Tobacco contains nicotine, an addictive drug. Smoking is more addictive, but there are doses and types of nicotine in tobacco. In this article, we will explore the types of nicotine in tobacco, the content, the impact on the human body and other aspects, in order to let people use tobacco wisely and reduce the harm to the body.
First, let’s look at nicotine in tobacco. Nicotine in tobacco comes in two isomers: S and R. There are some differences in the composition of these two isomers, so their properties and effects are also slightly different. Type S nicotine, the more common type, has some calming effects and can make people feel relaxed and calm. Type R nicotine, on the other hand, has a stronger stimulant effect, which can enhance attention, reaction and alertness. In tobacco, type S nicotine is usually mixed with type R nicotine in a ratio of 1:2.
The issue of nicotine content in tobacco is complicated. The amount of nicotine in tobacco is affected by many factors, including the variety of flue-cured tobacco, the growing environment, the drying method, the tobacco production process, and so on. In general, the amount of nicotine in tobacco ranges from 0.6% to 3.0%, and varies by brand and type. In addition, nicotine in tobacco is not all free, most of it is combined with other compounds, such as tobacco base. Therefore, the content of nicotine alone does not fully reflect the harm of tobacco to the human body.
Next, let’s take a look at the effects of inhaling nicotine from tobacco. First, nicotine is a neurotransmitter, which can promote the transmission of signals between nerve cells, which in turn affects multiple physiological systems, including the central nervous system, cardiovascular system, respiratory system and digestive system. According to the different mechanisms of action of nicotine, its impact on the body is also divided into several aspects.
In the central nervous system, the main effect of nicotine is to stimulate dopamine neurons in the brain, making people feel pleasure and satisfaction, thereby increasing the likelihood of addiction. In addition, nicotine can also improve people’s attention and reaction speed, enhance the control of motor coordination, and have a certain protective effect on certain neurodegenerative diseases such as Parkinson’s disease.
In terms of cardiovascular system, smoking will lead to increased blood pressure, increased heart load, coronary artery spasm, etc., increase the incidence and mortality of cardiovascular diseases; Nicotine further increases the risk of cardiovascular disease by narrowing blood vessels and increasing the heart’s contractility and heart rate.
In the respiratory system, nicotine can increase the stability of the respiratory rhythm and improve airflow dynamics, but it also increases the risk of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and lung cancer.
In the digestive system, nicotine can inhibit gastrointestinal peristalsis and slow down the rate of gastric emptying, leading to problems such as indigestion, excess stomach acid, ulcers and stomach cancer.
The above is just a simple introduction, in fact, there are many effects of nicotine in tobacco on the human body, these effects are closely related to the content and type of nicotine, individual differences and other factors. However, it is important to emphasize that although nicotine has many pharmacological effects, smoking is more harmful. Because smoking is not only in the input of nicotine this drug, but also includes inhaling a series of substances such as carbon monoxide, benzene, urine alum, etc., these substances will cause great harm to the human body.
To sum up, in the use of tobacco should follow scientific principles and reasonable methods, careful use and try to avoid smoking. Although nicotine has some pharmacological value, its use for treatment should be carried out under the guidance of a doctor and should never be misused or abused. Because any drug has its own risks and adverse reactions, only rational drug use can play its maximum therapeutic effect, and minimize the harm to the body.