Effects of Nicotine and Smoking - Constipation

One of the effects of nicotine is to stimulate our brain and provide pleasure but quitting smoking can also bring on constipation. Chronic use of nicotine causes a dependency because nicotine is one of the most addictive drugs available to humans due to its ability to provide pleasure to the brain receptors in less than 20 sec.

Effects of Nicotine Withdrawal

Quitting smoking is a step toward being healthy but the first few weeks may actually cause some negative effects on the body. A person quitting smoking may notice increased perspiration - this is the body’s way of flushing out toxins. Also, the smoker’s cough could increase or last for a few weeks due to the reactivation of cilia - the small hairs that line the airways. These become paralyzed by cigarette smoke, so when they get reactivated they may actually cause a tickle and more coughing. In general, detoxifying causes the body to go through a sluggish phase while the chemicals are being flushed out. One of the more noticeable effects of nicotine withdrawal is constipation because of its laxative effect.

How Does Nicotine Act as a Laxative?

One of the main effects of nicotine is to stimulate the body including the colon. Nicotine actually induces peristalsis - the process of the colon’s contractions that provide relief from constipation. Nicotine also stimulates the parasympathetic system which results in increased bowel movements. If stress and anxiety prevent normal bowel movements, nicotine can help relieve these stresses and relax the body causing a laxative effect as well.

Non-stimulant Herbal Laxatives

The best way to deal with the constipation caused by the effects of nicotine withdrawal is to take a non-stimulant herbal laxative. It is important to choose a constipation treatment that will not cause even more damage to the colon. A supplement like StayRegular is formulated to nurture the colon and provide minerals and vitamins that it may need to be healthy. It is like a multi-vitamin for the digestive system, which has already been abused by the nicotine. Once, the colon has been brought back to health, normal bowel habits should return.