You’ve taken the plunge and quit tobacco for good. You’ve done your homework and decided to use the help of nicotine gum to taper your cravings. But there’s a sea of choices in the market, isn’t it? Worry not; we’ve got you covered. Read on to learn everything you need to know to make an informed decision and navigate the path towards a tobacco-free future.
What is Nicotine Gum?
Nicotine Gum is chewing gum specifically designed to help you stop tobacco consumption. It is a trusty sidekick that can help you quit smoking or chewing tobacco, keep withdrawal symptoms at bay and help manage cravings.
While the concept of chewing a piece of gum dates back thousands of years, the idea of using gum laced with nicotine for tobacco cessation was devised in the 80s’. An effective form of Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT), nicotine gum is designed to provide you with nicotine minus the other harmful chemicals found in cigarettes and gutka.
Chewing nicotine gum releases a small dose of nicotine into your system, which gets absorbed through the mouth’s lining. The body receives a minute quantity of nicotine without the other 7000 chemicals that make up tobacco smoke. Over time, you crave cigarettes much less and reduce your dependence on nicotine gums too. Ultimately, you begin to live a smoke-free and nicotine-free life.
Why do Nicotine Gums Help Quit Tobacco?
Nicotine gum is a great choice for those who prefer to quit smoking gradually or if they are worried about withdrawal symptoms. Not everyone can manage tobacco cravings and deal with typical withdrawal symptoms like headaches, nausea, irritability etc.
Nicotine gum is an effective aid for immediate relief from withdrawal symptoms and tobacco cravings. Additionally, the act of chewing gum also works as a distraction from smoking or chewing tobacco. If you decide on the nicotine gum route, consult your doctor to ensure it is the right choice for your health.
The idea behind nicotine gum isn’t to replace one dependency with another. It is to wean you off nicotine for good gradually. Many people start with a higher dose or chewing the prescribed number of gums by their physician and taper the usage over time.
Types Of Nicotine Gum: Strengths
Nicotine gums come in several flavours and strengths to suit different preferences or needs. They are generally available in two types of strength- 2mg and 4mg. While the 2mg variety is available over the counter, the 4mg needs a doctor’s prescription. The strength and frequency of nicotine gum usage will depend on your tobacco consumption and how soon your doctor feels you can quit. They can create a customised quit-smoking plan for you.
Nicotine Gum Flavours
You can choose nicotine gums of different flavours that help hide the unpleasant taste of a cigarette and lend a pleasant taste while chewing. You also have the option to select sugar-free versions available easily in the market. At RYZE, you can choose from interesting flavours like Frosty Mint, Fresh Fennel, and Fruit Blast. Designed to suit different flavour palettes, Ryze nicotine gums have a soft-chew texture that reduces strain on your jaw while delivering the nicotine you need.
How To Use Nicotine Gum?
Remember, what you consume will affect how your body absorbs the nicotine. Avoid eating or drinking anything 15 minutes before and after chewing nicotine gum.
These gums work best with the ‘Chew-Pause-Chew’ method.
- Chew the nicotine gum a few times to initiate the release of nicotine. The cue is that peppery taste or a tingling note on your tongue.
- Pause chewing and roll the pellet between the cheek and gums.
- At this point, the gentle release of nicotine in the saliva and, thus, the bloodstream reaches the brain in a few minutes. What follows is the hit and an immediate reduction in the itch for a puff or bite of tobacco.
- Repeat the chewing process after a min or so, and do so for about 20-30 minutes.
Avoid chewing the gum too fast or chewing more than one piece at a time. You can chew a piece of gum every 1 or 2 hours for the first 6 weeks and gradually taper your usage. Avoid chewing more than 24 pieces a day. Ideally, nicotine gum should be used for up to 12 weeks and stopped. Consult your doctor to plan how long to use nicotine gum.
Pros and Cons of Nicotine Gum
Nicotine gum has several advantages in its kitty.
- It is easily available as an over-the-counter medicine and can be used in conjunction with other quit-tobacco aids.
- Nicotine gum gives you the freedom to control your dosage.
- Nicotine gum is a great choice for those sudden cravings you may experience.
- It also allows for easier nicotine absorption in your body, leading to quicker relief.
There are certain cons of using nicotine gums:
- Nicotine gum(not RYZE nicotine gums) may cause mouth irritation, hiccups, nausea, or jaw soreness
- In severe cases, the gum may cause irregular heartbeat, difficulty breathing, weakness, or rash, all needing to be reported to a doctor immediately.
- Nicotine gum may also stick to or damage dental appliances.
- Nicotine gum needs to be used repeatedly during the day to control cravings or withdrawal symptoms.
Conclusion
Nicotine gum is an effective, scientifically-proven aid to quit tobacco. It is most effective when you use it as part of a comprehensive quit-tobacco plan.
Choosing the suitable nicotine gum is a personal decision based on your needs and preferences. And though you have the choice of strength, flavours, and so much more, it’s always a good idea to consult your doctor to have all possible information to make a decision that works best for you. Remember, nicotine gum is just a means to an end, albeit a highly effective one. The goal remains unchanged: quitting your dependency and moving towards a future that is healthy and free from tobacco.
