The Silent Killer

Nicotine!!!

Nicotine is found in the tobacco plant. It constitutes approximately 0.6 - 3 % of tobacco's dry weight and is biosynthesized in the roots and leaves. Nicotine stimulates your central nervous system. It reduces the blood level in your brain and induces depression, insomnia, irritability, difficulty in concentrating, restlessness, anxiety, etc. Smokers usually feel dizzy and sick when they first inhale the nicotine in tobacco. Gradually the body builds its tolerance level and it soon degenerates to addiction to avoid pain of withdrawal symptoms.

When inhaled, nicotine takes roughly 7 seconds to reach the brain. The amount of nicotine absorbed into the body depends on how much tobacco a cigarette contains and also whether a filter is used. Tobacco chewed (held between the gums and inner lips) or sniffed (inhaled) has stronger effect compared to smoking. While the nicotine is in your body, your liver produces glucose and your adrenal medulla emits epinephrine. Epinephrine cause your heart to beat faster and is believed to evoke an euphoric feeling. Nicotine also produces acetylcholine which depresses brain nerves.