Vapeboss – Have you ever felt stomach cramps after vaping? Does the urge to defecate become stronger with just a few more puffs? Sometimes, some people intentionally vape in the morning because they want to defecate immediately so it doesn't disrupt their schedule later. However, this raises the question: why does the urge to defecate always appear after vaping?

Joel Bornstein, an Honorary Professor at the University of Melbourne and an expert in anatomy and physiology, explained that inhaled vape vapor enters the body and spreads nicotine to the intestines. Most of the neurons in the enteric nervous system function to control the entire digestive system from the esophagus to the anus and will react to stimulant substances.

"Nicotine activates various neurons that only function during eating," he explained.

According to Prof. Bornstein, there are three control systems that activate nicotine receptors when nutrients and stimulants are detected in the intestines. This then sends messages to the brain, which in turn stimulates the large intestine and accelerates the expulsion of feces. When nerve cells receive stimulation in the intestines, signals are sent from one nerve cell to another through terminals that transmit acetylcholine — a neurotransmitter that stimulates the intestines to contract. That's when the urge to defecate begins to appear.

Nicotine can activate neurons that increase gastric acid secretion, causing discomfort in the stomach during or after vaping. This surge in activity will decrease when nicotine exposure disappears. If the vape is puffed several times again, the receptors will always be active due to nicotine exposure.

"A surge of nicotine can activate nerves that run from the spinal cord to the enteric nervous system, and then the system will adjust depending on the surge," said Prof. Bornstein.

However, continuous nicotine exposure will reduce the overall number of receptors, causing the body's system to malfunction because it cannot recognize nicotine. Therefore, when you cut off nicotine or stop vaping, you will experience digestive problems because your body suddenly loses its nicotine intake.

"Similar to heroin addiction and so on, the body of a person addicted to nicotine needs to adjust (to new habits) and reset all the systems working within it. Your body cannot function normally without nicotine," said Prof. Bornstein.

That's why you feel uncomfortable because your body is shocked by the loss of nicotine. Therefore, people turn to alternative tobacco products like vapes to cope with nicotine withdrawal symptoms.

Source: Vice