Table of Contents
- DAVE ASPREY NICOTINE BIOHACKING
- UNDERSTANDING NICOTINE
- NICOTINE IN SMOKING CIGARETTES
- DOES NICOTINE ENHANCE COGNITIVE FUNCTION?
- DOES NICOTINE PROVIDE NEUROPROTECTION?
- CAN YOU USE NICOTINE FOR FAT LOSS?
- DOES NICOTINE IMPROVE LONGEVITY?
- HOW DOES NICOTINE AFFECT THE GUT BIOME?
- MITOCHONDRIAL GROWTH AND ENERGY PRODUCTION
- FORMS OF NICOTINE FOR BIOHACKING
- POTENTIAL RISKS AND CONSIDERATIONS
- BIOHACKING WITH NICOTINE - CONCLUSION
- REFERENCES
DAVE ASPREY NICOTINE BIOHACKING
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.
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
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 cognitive improvements. There are many studies indicating that nicotine can help to improve 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.
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 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.
DOES NICOTINE IMPROVE LONGEVITY?
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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! 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, 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.
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, 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!
REFERENCES
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.
