nicotine long term effects
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The long-term effects of nicotine are complex and impact various systems in the body. Here's a summary based on discussions from the :
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Endothelial Damage: Nicotine can damage the endothelial cells, which are essential for delivering blood and nutrients throughout the body. This damage increases the risk of heart attack, stroke, and peripheral vascular diseases. Smoking and vaping, in particular, are known to have deleterious effects on these cells, leading to systemic health issues 1.
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Cognitive Decline: While nicotine can enhance focus and cognitive performance in the short term by increasing acetylcholine levels, it poses a risk for long-term cognitive decline when consumed via smoking or vaping. These methods impair brain function due to disrupted blood and nutrient flow, which is crucial for maintaining neural health 1.
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Appetite and Metabolism: Nicotine can suppress appetite and boost metabolism by acting on specific brain receptors, such as the alpha four beta two receptor. This can lead to weight loss and is one reason why some individuals find it difficult to quit smoking 2.
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Cancer and Lifespan: Although nicotine itself does not cause cancer, the delivery methods (smoking, vaping, etc.) involve carcinogens that significantly increase cancer risk. For instance, every pack of cigarettes smoked daily is estimated to reduce lifespan by about 14 years 3.
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Addiction and Dependency: Nicotine can be highly addictive, leading users to increase consumption over time to maintain its cognitive effects. This dependency can further exacerbate its negative health impacts 4.
These insights illustrate that while nicotine offers short-term cognitive benefits, the methods of consumption and long-term health risks make it a substance of concern when it comes to overall health and longevity.
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