Biohackers chasing the fountain of youth are turning to an unlikely new device: nicotine.
As soon as demonized for its function in cigarettes, the addictive stimulant is now being recast as a cognitive enhancer with potential anti-aging perks.
However don’t go reaching for a pack of smokes simply but. Longevity fanatics say you’ll solely get the perks in case you use it the fitting method — get it mistaken, and you might get burned.
Right here’s every thing that you must know.
What’s nicotine?
Nicotine is a naturally occurring chemical discovered within the tobacco plant, in addition to in different members of the nightshade household akin to potatoes, tomatoes, eggplant and peppers.
Individuals normally get nicotine via cigarettes, hookahs, smokeless tobacco or vapes. It’s additionally accessible in gum, patches and lozenges, primarily as a device to assist individuals give up smoking.
Nicotine is very addictive, particularly when delivered rapidly via smoking. Consultants say it may be as habit-forming as cocaine, heroin, or amphetamines, and it comes with a number of potential unwanted side effects.
Whereas it’s what retains individuals hooked on tobacco, nicotine itself isn’t the principle perpetrator behind smoking-related illnesses. That title belongs to the 1000’s of different dangerous chemical compounds in tobacco smoke, which over time could cause severe well being issues, together with deadly lung illness and most cancers.
How does nicotine have an effect on the physique?
As soon as nicotine enters the physique, it’s rapidly absorbed into the bloodstream and travels to the mind.
As soon as there, it principally acts as a stimulant. It fires up your adrenal glands, releasing adrenaline that spikes your coronary heart charge, blood strain and respiratory.
Nicotine additionally will increase ranges of dopamine, the mind’s “feel-good” chemical, and norepinephrine, which sharpens alertness and focus. Acetylcholine will get a lift too, serving to with focus and pondering clearly.
However nicotine isn’t only a buzz. It might additionally act as a depressant, slowing your mind and central nervous system.
After the preliminary rush, it will possibly calm you down and ease stress — which is a part of why people who smoke usually attain for a cigarette in tense moments.
How are biohackers utilizing nicotine?
Dave Asprey, the person broadly credited with launching the biohacking motion, is without doubt one of the most distinguished figures endorsing so-called longevity nicotine.
“Once I say nicotine, individuals hear smoking, as a result of the 2 are so tightly linked,” Asprey advised the Every day Mail. “‘However smoking incorporates 1000’s of different compounds which might be dangerous. Pharmaceutical-grade nicotine, purified nicotine, is a totally different factor.”
On his web site, Asprey, 52, lays out his private protocol for utilizing nicotine for longevity — although he notes it’s not for everybody.
He takes it solely via a “clear” lozenge or patch, normally 1 or 2 mg — roughly one-tenth of the nicotine in a cigarette — and by no means smokes or vapes.
Asprey additionally makes use of it strategically, saving it for moments that require sharp focus, akin to marathon writing or recording classes, or when jet lag hits and he wants to remain alert with out overloading on caffeine.
He skips nicotine on days he’s jittery, confused, utilizing different stimulants or going through excessive cardiovascular pressure, like intense exercises or sauna classes.
“The biohacker’s rule applies: use it as a device, not a crutch,” Asprey wrote.
Is there any science behind nicotine’s brain-boosting advantages?
There’s a small however rising physique of analysis suggesting nicotine would possibly give the mind a lift when used often in low doses.
A 2010 evaluate of 41 research discovered that it “vital constructive results” on consideration and reminiscence. Two years later, one other research confirmed nicotine can enhance consideration, reminiscence and cognitive processing in each wholesome adults and people with delicate cognitive impairment.
And in 2021, a research of adults ages 60 to 75 discovered nicotine helped these with decrease baseline scores carry out higher, hinting that it will possibly restore some cognitive effectivity.
However it’s not all excellent news. Animal analysis means that nicotine publicity throughout key developmental levels — within the womb or throughout adolescence — can backfire, making rats extra impulsive, much less targeted and susceptible to anxiousness and depression-like behaviors.
A 2020 evaluate in people, in the meantime, discovered that nicotine’s cognitive results will be inconsistent, largely relying on elements like dose, timing and frequency.
“Nicotine can play a protecting function in concept, however overuse flips that change,” Asprey wrote on-line. “Biohackers ought to view it as a precision molecule, not a behavior.”
Can nicotine help longevity?
The science isn’t clear lower, however some research recommend nicotine could assist help the growing old mind.
In 2023, researchers discovered discovered that low doses of nicotine over time might gradual growing old by bettering how cells use power and defending reminiscence.
It additionally boosted mind cell progress, diminished nervous system irritation, protected organs and even helped protect motor perform with age.
Some analysis additionally suggests nicotine could shield neurons broken by illnesses like Parkinson’s, probably slowing or stopping its development.
Nicotine has additionally confirmed promise as a remedy for melancholy, ADHD, Tourette’s and schizophrenia.
However it’s not a free move. Consultants warn there’s no long-term analysis on individuals utilizing nicotine exterior of smoking, and unwanted side effects like cardiovascular stress, digestive points, and dizziness are nonetheless a priority.
Individuals utilizing it for cognitive and anti-aging advantages are “very a lot experimenting,” notes Slate author Hannah Singleton, who turned to nicotine patches as a possible device for treating mind fog.
“There aren’t any protocols or prescribed doses permitted by the Meals and Drug Administration,” she continued. “General, it is perhaps correct to say that nicotine ‘holds promise’ as a possible device for mind functioning.”
