How Do Nicotine Patches Speed Up Metabolism?
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About the Patch
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Nicotine patches are used by cigarette smokers who wish to quit. Once applied to the body, they provide a steady stream of nicotine to the blood, which is used to help the user cease cigarette smoking and become accustomed to not lighting up. The person gradually changes to nicotine patches that contain less and less nicotine, until the person's body and mind are no longer dependent on the patch or cigarettes.
To understand how the nicotine patch may affect metabolism and therefore weight loss is to understand the body's response to nicotine in the body.
Body's Response
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When a person takes a puff from a cigarette, nicotine enters the lungs and then the bloodstream. Nicotine is considered a stimulant, meaning it raises the heart rate and blood pressure and constricts blood vessels. Nicotine reaches the brain in just seconds after inhalation. While nicotine affects many receptors in the brain, those dealing with metabolism are found in the sympathoadrenal glands. Once nicotine enters the body, these glands are activated and stimulated by the nicotine, meaning that the metabolism is sped up. These effects, however, can wear off when the nicotine wears off, which is often in a couple of hours.
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The Patch Facts
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When the nicotine from a cigarette wears off, a person would need to smoke an additional cigarette to boost metabolism again. In comparison, a nicotine patch provides a constant stream of nicotine through the bloodstream, meaning the effects on metabolism are more constant.
It is important to note that while the metabolism-boosting benefits of nicotine are a positive for those trying to lose weight, nicotine is a highly addictive substance that can have adverse reactions, such as altering pathways in the brain.
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