Introduction
At first glance, snus and sports may seem like a strange combination. However, there is an increasing amount of sportsmen who use these products. Although snus usually refers to a product that contains tobacco, in Denmark it mostly refers to nicotine pouches , which are tobacco-free products.
These products have become popular due to their immediate effect and a general perception that they can improve concentration and stamina. But are athletes risking their health by using snus? And can snus really improve sports performance?
Historical background
The use of snus and nicotine in sports is not a new phenomenon. Already in the old days, the use of tobacco and nicotine products remained popular among athletes. Famous sportsmen such as soccer player Jack Wilshere and ice hockey player Patrice Bergeron have publicly admitted to using snus.
There is much speculation as to why athletes use snus. Some believe it is addictive, while others believe it enhances performance. But is this speculation based on solid science?
Snus and endurance
To answer this question, let's first look at how nicotine can affect stamina. Nicotine is a stimulant that can increase heart rate and blood pressure. This actually means that it can improve blood circulation and the muscles' access to important nutrients. But will it improve stamina?
Several studies have shown that snus and nicotine pouches have no notable benefits in terms of endurance. One study even concluded that "there is not enough evidence to support the widespread belief that nicotine is a performance enhancer."
Is snus a performance enhancer?
It seems that despite the immediate boost that nicotine can provide, it is not performance enhancing in the long term. In fact, it may even lead users to seek other sources of nicotine, such as cigarettes, once addiction is established. Furthermore, there is no evidence of a positive correlation between performance and consumption of snus or nicotine.
Snus and concentration
Nicotine stimulates the release of dopamine, a substance that plays a central role in the reward and motivation centers of the brain. This can improve attention and coordination, which are important qualities in many sports. But what does the research say about snus and concentration?
Once again, the research shows that although nicotine can increase alertness in the first few minutes after consumption, it has no noticeable long-term effect. This supports the idea that snus is not performance enhancing. In addition, nicotine can affect the ability to concentrate and learn new things, which is not optimal for athletes.
Snus and physical performance
When it comes to physical performance, nicotine can affect the cardiovascular and respiratory systems, which can have both positive and negative consequences. Although nicotine can improve blood circulation and muscle people's access to oxygen, it can also increase the risk of high blood pressure, which is not ideal for athletes. Many studies have shown that the consumption of nicotine through snus has no notable benefit in terms of physical performance.
What happens to the body when you consume nicotine?
Nicotine affects the brain in a stimulating way, which can improve your mood and general well-being. This may seem attractive to many, but the problem is that the brain and body quickly become dependent on nicotine and find it difficult to cope without it. The change in the brain can also negatively affect your mood when you try to stop using nicotine.
Security matters and regulations
Using snus involves a number of safety concerns and health risks. For example, snus can cause various oral problems, such as white-stained oral cavity, gum problems and, in the worst case, oral cancer. Athletes with heart problems should also be especially careful, as nicotine can raise blood pressure and increase the risk of heart attack and stroke.
In terms of regulations, many sports and organizations have taken steps to limit or ban the use of nicotine products. The International Olympic Committee includes snus on its watch list, and many national and international sports organizations have introduced strict rules around the use of snus.
All in all, despite the increasing popularity of snus and nicotine pouches in the sports world, it is clear that the potential risks far outweigh the supposed benefits. Athletes, coaches and organizations should take this into account when making decisions about the use of these products.