Several things are indisputable in life: Elon musk is rich and creative, the earth is round, and cigarettes are harmful to your health.
Besides being highly addictive and hard to stop, cigarettes increase your chances of developing all manner of cancers.
Thankfully, there are plenty of safer smoking alternatives.
Enter, nicotine pouches.
What are nicotine pouches?
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Sometimes referred to as “white snus” or “tobacco-free snus,” nicotine pouches are small, pre-portioned pouches that contain nicotine salts obtained from tobacco leaves or synthetic nicotine produced in the lab.
They also contain flavorings, sweeteners, and plant-based fibers to maintain pouch consistency.
Like other smoking alternatives, there are many nicotine pouch brands such as NIIN pouches and others available in varying nicotine strengths such as 4mg, 6mg, and 10mg.
What do nicotine pouches do?
The pouches allow you to get your nicotine fix without producing smoke or vapor.
This is not only good for the environment and the people around you, but it also makes it possible for you to discreetly satisfy your nicotine urges even in areas where smoking or vaping is prohibited.
Who can use nicotine pouches?
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Two of the people that can use nicotine pouches are current and former smokers.
For the current smokers looking to quit smoking, nicotine pouches deliver the vital nicotine, preventing nicotine withdrawal.
For those that have successfully quit smoking, the pouches prevent them from returning to smoking due to nicotine cravings.
You shouldn’t use the pouches if you don’t smoke or have never smoked.
How to use nicotine pouches
Using the pouches is pretty easy. Place the pouches under your upper lip (between your cheek and gums) and the pouch will begin releasing the nicotine and flavor that is absorbed by the oral mucosa.
Most new users are confused about where they should position their pouches underneath their top lip. The truth is there is no preferred position—you can place the pouch on either the right or left side.
It doesn’t hurt alternating between the two sides when one side begins to feel uncomfortable.
A few people place the pouches underneath their bottom lip, and there is nothing wrong with this. The downside is that talking with the pouch under your bottom lip is challenging, and it can sometimes be awkward.
You should have the pouch in your mouth for a minimum of five minutes and up to an hour, after which you have to replace it.
When you are new, it’s common to notice an intense tingling sensation or irritation in your gums, but with time, the sensation subsides.
You should have the pouch under your lip—never chew or swallow the pouch.
How are nicotine pouches better for the planet?
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When people think about the side effects of smoking, their mind goes to the health risks on the human body. Unfortunately, the side effects don’t end here—cigarette smoking has a significant impact on the environment.
Cigarette smoking pollutes the environment by releasing toxic air pollutants into the atmosphere.
Since cigarette smokers don’t mind where they dispose of the butts, these butts litter the environment. The toxic chemicals in the residues seep into the soils and waterways, causing soil and water pollution.
The animals and plants that come into contact or absorb the toxic substances from the cigarette residues get affected too.
You don’t harm the environment with nicotine pouches as you don’t release smoke and other toxic pollutants.
To keep the planet safe, dispose of the pouches responsibly. The pouches are made from the same material used in tea bags, predominantly cellulose fibers.
The fibers take a long time to decompose, so you should dispose of them in general waste. Don’t discard them in the open, as you will be causing the same effect as cigarette butts. Also, don’t throw them in the compost or toilet.
If there are no bins around to dispose of the pouches, store them in a top lid compartment of your pouch can.
The beauty of nicotine pouch cans is they are recyclable as they are made from PP (polypropylene), which is accepted in most household recycling so you will have an easy time disposing of them. Before you recycle the can, remove all the used pouches.
How many pouches should you use?
This depends on your nicotine cravings, but it’s always wise to start low then increase the strength when the body demands it.
To avoid side effects, always consult your doctor before you begin taking the pouches.
The frequency at which you take the pouches depends on your needs and doctor’s recommendations.
To reduce the number you take, it’s wise that you delay the intake by distracting yourself. For example, you can go out for a jog or take a glass of water when the urges kick in.
Do nicotine pouches have side effects?
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It’s common for nicotine-bearing products to have minor side effects, but they come about when you ingest too much or go for pouches with strengths that are too high for your needs.
In such a case, you experience a sore mouth, hiccups, and have a nauseous feeling.
Thankfully, you can avoid these side effects by regulating your intake and always opting for a lower-strength pouch.
Valuable tips when using nicotine pouches
You want to have the best experience when taking nicotine pouches, right? And it’s possible to do it using these tips:
When buying the pouches, ensure that you buy them from a reputable brand. This way, you are sure that the pouches won’t have any harmful ingredients that might spur side effects.
While you can take the pouches even in areas where vaping and smoking are prohibited, you should be cautious of how you dispose of them. As mentioned above, dispose of the used pouches safely to not hurt the environment.
When taking pouches of your favorite flavor, it’s easy to take more than you should, so you should watch how you take them. If you feel dizzy or nauseous when taking the pouches, chances are you have taken more than necessary. Take the pouch out of your mouth and relax. If the symptoms don’t go away, seek medical advice.
