What is nicotine? Effects of Nicotine on human health

Nicotine must be no stranger to everyone, because the media regularly reports that this powerful drug in cigarettes is bad for health.

But do we know what this compound is and what specifically it causes to the human body? Let’s find out through the article below.

What is nicotine?

Nicotine is a synthetically produced, nitrogen-containing compound that occurs in many plants, including tobacco . In fact, nicotine does not cause cancer or have undue adverse effects on human health.

However, it is a strong addictive substance and exposes people to the effects of long-term tobacco use.

Nicotine Compounds

Why is nicotine so addictive?

Nicotine itself is both a sedative but also a potent stimulant. When the body absorbs nicotine, it stimulates the adrenal glands and causes the release of adrenaline, which leads the body to immediately produce glucose, resulting in an increase in heart rate and blood pressure.

In addition, Nicotine also indirectly increases the amount of dopamine, a compound that affects human emotions, movements, and pleasure, making users feel more satisfied and comfortable.

Why is nicotine so addictive?

The American Heart Association also says that nicotine makes smoking the most difficult thing to quit, on par with giving up heroin . Research conducted in 2013 also showed that reducing the amount of nicotine in cigarettes also reduces the level of addiction.

How does the body receive nicotine?

When inhaled, nicotine will quickly enter the bloodstream and quickly cross the blood-brain barrier to contact the brain, this stage takes about 8-20 seconds. After 2 hours, half of the nicotine has been consumed inside the body.

In addition, the amount of nicotine entering the body also depends on a number of factors such as: the type of cigarette smoked, the amount of smoke inhaled, the filter of the smoke. On top of that, the amount of nicotine that the body absorbs will be higher if the tobacco is chewed or placed inside the mouth.

The process of absorbing nicotine in the body

Health effects of nicotine

For blood vessels: Causes atherosclerosis due to plaque forming on the artery walls, increasing the risk of blood clots, dilating the aorta.

For the brain and heart: Causes dizziness and lightheadedness, irregular and disturbed sleep, leading to cerebral vascular occlusion, high blood pressure, causing spasms and leading to coronary artery diseases, increasing the risk of stroke. collapsed

For the digestive system: Nausea, indigestion, stomach ulcers, heartburn

For pregnant women and young children: Causes obesity, high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, shortness of breath, decreased intelligence, pneumonia, joint pain, …

The harmful effects of nicotine

The above article is information about nicotine and the harm it causes to human health. Hope the article will be useful and don’t forget to follow lassho.edu.vn for more good knowledge!

Source: Vinmec.com

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