Human digestive tract stock photo from article 'What happens if you ingest snus'.
What happens if you swallow snus or nicopods? You may have wondered about this, as it could accidentally happen even to an experienced user. Stock Photo.

Have you ever thought of what happens if you ingest snus? If you have, there’s no need to panic, as many others have had the same curiosity. In this article, we will delve into the world of snus, exploring its composition and addressing the question of whether swallowing snus is a safe practice or not. However, it’s crucial to note that this information is not provided by a healthcare professional, so if you have concerns about your health, it is strongly recommended that you seek advice from your local medical practitioner. With that in mind, let’s begin.

Ingredients in Snus Pouches: What’s in Them?

As you may be aware, snus primarily comprises tobacco. This tobacco undergoes a process of drying, breaking down, and grinding into what is known as ‘tobacco flour.’ The coarseness of this flour can vary depending on the brand. Subsequently, it is mixed with water and salt before undergoing pasteurization. Following this process, additional ingredients such as flavorings and alkalizing agents are introduced to the snus mixture. The final product is then packaged either as loose snus or in portioned cans, ready for purchase and use.

Is Snus Safe?

Now that we’ve covered its ingredients, you may be wondering about the safety of snus. Like many other tobacco-containing products, snus contains nicotine, a highly addictive substance with short-term side effects. It’s essential to keep this in mind when using snus. Short-term side effects can include nausea, which typically lasts for around 30 minutes and occurs when too much nicotine is absorbed at once. However, these are only immediate effects. What about the long-term implications?

Numerous research studies have compared the long-term safety of snus to other tobacco-containing products. You may already know that cigarettes are associated with lung and pancreatic cancer, with research supporting this connection. When smoking, the tobacco is burned, in contrast to snus, where the tobacco remains unburned. In an observational study involving 424,152 male participants, snus was not found to be linked to the development of pancreatic cancer. This could be attributed to the difference in how tobacco is used, as carcinogens are released when tobacco is burned.

What Happens If You Accidentally Swallow Snus?

While using snus, it’s possible to unintentionally swallow it, especially if you’re enjoying the experience. However, swallowing snus does not enhance the experience, and you may not notice any immediate effects as its absorption in the stomach is limited due to its acidic nature. If you swallow just one pouch, you may not experience any adverse effects, but if this becomes a habit and you routinely ingest snus, you could encounter issues like stomach discomfort. Nonetheless, as a general guideline, it’s advisable not to swallow snus, as it serves no beneficial purpose and may lead to complications in the long run. If you have accidentally ingested snus and experience any unusual symptoms or concerns, it’s always better to err on the side of caution and seek guidance from a healthcare professional.

Can You Ingest Snus Drip?

It’s important to note that the tobacco used in American moist snuff and dip differs from that in snus. The former two products involve fire-cured tobacco. As mentioned earlier, snus is pasteurized, and the tobacco is cured using steam. This results in lower levels of carcinogens and tobacco-specific nitrosamines (TSNAs). Snuff and dip, on the other hand, have higher TSNA and carcinogen levels due to the fire-curing process. That is why saliva from these products is not meant to be swallowed.

What about Nicotine Pouches?

If you’re wondering about the consequences of swallowing nicotine pouches, rest assured, there’s no need for alarm. Our nicotine pouches provide a similar sensation to traditional tobacco products, helping to alleviate cravings. You simply place them between your cheek and gums, allowing the nicotine to blend with your saliva and enter your bloodstream through your mouth.

Now, you might be curious about how our Nicopods.ie nicotine pouches differ from tobacco dips or chews. The key distinction lies in the absence of tobacco in our products. Our pouches are entirely smoke-free, eliminating the need for spitting as well. They are less likely to cause stomach discomfort (when used as directed) or induce hiccups, teeth staining, or other side effects often associated with alternative nicotine replacement products.

If you accidentally swallow a nicotine pouch, there’s no reason to be overly concerned. Nicotine pouches are tobacco-free, and thus, they should not pose any significant harm to your body. This is unlike swallowing snus, which may have more adverse effects. In fact, less nicotine is absorbed into your bloodstream when ingested than when you place the pouch under your lip. Furthermore, the ingredients in our pouches are non-toxic and resemble common household recipes, including water, salt, food-grade fillers, and flavorings. The pouches themselves are constructed from plant-based cellulose materials. However, it’s important to note that our pouches are not designed for digestion. Therefore, we recommend removing them from your lip after approximately 30 minutes.

In the unlikely event that you experience any discomfort or encounter other issues, we recommend reaching out to a non-emergency health helpline for guidance and assistance.