I can’t wait to see what kind of mayhem this blog post creates…especially after our Negative Effects of Alcohol post.  Hint…we said there aren’t any direct, negative side-effects on immediate performance.  So, let’s set things completely straight, we are not telling you to smoke or promoting smoking cigarettes or cigars.  We are not promoting anything and do not own stock in any nicotine company.

Now that we've gotten that out of the way…here we go.

YES…nicotine is addictive and is the addictive substance used in cigarettes to get people addicted.  NO…I am not advocating smoking cigarettes for any reason.  BUT, there are definitely beneficial uses for athletes, we just need to control it’s use and utilize better delivery systems. 

I typically go (FOR MYSELF) with lozenges, you can also utilize chewing gums.  Here are some basic FACTS to keep in mind:

1. Nicotine has never been determined as a direct cause of cancer…that’s tobacco.
2. Nicotine has been used in energy drinks for decades in Asian countries (all of whom have lower cancer rates than the US).
3. Nicotine heightens activity in the brain’s cholinergic pathways, leading to improved concentration.
4. Nicotine has appetite-suppressing effects.
5. Studies have found a link between nicotine and increase in lipolysis, or fat burning.  It is a mild metabolic booster, which may explain the typical weight gain in people who recently have quit smoking.
6. Nicotine raises dopamine levels in the brain and makes it produce more endorphins.  It also stimulates the release of acetylcholine.  All of this enhances mood and energy levels.
7. Nicotine can improve reaction time.
8. Much like caffeine…NICOTINE CAN BE ADDICTIVE.  However, studies have found that addiction to nicotine gums, lozenges, or patches are rare…which is why they are utilized in smoking cessation programs.

Keep in mind, nicotine does have it’s drawbacks, but so does caffeine.  If your typical nicotine dose was through a grande frothy cappa-something drink at Starbucks we wouldn’t be villainizing it like we do (just watch the comments on this one). 

Now, it’s like every other supplement out there, it’s not for everyone.  Read up on the substance, read the label, and take your own reaction to stimulants into consideration.  Always start with a low dose and gauge how things go.  I usually get 1-2mg lozenges and routinely cut them in half.

Remember, nicotine is not “evil,” but it’s not completely benign…just like caffeine.