Excess weight can have a negative impact on health. For many people, staying fit or getting lean is a challenge because of a low metabolism. When reduced metabolism appears to be the problem, many look for a short cut to diet or exercise, or perhaps just a little extra boost to get the metabolism going. Because of its stimulating effect, nicotine is often considered as a viable solution. In the long run, however, the dangers associated with nicotine outweigh the benefits.
Metabolism
Body metabolism is a combination of the Resting Metabolic Rate, or RMR, and the Basil Metabolic Rate, or BMR. The RMR is simply a measure of the calories used to maintain the automatic systems of the body, such as the heart and lungs. The BMR refers to how efficiently the body burns calories while working or exercising. Each individual's metabolism is unique and determined by several factors including various naturally occurring bio-chemicals such as acetylcholine.
Acetylcholine
Acetylcholine is a neurotransmitter that activates the central nervous system -- the brain and spinal cord -- and the autonomic nervous system, which includes the heart and lungs. Acetylcholine also stimulates the production of adrenaline, which activates the sympathetic nervous system. Nicotine increases metabolism by imitating the effects of acetylcholine.
Nicotine
The chemical structure of nicotine is similar to acetylcholine. It is so similar that the chemical receptors for acetylcholine, called cholinergic receptors, cannot tell the difference between the two. In the bloodstream, nicotine attaches to cholinergic receptors and artificially stimulates the brain, heart, and adrenal glands. The stimulation makes the brain produce dopamine and the adrenal glands produce adrenaline. Both the RMR and BMR increase.
Long-Term Damage
Although nicotine increases metabolism, the long-term effects of nicotine are damaging. Unlike acetylcholine, over time nicotine destroys some of the cholinergic receptors and reduces the sensitivity of those remaining. The damage makes it more difficult for the body's natural metabolism to operate effectively. Long-term overstimulation of the adrenal glands can even lead to adrenal failure.
Member Comments