We have all heard of the dangers of smoking, particularly excessive smoking of tobacco, cigarettes and cigars. But, it can be argued that not emphasis is put on the benefits of smoke-free alternatives, which can help smokers make the switch to a healthier lifestyle.
That’s why we’ve put together a handy guide to three of the best alternatives to smoking, and what benefits they have. Take a look at what you can switch out for tobacco below!
Why should you make the switch from smoking?
Smoking is one of the biggest causes of death and illness across the globe. Every year, thousands of people in every country die from smoking, with many more living with life-changing smoking-related illnesses. Many health bodies have said that smoking increases the risk of developing more than 50 serious health conditions, some of which can be fatal.
It can also cause irreversible long-term damage to your health. You can become ill from smoking in two ways:
- if you smoke yourself
- Or if people around you smoke – known as passive smoking.
Yes, breathing in secondhand smoke also increases your risk of getting the same health conditions as smokers. With so many health risks on the table, there’s never been a better reason to quit smoking and look for a better alternative.
From minty nicopods to fruity vapes, if you’re thinking of making the switch, here are a few alternatives you should consider.
Nicotine pouches
Nicotine pouches, or nicopods, are a great alternative to cigarettes or chewing tobacco. They’re a discrete, tobacco-free and smoke-free pouch that is placed under your gum for a fast-acting hit. They’re considered a healthier alternative to smoking, as they contain the same amount of nicotine, but without exposing the airways to carbon monoxide (the thing that causes lung cancer).
They also don’t stain your teeth unlike chewing tobacco and come in plenty of delicious flavors to choose from. There are plenty of stores where you can buy nicotine pouches online, and reasonable prices too!
Vaping
Vaping is when you smoke an electronic cigarette, also known as an e-cigarette. These E-cigarettes produce vapor from the liquid inside, which can contain nicotine if you choose.
It is considered as a healthier and smoke-free way to deliver nicotine, without the use of cigarettes.
As a result, vaping can be a great way to make the transition away from actual smoking, as not only does it give you that nicotine hit, the method of inhaling the vapour is similar to puffing on a cigarette. Plus, you’ll be staying away from nasty toxins and carcinogens! Research has even found that e-cigarettes are 60% more effective in helping smokers quit.
CBD
You might be surprised to hear that a growing number of studies have found that CBD could be an effective aid for not just quitting smoking, but nicotine altogether! It’s well known that the main drug in smoking, nicotine, increases levels of dopamine in the brain. This is responsible for feelings of pleasure and wellbeing that you get from having a cigarette.
There’s been plenty of research to suggest that consuming CBD may help to reduce addictive behaviours by indirectly influencing these dopamine levels. As a result, it can reduce the reliance and addiction you have on nicotine, and ultimately, smoking! CBD isn’t the same as consuming cannabis directly either, it’s considered a much healthier and safer alternative that can have a real impact on helping you to quit smoking.