The health risks of nicotine are significant, especially when delivered through smoking, vaping, or using tobacco products. Here are some key risks highlighted by Andrew Huberman:
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Endothelial Cell Damage:
- Smoking, vaping, and other forms of nicotine consumption disrupt endothelial cells, which are crucial for delivering blood and nutrients to tissues throughout the body. This disruption can lead to various negative health outcomes 1 2.
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Increased Risk of Cancer:
- There is a substantial risk of cancer, particularly mouth cancer (50-fold increase) from dipping and nasal cancers from snuffing. Smoking is linked to lung cancers due to the carcinogens like tar, ammonia, and formaldehyde in cigarettes 2 3.
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Cardiovascular Issues:
- Nicotine raises blood pressure and causes vasoconstriction, leading to increased risks of heart attack and stroke. Vaping, despite having fewer tar components than smoking, still poses a risk for cardiovascular diseases 4 5.
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Cognitive Decline:
- Although nicotine can enhance cognitive performance short-term, the long-term effects, especially from smoking and vaping, can lead to cognitive decline due to reduced nutrient flow to the brain 3 6.
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Addiction and Withdrawal:
- Nicotine is highly addictive, with withdrawal symptoms including cravings, agitation, and a significant drop in dopamine levels below baseline, which can be hard to overcome 7.
Despite its cognitive benefits, nicotine's delivery methods are largely detrimental to health, making it crucial to weigh the risks and benefits carefully.