The reason this question needs to be asked is that there is a correlation between being able to work out better with fewer relapses and less PEM when on nicotine patches. I have personally experienced this, and it's a very common observation in the nicotine patch testing circles. It's irrefutable. It helps you feel better and perform better. However, it can also be a trap, because it encourages you to push harder and further which almost always leads to a relapse. The relapses are usually lessened in strength which is fantastic, but it begs the question: Does nicotine help lower the lactic acid buildup? If you read below you'll realize it does not. So we'll have to look into other possible mechanisms, such as its effect on the Vagus nerve and Vagal Tone (similar to deep breathing exercises and cold exposure). I've also got the most up-to-date scorch protocol that makes intense changes and some added strategies to really perfect the long covid healing journey. Link below.
What is the original theory proposed for Nicotine's importance?
TLDR of the hypothesis: Nicotine has 30x the affinity for the nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChR) than acetylcholine itself, and is therefore supposed to have a higher affinity compared to SARS-CoV-2. The continuous dose of nicotine (a natural acetylcholine ligand) from the nicotine patch (NP) thereby liberates/blocks SARS-CoV-2 from the receptor due to its higher affinity to the nAChR. The virus is knocked out for easy disposal by the body. Continuous dosing of the NP does not let SARS-CoV-2 (the spike) reattach before elimination by the body.
Does nicotine play a role with lactic acid?
Vasoconstriction: Nicotine can cause vasoconstriction, or the narrowing of blood vessels. This could reduce the blood flow to the muscles during exercise, potentially affecting oxygen delivery and the removal of waste products like lactic acid.
Heart Rate: Nicotine can increase heart rate, which might affect the rate at which oxygen is delivered to tissues. If less oxygen is available to muscle tissues, it might shift metabolism more towards anaerobic pathways, which produce lactic acid.
Oxygen Utilization: Smoking (which delivers nicotine along with many other chemicals) reduces the blood's ability to transport oxygen, due to carbon monoxide binding to hemoglobin. This could push muscle cells to rely more on anaerobic metabolism, leading to increased lactic acid production.
Muscle Function: Chronic nicotine exposure might alter muscle function and fatigue responses, potentially affecting lactic acid buildup.
Is Nicotine Calming for the Nervous System?
The parasympathetic nervous system, often referred to as the "rest and digest" system, works in opposition to the sympathetic nervous system, which is associated with the "fight or flight" response. The parasympathetic system is responsible for conserving energy and promoting bodily functions that occur during relaxed states, like digestion.
The vagus nerve is the longest cranial nerve and plays a vital role in the parasympathetic nervous system. Here's how nicotine might interact with the vagus nerve and parasympathetic responses:
Nicotinic Receptors and the Vagus Nerve: The vagus nerve, like many other nerves, has nicotinic acetylcholine receptors. When nicotine binds to these receptors, it can modulate the nerve's activity. This could theoretically influence heart rate, digestive processes, and other functions mediated by the vagus nerve.
Heart Rate and Blood Pressure: The vagus nerve plays a significant role in controlling heart rate. When it's stimulated, the heart rate decreases. Nicotine, through its action on nicotinic receptors in the brain and elsewhere, initially causes the release of catecholamines. These increase heart rate and blood pressure. Over time, with chronic exposure to nicotine, the heart rate response might diminish, but nicotine tends to cause an increase rather than a decrease in heart rate, suggesting it isn't primarily activating the vagal "brake" on the heart.
Digestion: The vagus nerve is essential for promoting digestion by increasing peristalsis (the movement of food through the digestive tract) and stimulating digestive secretions. While nicotine can stimulate bowel movements (which is why some smokers report needing to use the bathroom after smoking), the exact mechanism isn't fully understood. It could be due to a direct effect on the intestines, mediated through nicotinic receptors, or through central nervous system effects.
Vagal Tone and Stress Resilience: Higher vagal tone (indicative of greater parasympathetic, especially vagus nerve, activity) has been associated with better stress resilience and emotional regulation. There are various methods proposed to increase vagal tone, such as deep breathing exercises and cold exposure. Nicotine's effect on vagal tone is complex and might vary based on dose and chronicity of exposure.
Vagus Nerve and Inflammation: The vagus nerve has an anti-inflammatory role, known as the "cholinergic anti-inflammatory pathway." When activated, it can reduce the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines. Nicotine has been shown in some studies to have anti-inflammatory effects, possibly through this pathway, but the clinical relevance of this is not fully clear, especially in the context of tobacco use which has pro-inflammatory effects.
A sneak peek of my nearly completed Scorch Protocol
Please check it out and let me know if you have questions. You get first dibs since you're subscribers. and this is the culmination of adapting my personal knowledge and experience along with a big cohort of other long haulers. I've had to make some modifications and changes, such as going back to focusing on a carnivore foundation. The mitochondrial hyperfusion damage is too much to ignore and we need to control the stress on the body. Because I have been healed for so long, I forgot my beginnings and lightly advised carbs because I had healed my mitochondria and carb sensitivity. Anyways, please take a look and I know that this protocol will be the final culmination of what you need to heal. Of course, some FAQs and other explanations still need to be crafted to make it all-encompassing but I hope that you can use the current version to start preparing or modifying your current protocol.
Link below:
