Cigarettes.  Dan started working with SMOKO 5 years ago after successfully quitting using our e-cigarettes and works across our Customer Service and heads up our content creation and research with a strong focus on all things quitting smoking.  During his tenure with SMOKO, Dan has written countless blogs and consults with countless clients every day to help them to stay smoke-free.

Last updated 31/07/2025