A nicotine pouch, snus, or nic pouch, is a small white pouch filled with nicotine and other ingredients. These pouches come from various brands like Velo, ZYN, NYKD, Zone and Lucy and are available in different flavors, whether you like wintergreen, spearmint, or coffee.
Nicotine pouches are designed for oral use. Place one inside your mouth between the gum and upper lip, and it slowly releases nicotine into the bloodstream. Unlike other nicotine products you have to suck on or chew, you cannot swallow nicotine pouches and remove and dispose of it when you are done.
Swallowing a Nicotine Pouch Accidentally
As we said, nicotine pouches are not to be swallowed because the consequences are undesirable. Nicotine pouches are called snus, but not all pouches are 100% nicotine-free. Many products contain no traces of tobacco.
These pouches contain natural ingredients for the most part, such as salt, water, flavorings, and food-grade fillings, so you need not worry about internal damage. Since the pouches contain nicotine and are not made to be ingested, you can expect an upset stomach.
Although swallowing a nicotine pouch may not cause problems, avoid it. They contain some level of chemicals like nicotine, which could affect the digestive system in high quantities. The severity may also depend on their strength. The stronger the pouches are, the more adverse the symptoms may be.
How Do Nicotine Pouches Contain?
Nic pouches are small, tobacco-free pouches with nicotine powder. They deliver nicotine orally. Here are the other ingredients in nicotine pouches:
- Fillers: Microcrystalline cellulose, gum arabic, and additional instances to enhance the texture and add bulk.
- Cellulose: Plant-based fibers to give the structure volume and structure.
- Flavorings: Different artificial flavors like coffee, citrus, and mint for aroma because nicotine is odorless and flavorless.
- Sweeteners: Sweet substitutes of sugar to make the flavor potent and enjoyable.
- pH Adjusters: Sodium carbonate and sodium bicarbonate to regulate pH levels and reduce acidity.
What are the Risks of Nicotine?
Using nicotine has its risks, especially if it is regular. Nicotine is not carcinogenic and does not cause cancer, but it is addictive. Since nicotine is an addictive chemical and regular usage can result in nicotine dependence, knowing how it can affect you is crucial.
Side effects of nicotine range from mild changes like nauseating feelings and temporary headaches to severe issues like increased heart rate and blood pressure. If you have consumed too much nicotine and think there might be adverse reactions, seek immediate medical advice.
If a minor, especially a child, has swallowed a nicotine pouch, do not waste any time and take them to the doctor. Prompt action may help prevent nicotine poisoning. Nicotine poisoning is serious and can cause irreversible damage to the body. So, keep your stash away from children.
If you have swallowed a nicotine pouch but feel fine, it is likely nothing to worry about. However, if you start feeling sick immediately or after some time, like suffering from stomach pain or intestinal problems, headaches, vomiting tendencies, loss of appetite, or dehydration, seeking medical help is the best choice.
How Do Nicotine Pouches Work?
To use a nicotine pouch, put it in your mouth and place it between the gums and upper lip. The gums have many blood vessels, which are the entryway for nicotine into the bloodstream. The saliva moisturizes the pouch, releasing the flavors with nicotine. The gums absorb the nicotine, providing a pleasant nicotine punch.
Apart from quick absorption, placing nicotine pouches on the gums offers a discreet consumption method. Tobacco products like snus, dips, or cigarettes need to be spat or smoked, which many may not prefer in public spaces. You can carry pouches wherever you go, use them discreetly, and you don’t have to spit when using them.
Place a pouch in your mouth for 5-30 minutes, depending on your preference or nicotine tolerance. If you find it too strong, remove it earlier. The nicotine content is released in less than an hour.
The Takeaway
Although not carcinogenic, nicotine is addictive and should be taken with care. Avoid using nicotine pouches if you haven’t used them before. However, if you want to quit smoking and need an effective alternative, nicotine pouches may just be what you need.
Popular Nicotine Pouch Brands
If you’re considering trying nicotine pouches, here are some popular options to explore:
