Is Nicotine Gum Bad For You?
Short answer
Nicotine gum can be an excellent way for addicted individuals to quit smoking, but using it improperly can result in many unwanted side effects.
A fairly even ratio of beneficial and harmful qualities. Moderation is important. Very general topics that can lean towards both sides of the spectrum will be placed here as well. Rice, for example, can be good or bad depending on the type.
View Full Grading System
Category 'A'
Very healthy and numerous health benefits. Side effects are rare. Things rated an 'A+' are typically necessary for survival (for example, water).
Very healthy and numerous health benefits. A few harmful qualities may be associated, but only under certain circumstances such as an allergic reaction.
Very healthy and numerous health benefits. Harmful qualities may be associated, but aren't usually serious.
It is important to note that even the best things in life can become bad in immoderate amounts. So, although something may be rated an 'A+', overconsumption/overdoing can bring unwanted effects.
Category 'B'
Very beneficial to your health. Things rated a 'B+' may have a few harmful qualities to pay attention to.
Overall beneficial to your health. Things rated a 'B' may have some harmful qualities to pay attention to.
More beneficial to your health than not. However, harmful qualities are most likely associated and shouldn't be overlooked.
The main difference between category 'A' and category 'B' is the harmful qualities typically present in 'B' items. Serious side effects are usually uncommon, but are still possible and should be taken note of.
Category 'C'
Both beneficial and harmful qualities associated. Things rated a 'C+' are typically a bit more on the beneficial side. Still, moderation is important.
A fairly even ratio of beneficial and harmful qualities. Moderation is important. Very general topics that can lean towards both sides of the spectrum will be placed here as well. Rice, for example, can be good or bad depending on the type.
More harmful than beneficial. Side effects are common, especially when consumed/done excessively. Moderation is very important.
Category 'C' usually denotes to both good and bad qualities. When it comes to this category, it is important to keep this word in mind: moderation.
Category 'D'
Harmful to your health. Although benefits may be associated, the bad most likely outweighs the good. Moderation is very important.
Harmful to your health. A few benefits may be associated, but the bad outweighs the good. Moderation is extremely important.
Harmful to your health. Very few, if any, benefits are present. Things in this category should be avoided as much as possible.
Category 'D' is typically for things that are more harmful than beneficial. While consuming/doing something unhealthy once in a blue moon shouldn't hurt, we definitely recommend eliminating 'D' items as a regular part of your routine/diet.
Category 'F'
Category 'F' is for things that fail to bring anything beneficial to the table, and are very harmful to your health. We recommend completely avoiding anything in this category. Long-term side effects of 'F' items are usually very serious.
Category 'N'
'N' stands for neutral. Things placed into this category are generally (a) neither good nor bad for you, or (b) lack the necessary evidence to reach any conclusions.
Long answer
These days, everyone knows that smoking cigarettes or cigars is extremely unhealthy and can wreak extremely harmful havoc on your body, directly contributing to the development of cancer and even premature death. Therefore, many people who are already addicted to smoking turn to alternatives to help wean themselves off of their nicotine addiction so they can live a healthier life free of the dangerous, expensive habit of smoking.
Nicotine gum is one of the most popular ways that addicted individuals attempt to snap themselves out of the habit of smoking. It provides users with a quick relief to a cigarette craving and can eventually help them kick the habit of smoking altogether.
However, there are a few potential dangers associated with chewing nicotine gum. For example, if you chew it regularly for longer than six months, it is easy to become addicted to the gum itself. Obviously, this is better than being addicted to cigarettes, but is still something to be aware of. There are also many side effects included with nicotine gum that are prevalent in any product that includes nicotine. These include increased heart rate, increased blood pressure, mouth irritation, hiccups, heartburn, and nausea.
It is also important to take the gum only as directed (if you aren't trying to quit smoking, don't take nicotine gum). If you chew too much at once, or combine the gum with smoking, you are prone to a nicotine overdose - also known as nicotine poisoning. This can include side effects such as confusion, difficulty breathing, drooling, vomiting, and even coma.
Possible short-term side effects
- diarrhea
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nausea
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lightheadedness
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increased heart rate
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increased blood pressure
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mouth irritation
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heartburn
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hiccups
Possible long-term side effects
- nicotine poisoning
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addiction to the gum
Possible withdrawal symptoms
- anxiety
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craving
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impaired concentration
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irritability
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nervousness
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insomnia
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weight gain
Ingredients to be aware of
Benefits
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Written by Shaylie F
Published on: 12-29-2015
Last updated: 12-10-2016
Thank you for your feedback!
Written by Shaylie F
Published on: 12-29-2015
Last updated: 12-10-2016
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