Nicotine pouches have become popular for their many advantages—you don’t burn them, they’re tobacco-free, plus they’re easy to use in places where smoking isn’t allowed. Still, despite their numerous benefits, nicopod use can lead to certain side effects.
One of the most talked about unpleasant reactions is heartburn. So, can nicotine pouches cause acid reflux? Read our comprehensive guide to learn about the link between nicotine pouches and acid reflux and find out how to effectively manage this gastrointestinal issue while using nicopods.
Can Nicotine Pouches Cause Heartburn?
Source: Swenico
Nicopods are a relatively new product, so research on the connection between nicotine pouches and acid reflux is currently lacking. Still, acid reflux can sometimes appear as a side effect of using nicopods.
Whether they alone can cause it is yet to be determined, especially because indigestion is influenced by many factors, including your lifestyle and dietary habits.
The primary ingredient in nicopods, nicotine, has been linked to acid reflux, allowing us to draw some tentative conclusions about nicotine pouches’ effect on the gastrointestinal system. We’ll explore these aspects in the subsequent sections.
The Effect of Nicotine on the Lower Esophageal Sphincter
Smoking is known to affect the gastrointestinal system. The tobacco in cigarettes can cause the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) to temporarily stop maintaining a secure seal. This can lead to stomach acid flowing up into the esophagus and causing irritation, along with other indigestion symptoms.
A study comparing chronic smokers and non-smokers found that smokers have weaker muscles in the lower esophagus, which can lead to more frequent acid reflux. Another study on vapers found no strong connection between vaping and heartburn.
More research is required, but it’s clear that nicotine alone doesn’t cause heartburn. When it causes acid reflux, it’s usually in combination with other compound chemicals found in nicotine-based products.
Nicotine Pouches and Saliva Production
A natural antacid that contains bicarbonate, saliva helps neutralize stomach acid. Swallowing it helps clear any stomach acid that may have refluxed into the esophagus.
Using nicopods increases saliva production, and it is generally safe to swallow the spit. Still, you shouldn’t swallow the pouch as this can worsen the heartburn and lead to several issues, including:
- Upset stomach
- Hiccups
- Throat irritation
- Unpleasant taste
To avoid that, throw the pouch away after you’re done with it.
Source: Swenico
While nicotine pouches can get your saliva flowing more than traditional tobacco products like cigarettes, this isn’t necessarily a bad thing. Smoking typically includes drying of the mouth, throat, and esophagus, which prevents saliva production.
Meanwhile, nicopods promote the production of saliva, so the bicarbonate from saliva helps neutralize stomach acid. Still, that isn’t to say that nicotine pouches can’t cause acid reflux, only that compared to smoking, the risk is lower.
Understanding Acid Reflux—Symptoms and Causes
Acid reflux (also known as heartburn) is a common digestive issue affecting approximately 20% of people in the U.S. It happens when the sphincter muscle located at the bottom of your esophagus relaxes at the wrong time, letting stomach acid spill into your esophagus and causing a burning sensation.
Source: Adrian Swancar
Occasional acid reflux isn’t alarming, but if it becomes persistent, it may point to a more serious condition called gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), which requires professional medical care.
To help you recognize and treat heartburn, we’ll discuss the following:
- Common signs and symptoms of acid reflux
- Leading causes of acid reflux
Common Signs and Symptoms of Acid Reflux
Heartburn entails these common symptoms:
- Upper abdominal pain and discomfort, which worsens at night or when you lie down
- Regurgitation of food and stomach acid
- Difficulty swallowing
- Increased saliva production
- A sensation of a lump in your throat
- An acidic taste in your mouth
Leading Causes of Acid Reflux
Several conditions and factors increase the likelihood of experiencing acid reflux, as presented in the table below:
| Condition | Description |
| Hiatal hernia | A hiatal hernia happens when the upper part of your stomach penetrates the diaphragm and protrudes into the chest cavity, weakening the LES |
| Pregnancy | Acid reflux is common during pregnancy due to hormonal changes and the growing fetus pushing against the stomach |
| Obesity | Excessive weight in the abdominal area can lead to increased pressure on the stomach and contribute to acid reflux |
| Certain medications | Aspirin, ibuprofen, sedatives, and blood pressure medications can increase the likelihood of acid reflux |
Besides these conditions, various foods and drinks can cause heartburn, including:
- Foods rich in fat
- Fried foods
- Spicy foods
- Tomatoes
- Alcohol
- Chocolate
- Fizzy drinks
- Citrus fruits
- Peppermint
Other Side Effects Associated With Nicopod Use
Nicopods carry significantly fewer health risks compared to traditional tobacco products due to the lack of tobacco leaves, stems, or dust. Still, they contain nicotine, which should be used with caution. The side effects of nicotine pouches are usually mild and easily manageable. Some users may experience:
- Elevated heart rate and blood pressure
- Nausea and vomiting
- Headaches
- Dizziness
- Gum irritation
- Dry mouth
In extreme cases, overuse of nicotine can result in nicotine poisoning, which may constitute an emergency and require urgent medical care.
