Many people associate ni with the dangers of smoking, even though the real harm in cigarettes comes from tar and other toxic substances found in tobacco smoke. In some instances, authorities actually fuel this misinformation by promoting the use of low ni products with the aim of preventing or reducing the addictive effects of ni.
In fact, as the Biden administration neared its conclusion last month, a last-minute measure to cap ni levels in cigarettes was introduced. Meanwhile tobacco harm reduction experts keep highlighting that the focus should not be on ni, as it is not the cause of major smoking-related diseases.
Moreover, goverments and health organizations, including the WHO, recognize safe ni use as a tool for quitting smoking via NRT use, which includes products like ni patches, gums, and lozenges. These products reduce withdrawal symptoms in smokers. Then again, so do vaping products, ni pouches, and heat-not-burn products, yet these are often demonized.
The Therapeutic Potential of Ni
A recent interview on GFNTV with Dr. Michael Kariuki, a consultant pediatrician and epidemiologist from Kenya, provided a medical perspective on ni use and harm reduction. Discussing the therapeutic applications of ni and the vital role of safer ni products in aiding smoking cessation, Kariuki outlined the public health benefits of safer ni alternatives, policies in Kenya and Africa, and how harm reduction strategies could save lives.
Dr. Kariuki referred to research indicating that ni may have therapeutic effects in Parkinson’s & Alzheimer’s Disease. Studies have in fact shown that it may delay onset and slow progression of these conditions. Moreover, ni has a positive effect on memory & cognitive function, and has been shown to increase attention, concentration, and memory.
The relationship between ni and ADHD
Ni has also been studied for potential benefits in managing ADHD & Tourette’s Syndrome. On this note, there is growing interest in ni as a potential treatment alternative for ADHD. Over the last few decades, ADHD diagnoses have significantly increased, with the rate of diagnosis for UK boys aged 10-16 years rising from 1.4% in 2000 to 3.5% in 2018.
Despite the increasing demand for treatment, patients often face long wait times for diagnosis and access to medication, which can carry side effects like sleep issues, appetite suppression, mood changes, headaches, increased heart rate, and jitteriness. Meanwhile, ni’s potential benefits for managing ADHD have been studied since the mid-1990s, with many early studies calling for further research due to promising preliminary findings.
Individuals with ADHD are known to be 40-80% more likely to smoke, often as a form of self-medication. Although smoking has well-known health risks, alternative ni products, such as patches, pouches, and vapes, could offer a safer option.
A 2009 study showed that ni patches reduced ADHD symptoms by 8% and lowered negative moods by 9%. Other research highlights cognitive improvements, with a 2018 study noting ni’s positive effects on attention, working memory, fine motor skills, and episodic memory. Additionally, a 2008 study found that ni administration improved cognitive performance in non-smoking young adults with ADHD.
Observational studies have also shown that ni may be used as a potential treatment for Ulcerative Colitis & Arthritis, as well as for treating obesity. In light of all the above, highlighted Dr. Michael Kariuki, while smoking is harmful, the use of safer ni use or administration, should not be overlooked.
Source:https://www.vapingpost.com/