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How can smoking ruin the performance of athletes?

August 10, 2021
Spotlight
Editorial

Smoking has always been consequential for athletes because of its ability to develop cardiovascular and respiratory diseases. It can impair the physical fitness of an athlete long before the chronic symptoms arise. The adverse effects on the body are due to the presence of toxic carcinogens combined with harmful chemicals in cigarette smoke.

Negative effects of smoking on physical performance

  • The presence of nicotine in tobacco excites the central nervous system leading to an acceleration in the breathing and heart rate.
  • The ability of an athlete to tolerate exercise is significantly reduced as a result of smoking.
  • There is a significant increase in blood pressure besides a reduction in nitric oxide production by the body.
  • Habitual smoking gradually leads to the loss of lung elasticity and a decrease in lung volume leading to a reduction in the oxygen intake capacity.

While a racing car driver might not need as much physical fitness as any other sports person, but the endurance to excessive mental and physical load is crucial for boosting performance. This necessitates ensuring the proper functioning of the cardiovascular system with a proper heart rate. However, athletes who are habitual smokers are at risk of compromising their cardiovascular system.

Nicotine pouches as a tool to quit cigarette smoking

While nicotine pouches have derived their inspiration from traditional oral tobacco, the absence of tobacco makes them an effective tool in quitting smoking or at least reducing the harmful effects of smoking. The typical ingredients of a nicotine pouch are salt, water, food-grade fillers, plant fibers, flavoring agents, and gum base.

With that said, as a tobacco free option, these nicotine pouches are available in various doses starting from as low as 2mg. Depending on the addiction level of the smoker, the doses for these pouches can be chosen to assist in the combat for quitting smoking. After all, the physical and mental wellbeing is the most prized possession of any athlete.