If you experience unwanted reactions, stop using nicotine pouches immediately and consult your healthcare provider for further advice.
Who Should Avoid Nicotine Pouches?
Nicopod users have different experiences with acid reflux, so it’s impossible to determine their exact effect on this condition, especially because heartburn can be caused by other factors.
Still, people who often experience acid reflux even without nicotine pouches should rethink using them as they could aggravate the issue.
The table below explains which groups of people should avoid nicopods altogether and why.
| Group | Why They Shouldn’t Use Nicotine Pouches |
| People under 21 years of age | Nicotine can have detrimental effects on adolescent brain development. It can disrupt the function of brain pathways responsible for mood regulation, attention, learning, and memory |
| Pregnant and breastfeeding women | Using nicotine during pregnancy can have harmful effects on the developing fetus, including premature birth, low birth weight, and stillbirth. Breastmilk can also contain nicotine, which can influence the baby’s growth and health |
| People with cardiovascular issues and other underlying medical conditions | Nicotine narrows the blood vessels and increases the adrenaline levels in your body. If you have certain cardiovascular issues (heart disease, arrhythmia, and high blood pressure), nicotine can aggravate them. It can also have harmful effects in combination with specific medications |
| People allergic to any of the product’s ingredients | If you experience any allergic reactions, including rash, hives, itching, swelling, or problems breathing, stop using nicotine pouches and seek medical help. Always check the ingredients before trying a new brand |
To avoid potential unnecessary risks, purchase nicotine pouches from vendors who sell top-quality brands that follow strict quality control standards. That way, you’re guaranteed to have a safe and pleasurable nicotine experience.
Get Top-Quality Nicotine Pouches From SnusBoss
Source: SnusBoss
SnusBoss sells premium EU-made nicopods, which are superior in quality compared to domestic brands. Due to the EU’s progressive laws on oral nicotine products, European manufacturers have perfected the production process, bringing you nicotine pouches with more moisture, richer flavors, and a stronger hit.
Run by a team of industry experts, SnusBoss offers high-quality nicopods that deliver a fantastic user experience. Check out the wide range of top-notch brands from the SnusBoss catalog in the table below.
| Zyn | Velo | Glitch | Roger | Kurwa |
| GOAT | Snatch | Kick | Pik | Paz |
| Jäger | Thunder | Kozmo | Dope | Skruf |
| Klint | Chapo | Pablo | Hit | Thor |
| Oryx | Denssi | Siberia | Killa | White Fox |
Follow these steps to place an order:
- Visit the online store
- Choose your preferred brand, strength, and flavor
- Enter your shipping and payment info
Ordering nicotine pouches from SnusBoss comes with many benefits, including:
- Guaranteed quick delivery (2–3 days) if you pick the express shipping option
- Free shipping for orders over $249
- Generous rewards program for loyal customers
Tips for Managing Acid Reflux
If you’re struggling with acid reflux while using nicopods, try these expert tips to alleviate it:
- Lower nicotine use—Switch to light nicotine pouches or try using them less often to see whether they affect your indigestion issues
- Give peppermint flavors a break—Since peppermint can cause the LES to relax and stomach acid to climb into the esophagus, skip minty flavors
- Try over-the-counter medication—Several medications can effectively treat indigestion, including antacids, histamine-2 blockers, and proton pump inhibitors
- Change your diet—Identify the foods that give you indigestion, and pay special attention to products known to cause heartburn
- Stay hydrated—Drinking water throughout the day helps your stomach digest food and reduces the chance of dehydration, one of the causes of heartburn
- Keep your head at an elevated position—Lying in a horizontal position allows stomach acid to flow back into your esophagus. Prevent this by keeping your head elevated
Featured image source: derneuemann
