Vaping involves inhaling the vapor from an e-cigarette, vape pod, or other similar devices, but many adults and teens look at vaping as a harmless activity. Many think that it is just flavored steam and helps them relax because vaping is a common habit among young people. Healthy vaping is possible if you pay attention to what you are vaping, how much you are vaping, and what type of e-liquid you prefer for vaping. Many people ignore these facts and get addicted to vaping.
Vaping addiction is bad, but before we talk about how vaping can be healthy, letâs look at some facts.Â
Is vaping better than smoking?
E-cigarettes are considered to be a safer alternative to traditional cigarettes, and some people switch to vaping because of the risks associated with smoking. The truth is that vaped aerosols may contain fewer toxic chemicals found in the smoke of cigarettes, but does that mean vaping is risk-free?
According to a study by the CDC, 99 percent of e-cigarettes sold in the US contain some kind of nicotine, and this content is not usually disclosed.
Nicotine is a stimulant found in traditional cigarettes and some e-liquids that give a temporary high, but whether it comes from smoking or vaping, nicotine is highly addictive, which increases the risk of various diseases. If you have decided to kick the habit of smoking, then you are not alone, because 7 out of 10 smokers say they want this habit. Letâs look at a few differences:
a) Process
Smoking traditional cigarettes consists of burning tobacco, and it releases harmful chemicals like tar and carcinogens. Smoking causes many diseases, like heart disease, lung cancer, respiratory problems, and much more.
On the other hand, vaping is a process where you use an electronic cigarette that heats the liquid. This liquid consists of flavorings, nicotine, and other chemicals. It produces aerosol, which is in the form of vapor. When you vape, many harmful compounds are eliminated that are found in traditional cigarette smoke, but the long-term benefits of vaping are still not understood.
b) Nicotine ContentÂ
Traditional cigarettes contain nicotine, which is an addictive substance and comes with many health risks. E-cigarettes contain nicotine as well, but users can choose e-liquids that vary in nicotine concentrations, and some can choose nicotine-free options as well.
c) Secondhand smoke disadvantagesÂ
Secondhand smoke from traditional cigarettes is harmful to nonsmokers, but secondhand vapor is still under study. However, it usually contains few harmful chemicals as compared to cigarette smoke, but it is not completely risk-free.
d) Regulations
Tobacco products are subject to strict regulations in many countries, but e-cigarettes face evolving regulations, and the safety and marketing of e-cigarettes are being closely monitored.
Quitting smoking is one of the best decisions you can make for your health because smoking harms nearly every organ of the body. About one-third of deaths are from heart disease, where the cause is smoking or inhaling secondhand smoke.
But does that mean that vaping is risk-free? Letâs find out.
Guide to Healthy Vaping
The question of whether vaping is better than smoking is a complex one, and this depends on many factors. Both smoking and vaping are about inhaling substances, and they differ. Smoking traditional cigarettes is very addictive, and quitting is a challenge for smokers. However, vaping is marked as a smoking cessation aid, and the efficacy of vaping as a smoking cessation tool is still under research and debate. Still, if you prefer vaping over smoking, then here is what you can do to vape safely:
a) Purchase from Reputed Brands
Choose good e-cigarettes and accessories from a well-known and reputed brand. You should rest assured about the quality of vape supplies because many types of vapes are available on the market, which include e-cigarettes, closed or pre filled pods, box mods, refillable pods, and open pods. For beginners, disposable e-cigarettes are a good choice, but pod systems and box mods are more advanced and favored by experienced vapors.
Look for responsible brands that believe in offering high-quality products and are considered reliable by their customers. Do check the reviews online and see if their products last for a long time or not.
b) Nicotine Strength and Flavor
As you are planning to quit smoking and want to vape healthily, another important factor to consider is the strength of nicotine. If you are a heavy smoker, then you can begin with high nicotine strength and gradually reduce it over time as you get accustomed to vaping. If you are not addicted to nicotine, then a nicotine-free vape is recommended.
An advantage of vaping is that you can get a wide variety of flavors. From fruity to minty, there is everything available. Consider the type of flavor that appeals to you and choose a reputed brand that produces high-quality e-liquid flavors.
c) Quality Of E liquid
The quality of the e-liquid matters a lot. The first e-liquid is propylene glycol (PG), and the second is vegetable glycerin (VG). You can choose an e-liquid that has a VG: PG ratio of 50:50 that hits a similar throat as a cigarette. These e-liquids are best used with pod systems and low-powered devices. You can enjoy a realistic smoking experience.
