Vaping and sport: a good compromise? We explain how to combine the two!

Why are sport and tobacco incompatible?

You are no doubt aware that the benefits of regular physical activity are numerous for the body. However, in order to reap all of its benefits, it is necessary to have good blood oxygenation. Yet, inhaling cigarette smoke undeniably leads to a reduction in our respiratory capacity. This is why it is clear that sport and cigarettes do not mix well.

Indeed, carbon monoxide released during the combustion of tobacco strongly hinders the body's ability to transport oxygen into the blood. To compensate for this lack of oxygenation during exercise, the heart is put under greater strain; which directly leads to an increase in blood pressure. Smokers who play sports are therefore more exposed to the risk of developing hypertension, which can lead to respiratory complications and give rise to potentially fatal cardiovascular diseases. In fact, between 1,200 and 1,500 sports-active smokers die each year as a result of a heart attack occurring during or after exercise.

Furthermore, in addition to posing relatively serious risks to health, regular tobacco consumption considerably reduces sporting performance and can be the cause of respiratory disorders, which make virtually any sporting activity impractical: coughing, sore throats, headaches, pain, etc. In the long run, all these factors can lead to a loss of motivation and a complete cessation of sport. This is why, if they wish to continue playing sport, remain competitive and/or improve while reducing risks, the best option for the athlete is to cut down or ideally stop smoking altogether. However, this challenge can prove extremely difficult for people who are heavily dependent on nicotine.

Vaping, an ideal substitute solution for athletes

In order to put every chance on their side to break free from their addiction, sports-active smokers today have the opportunity to turn to a particularly effective cessation method: the electronic cigarette.

A study conducted by cardiologist Konstantinos Farsalinos highlights the difference in harmfulness between cigarettes and e-cigs. In this study, it is demonstrated that smokers have blood carbon monoxide levels 3 to 4 times higher than vapers — and this is even before they have smoked a single cigarette. Moreover, when they do smoke, these levels increase by a further 15 to 20%, whereas the carbon monoxide levels of vapers are not impacted at all.

These figures can be explained by the fact that, unlike tobacco, vaping produces no combustion and therefore does not impair an individual's physical abilities in any way. Indeed, following smoking cessation, the e-cig will help the athlete gradually recover their respiratory capacity, without rushing their withdrawal from addiction. In addition to containing no carcinogenic substances, vaping offers several other benefits. First and foremost, it helps promote better oxygenation of the blood. It will also lead to a reduction in coughing and sore throats, as well as a notable improvement in breathing. The athlete will thus gradually regain better sensations during exercise and, consequently, notice an improvement in their performance; particularly in endurance. Furthermore, using a vaping device is far less restrictive than smoking, as it allows for better recovery of pulmonary/cardiac capacity and reduces the number of unwanted side effects experienced during exercise.

And what about sport in all of this? 

Contrary to popular belief, sport is in no way a remedy against the harmful effects of tobacco. On the contrary, it can even be an aggravating factor and can lead to cardiovascular complications when combined with regular tobacco consumption. The safest course of action remains consulting a doctor to find out whether you can practice a sport without any risk, given your health status.

For vapers, the transition towards smoking cessation can sometimes prove more difficult than expected and the feeling of withdrawal can quickly set in; even when gradually lowering the nicotine level in your e-liquids. Rather than giving in to the urge to light a cigarette and watching all your efforts go up in smoke, taking up sport is an excellent way to help you think about something else! In addition to being an effective solution for reducing the urge to smoke, practicing a sport activity helps fight depression and stress thanks to the endorphins released. Moreover, sport helps you regain a certain level of fitness and avoid weight gain; generally associated with quitting smoking.

Just as with cigarettes, it is however advisable not to vape before, during and after physical activity. In general, doctors recommend leaving a gap of 2 hours before and after exercise. It is also important to opt for an e-liquid with a lower nicotine content. This molecule does indeed have a doping effect that has a direct influence on heart rate, in addition to affecting sports performance. It can therefore be a contributing factor to certain cardiovascular diseases. This is why vaping athletes have every interest in carefully regulating their nicotine intake.

Do you want to get back into sport and quit smoking? Don't wait any longer to get back to good habits and opt for a suitable electronic cigarette on le Vapoteur Discount! 

What does it mean to be a Vapoteur Discount customer? 

Being a customer of Vapoteur Discount is the guarantee of buying at the best price and benefiting from an optimal quality service.
Feel free to consult our article about the location of the electronic cigarette and e-liquid shop Le Vapoteur Discount!

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