Tobacco has been consumed in a variety of ways around the world throughout time. In fact, cigars, cigarettes, and pipes became a fashionable social activity among people during their heyday. Today, with the world leaning towards living a healthy lifestyle, consumers are now searching for cleaner ways to enjoy life. In this article, we will explore some modern alternatives to smoking.
Smokeless tobacco
Smokeless tobacco is also known as dip, spit, or chew. Many people have chosen to switch to smokeless tobacco, such as Copenhagen, because it is not smoked. Users put leaves into their mouth, between their lower lip and gums, and suck on them. Since the tobacco is placed inside the mouth, it causes excessive saliva to build up, thus the need to constantly spit. One of the reasons users enjoy this method is because nicotine enters the bloodstream through the gums, without having to smoke or swallow.
CBD products
There has been a lot of hype about cannabidiol, or “CBD” products. As we mentioned in our piece on CBD gummies, these are not just treats for people who want to get high, it is also a remedy proven to help with chronic pains, anxiety, and stress management. In other words, it is a natural type of medicine for people with real ailments. Many smokers have chosen CBD products because they can enjoy a relaxing feeling, without the harmful side effects associated with inhaling smoke into the lungs.
Vaping
Vaping, or e-cigarettes, is another option that consumers have turned to in recent years. E-cigarettes, like JUUL, are battery-operated devices that heat flavoured nicotine to create an aerosol that is inhaled by the user. One reason e-cigarettes became a popular trend is because of the variety of flavours they come in, such as menthol, fruit, candy, and coffee, to name a few. While vaping devices technically do not create smoke, the liquid that is turned into aerosol does contain nicotine and many additional unknown chemicals.
Nicotine pouches
Another alternative to smoking is nicotine pouches. Nicotine pouches are small bags of nicotine that are placed in the mouth between the user’s upper lip and gums. The pouches release nicotine into the mouth, which is absorbed through soft membranes, and enters the bloodstream, thus no adverse side effects from inhaling smoke. Recent data discussed in a blog post on Prilla suggests that these pouches could be on their way to becoming the primary nicotine alternative soon. These are on the rise for many reasons, such as they do not contain tobacco leaves, they do not require spitting, and they come in many different flavours.
Flavoured water
Some users have traded smoking for a healthy drink – flavoured water (something to enjoy when those cravings strike). This alternative, such as Spindrift, has numerous benefits like improving one’s mood, calming the senses and detoxification. For those who exercise, water is important for hydration, so muscles don’t become fatigued. People especially enjoy the many delicious flavours it comes in, such as blackberry, strawberry, lemon, and cucumber, to name a few.
Popped sorghum
Other smoking replacements include delicious snacks like Chasin’ Dreams Farm Sweet and Salty Popped Sorghum. This healthy replacement is delicious, full of antioxidants and is a natural source of fibre. Replacing smoking with healthy eating is conducive to improving one’s quality of life.
Living healthily is a big part of enjoying life and this is the reason smokers are searching for alternatives to smoking. With these suggestions listed above, smokers can replace old habits with new habits and take steps towards a better overall well-being.
Helen Bradfield did her degree in psychology at the University of Edinburgh. She is interested in mental health and well-being.