An e-liquid with a higher VG content will produce more vapor, and one with a higher PG concentration can offer an intense throat hit, which enhances the flavor. On average, you should choose 50/50 e-liquid which works best for most of the tanks and kits. You must only choose quality vape supplies for a perfect vaping experience. But if you want to vape healthily, then try reducing the nicotine content gradually.
d) Choose Reputed and Trusted Distributors
You should consider a vape distributor that procures premium quality e-liquids and has installed cleanrooms in their facilities. Cleanrooms offer a pharmaceutical-grade lab environment for manufacturing e-juice, e-cigarettes, e salts, and other vaporized compounds or devices. It eliminates surface contamination, and e-liquids are produced in controlled environments.
Hence, the quality of the e liquids produced is supreme and ensures a high level of safety. Therefore, buy vape juice only from vape suppliers that procure from Premium Liquid Labs, as they adhere to the latest safety guidelines and, through every stage of production and packing, make sure to produce products with better shelf life and quality.
While vaping is considered to be less harmful than smoking regular cigarettes, it is not completely risk-free and the health implications of long-term vaping are still under ongoing research. Those who do not smoke or vape are advised not to start either of these habits. Smokers who are planning to switch to vaping should consider consulting a healthcare professional and getting guidance on smoking cessation methods.
Signs That you’re Overdoing it
Though vaping is a better alternative to smoking, it is not risk-free and hence one needs to understand the limits. So, letâs discuss the signs of vaping addiction so you can understand whether you are overdoing it or if it is under control. If you are vaping too much, then you can look at these signs and try to control your vaping habit so you can enjoy safe and healthy vaping.Â
a) Persistent cough and Throat / Lung Irritation
Vaping sends the vapor to your lungs when you inhale the e-liquid and a moderate amount of vaping will not cause a lot of side effects. If you cough persistently and find the vapor irritating your lungs and throat, then you should check your vaping patterns. Lungs may also feel heavy and produce a lot of coughs. Lay off vape if you have a cough and give your body a chance to normalize. Sometimes, the quality of the liquid can also irritate the throat.Â
So make sure you choose heighest quality eliquid which should not irritate your throat or your lungs. Check with certified companies that produce high quality e liquid and their products should be tested for safety.
b) Dry Cotton Mouth
Vaping too much can cause dry mouth, as vapes contain PG, which is a hygroscopic compound that absorbs moisture from your mouth. When your vaping is normal, the effect will be little, but when you vape too much, you will feel the cotton mouth effect.
c) Increased frequency and loss of control
If you are vaping more often than initially and you are getting frequent cravings to vape, then it is a sign you are vaping too much. If you are trying to reduce or quit vaping but can’t, that means you are addicted. When you become addicted, you will spend a significant amount of time on vaping activities.
d) Development of Tolerance and withdrawal symptoms
If you are using more nicotine and vaping frequently to achieve the desired effect, then you are addicted, and whenever you try to stay away from vaping, you experience symptoms like anxiety, mood swings, and irritability. Many find it difficult to focus on their work and daily activities. They cannot concentrate and experience irritability. In favor of vaping, many neglect work and other social responsibilities.
e) Dry Skin and Dry eyes
When you vape too much, your skin becomes dry and rough. It is similar to why it gives you a dry, cottony mouth. Your mouth produces more saliva, so when you stop vaping, the dry mouth feeling can subside easily, but skin takes time to repair, so rectifying the side effects on your skin may take a long time. If you do not stop vaping, then the skin may become itchy and cause sores.
The vapor you exhale contains some amount of PG, and when your eyes are exposed to it, they may dry out. The moisture in your eyes acts as a defense mechanism against infection and foreign objects. If you are becoming drier, then you are exposed to more secondary harm, complications, and infections. So, take some time off the vape pen; it is not leaving you.
f) Nosebleeds eyes
Nosebleeds are severe and a possible sign that you are vaping too much. The blood vessels are sensitive, and when you vape too much, the blood vessels rupture, which can cause nosebleeds. Though there is nothing to worry about, it is an indication that you should slow down and vape in moderation only.
g) Other changes
There can be other changes when you vape too much. There can be changes in breathing patterns, sleep patterns, weight, and appetite. You may withdraw from social activities like meeting friends and spending time with family and avoid other activities. There can be financial consequences, and you can also become defensive when questioned about your vaping habits.
Final words:
It is vital to understand that everyone who vapes cannot be addicted to vaping, and these signs can vary from person to person. Addiction is not just solely related to nicotine because some are addicted to the act of vaping instead of being addicted to the substances present in e-cigarettes. If you or someone you know is showing these signs of vaping, guide and support you or your loved one to quit vaping.
