Can vaping negatively affect your athletic performance? Learn the hard facts on the effects of vaping on your level of fitness here!

Nearly 1.1 billion people worldwide using vaping products. However, there’s much debate over how healthy this practice actually is, and if the physical effects of vaping are positive or negative.

If you enjoy vaping or consider trying it out, but you’re concerned about what it can do to your health, read on to learn more about this controversial subject.

What Is Vaping?

Thanks to its rising popularity among millennials, there’s a good chance you’ve heard about “vaping” by now. However, you may be surprised to find that vapers fall into almost every age group due to its convenience and added benefits.

Vaping involves the use of e-cigarettes, vape pens, or mods. These portable electronic devices allow you to inhale a vapor rather than smoke. They work with e-juice, CBD oil, and more. 

Vaping Myths

As with any rising trend, there are some myths surrounding vaping and its effects. If you plan to try it out, it’s important to be able to separate fact from fiction, so here are some common myths to be aware of:

Vaping Causes Popcorn Lung

Like most myths, this one is based on a bit of truth. The argument was based on the idea that high levels of diacetyl, a chemical in e-liquids, may cause a lung condition known as “popcorn lung.” 

However, this chemical is only found in trace amounts and isn’t present in all e-liquids. If you’re still concerned, just be aware of what is in your juice. 

Vaping Is as Harmful as Cigarettes

While any form of nicotine can be addictive, e-cigs and e-liquids are much safer than cigarettes. In fact, Public Health England showed that “e-cigarettes are 95 percent safer than smoked tobacco.”

E-cigarettes Can Explode

While you may have read bold headlines tellings stories of spontaneously combusting e-cigarettes, vape pens don’t tend to just “explode” on their own.

Like most electronic devices, when left in extremely hot conditions or when batteries are not safely cared for, such situations may occur. They are just as likely to happen to your cell phone or laptop, though. 

The Positive Effects of Vaping

There are a number of benefits and positive effects that come from vaping. Many of these can even be enhanced depending on the type of e-liquid you prefer. Let’s see a few examples: 

Nicotine Intake Control

By knowing exactly how much nicotine is in your e-liquid of choice and deciding how you add to your vape pen cartridge, you can safely control your nicotine intake. 

This is harder to do with cigarettes or cigars as they have a set amount of nicotine. 

Variety

E-liquids now come in an extensive variety of flavors. These include but are not limited to:

Vanilla

Cherry

Watermelon

Apple

Coconut

Cuban tobacco

Pineapple

Turkish tobacco

Caramel

Butterscotch

However, there are countless varieties to choose from. Many vape fans also choose to “blend” flavors and create their own e-juices. 

No Smell

For many, the smell of cigarettes is one of the many drawbacks of smoking. Fortunately, through vaping, you’re left with virtually no smell afterward.

This makes it more convenient to take with you on the go or enjoy it on your lunch break at work without having to pack a thousand mints.

Healing Essential Oils

While the name “e-cigarette” may imply that vaping is intended for replacing cigarettes, many vapers use nicotine-free juices. 

In fact, vaping pure-grade essential oils can provide a number of benefits. For example, mint essential oil may help ease nausea, while lavender essential oil may improve sleep.

Affordability

For those who go through a pack or two of cigarettes a day, vaping may be the more affordable alternative. Only a few drops of e-juice can last an entire day, so you’ll enjoy it for a longer time before having to purchase more. 

The Drawbacks on Vaping

It’s important to keep in mind that no form of nicotine consumption is 100 percent safe. The chemical is still highly addictive and may lead to cancer and other diseases with prolonged use.

If you’re using a vape pen to cut back on cigarettes, we suggest being aware of the risks ahead of time or using your vape pen as a way to gradually reduce your nicotine dependency.

Vaping and Weight Loss

One additional benefit that can actually enhance your health is experiencing weight loss as a side effect of vaping. 

First, many smokers use vaping as a way to cut their cigarette dependency. Since often those who quit smoking turn to food to satisfy their cravings, being able to vape instead means fewer calories consumed. 

Additionally, vaping comes in many sweet and fun flavors, so it’s a great way for people to satisfy their sweet tooth without having to eat dessert.

Loading Your Vape Pen

If you’re new to vaping, it’s important to know how to properly clean and load your vape pen for proper usage.

First, unscrew the chamber at the bottom of your vaporizer, carefully removing the coil. You’ll want to clean out the tank before each refill, especially when changing flavors.

Next, apply a few drops of e-liquid onto the cotton hole found in your coil. Then carefully return the coil to the base of the vaporizer and screw on the cap.

For easy usage, it’s recommended to choose a vape cartridge intended for beginners, like this Suorin air starter kit.

Making the Right Choices for Your Health

Knowing the effects of vaping is just one way to care for and manage your personal health. While everyone will have their opinions on what should and shouldn’t be done, we recommend doing the research for yourself to see what’s right for your body. 

If you’re interested in finding more ways to enhance your health, check out our post on the best superfoods to include in your diet.