Snus affects the human body in several ways. Besides calming and inducing a good mood, it can also provide a boost and the necessary energy. That is why not only regular users, but also professional athletes turn to it. Are you involved in any sports and curious about the impact of snus on your body? We have prepared all the essential information for you. 

Snus in the Realm of Sports

Snus is not a novelty in the sports world. Many athletes, including football players, hockey players, and baseball players, regularly use it. However, there is no wonder about it. These small pouches are practical and compact. Unlike cigarettes or other smoke products, you can place them under your lip anytime, anywhere.  

But that’s not all. Another reason why baseball players chew tobacco, or why other professional athletes reach for this product, is that it comes in various flavours. This includes classic spicy, fresh menthol, and sweet fruity flavours. Everyone can find something to their liking.  

In addition to flavour, snus is also categorized based on its format. In this situation, we talk about loose snus, which is characterized by its loose form. Before applying it under the lip, it needs to be shaped into a ball.

The second alternative is pouches. You just need to pick them from the package and place them under your lip. Pouches are further divided based on the surface into original portion (brown surface) and white portion (white surface). They can also be divided based on size, such as large, normal, slim, super slim, and mini. 

The Influence of Nicotine on Athletes’ Performance 

The composition of snus varies, depending on the brand you choose. Most products contain nicotine, which has the greatest impact on athletes’ performance. It is classified among substances that can improve coordination, concentration, memory, and cognitive performance. Subsequently, nicotine increases heart rate and accelerates the processing of information.  

The question remains about how nicotine is viewed from an anti-doping perspective. Can baseball players chew tobacco? Or can elite players in other sports do the same?

The World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) has a list of banned substances, which can be divided into two categories – completely prohibited substances and substances that are monitored but not banned. It is the second group, to which nicotine belongs.  

The positive effects on performance and the fact that WADA does not prohibit it have made nicotine a popular substance among many athletes. They use it regularly and often in higher doses. Instead of cigarettes, they supplement it through snus, which is compact, practical, and can be used anywhere. 

It should be noted that snus brings not only positive but also some negative effects. However, these mainly occur with higher doses consumed on a regular and long-term basis. In such situations, nicotine can reduce muscle strength and impair anaerobic performance. 

Frequent use of nicotine in high doses can also lead to changes in brain function, significantly affecting self-control and stress. This ultimately results in a decline in cognitive abilities and increases the risk of Alzheimer’s disease. 

A downside of nicotine is also its addictive nature. Many athletes develop dependence, which is relatively difficult to overcome. Not to mention that withdrawal symptoms negatively affect attention, memory, and physical performance. When they decide to quit, they must be prepared for a period of poorer athletic results. 

The Impact of Snus on the Body’s Recovery After Exertion

Not everyone knows, but snus is suitable not only for improving performance but also for the actual recovery. Studies claim that nicotine has a supporting and, at the same time, paralyzing effect. While the former is great for providing energy and achieving excellent results, the latter is intended for rest and relaxation. 

Furthermore, it should not be forgotten that the flavour of snus also influences how it will affect the body. Menthol and icy tones invigorate and restore lost strength, while sweet flavour soothe and induce a pleasant feeling.

Why Is Snus Better Than Cigarettes?

Athletes can replenish nicotine in their bodies in various ways. Generally, they choose between cigarettes or snus. Which alternative is better for them? The answer is snus. Compared to cigarettes, it is non-carcinogenic and, according to research, has no contribution to development of lung cancer or cardiovascular diseases. 

The advantage of snus is also that individual products contain far fewer harmful substances than smoke tobacco products. Plus, they are more practical and come in interesting flavours.  

Impact of Snus – Individual vs. Team Sports

Snus is widespread among many athletes, with its highest popularity in team sports such as football or ice hockey. This fact is supported by several studies and research. Among them is a study from 2010, which found that nicotine appeared in 50% of 72 urine samples from elite athletes during the Ice Hockey World Championship in 2009.

Interestingly, the popularity of snus in sports hasn’t always been this high. Everything changed only a few years ago when Scandinavian athletes started using it more. They discovered its benefits and shared them with others. Soon after, athletes from other countries also embraced the small pouches. 

Athletes Who Use Snus

Studies show that the number of players using snus is high, but only a few openly discuss it. Some exceptions who have spoken on this topic include footballers Jamaal Lascelles, Jamie Vardy, and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang.

Popular Types of Snus Among Athletes

Among athletes, snus pouches are particularly popular because they are easy to use and transfer from place to place. Many also prefer white portion snus as it does not stain teeth. Popular brands include classics like General, Göteborgs Rapé, Odens, Siberia a Offroad.

Snus Use in Sports – Yes or No?

There is no universal answer to whether using snus in sports is right and suitable. Nicotine and other substances found in these small pouches can enhance performance and improve concentration, but they also come with several disadvantages, such as the risk of addiction or various health complications. 

Every professional athlete and regular user should thoroughly study detailed information about snus before starting to use it and evaluate all its pros and cons. Additionally, they should consider the product they choose. For beginners, it is advisable to start with weaker products and gradually switch to stronger ones.

Options for Replacing Snus

Athletes who want to quit snus should do so gradually. It is ideal to transition from higher doses to moderately strong and then weaker products. It should be noted that withdrawal symptoms may still occur even with these products.

Not all athletes, however, want to give up the pleasant relaxing effect associated with snus. For them, there are excellent products without nicotine or with added vitamins and minerals, such as the brand Kickup.

The Importance of Education About Snus

Education about snus is crucial in the sports field, mainly because its use is on the rise. Many players use it to enhance their performance and support recovery. However, only a few know its actual effects on the body and how to dose it correctly. Too strong or too weak products may not yield the desired results and can cause more harm than good.