Naswar, moist tobacco, or snuff is a common substance in the frontier region of Pakistan. Nowadays, it is prevalent in almost every part of the country. Let’s get to know about this nasty addiction and naswar side effects that are injurious to your health.
Table of Contents
What is Naswar?
Naswar was introduced to the world in the 15th century in Europe. History shows that a french ambassador used naswar to treat her son’s migraines. It’s use was medicinal in the start, but gradually became an addiction.
Let’s get to know naswar ingredients, and it’s preparation.
Tobacco is dried in the sun and finely ground into a powder. Water is added to this green powder, and then calcium hydroxide. Indigo is added to give the mixture a color. Plant ashes, spices or oils are used to give a flavor. The mixture is rolled into fine balls to give it a proper shape.
The look of the naswar may be different. It can be a green ball or brown powder. It’s production usually happens at home and in secrecy, not in factories.
Types of Naswar
There are two types of naswar; dried and moist.
People use moist naswar through the mouth, typically by chewing it and swallowing its juice.
On the other hand, the Naswar users inhale the dried form through the nasal cavity.
How is Naswar ‘moist tobacco’ Used?
You put Naswar under a cheek, tongue or lip.
You may have seen people putting little round balls of naswar beneath their tongue or behind a cheek. The person then chews this ball slowly and absorbs the nicotine from the tobacco through the lining of the mouth.
Is Naswar Harmful for Your Health?
Yes. Naswar is harmful to the health of your brain. It is a smokeless tobacco product, which contains nicotine. Nicotine has many side effects on brain health, and constant use can lead to addiction.
We all know how bad addiction can be, right?
Naswar may feel like a cigarette, but it is much more harmful than that. You may think that using naswar can’t be as bad as smoking a cigarette, because the smoke is not going into your body. You are not inhaling the smoke. But naswar still has many negative effects on your body.
The only difference is smoking a cigarette affects the lungs, but chewing naswar affects the mucous membrane of the mouth.
The first effect you will feel on your body after using naswar is relaxation. You will feel easily relaxed, cloud in the eyes. You may feel giddy. After a while, your arms and legs will start shaking. The relaxing effect lasts for almost 7 minutes.
Naswar Side Effects
The alkalies present in naswar change the pH of the consumer’s mouth. The mouth uses a huge amount of saliva to moisture this ball of naswar. The person eating naswar shiyld spit out this salive. When it enters the stomach, it causes nausea and diarrhea.
Let’s get to know of naswar side effects, that can occur after a prolonged use:
Naswar Side Effects on Brain
Naswar has many side effects on your brain. It contains nicotine which is literally an enemy of your brain functioning. Nicotine strongly affects the physical health of brain cells.
Continuous use of naswar puts a huge impact on the memory. Your memory gets worse, and you start forgetting even minor things. Deflection in psychological thinking happens.
Huge Risk of Cancer
Like other forms of tobacco, naswar contains chemicals that can cause cancer.
Studies show that the absorption of nicotine is greater when you chew naswar (3.6mg nicotine) as compared to cigarettes (1.0mg nicotine). The chances of cancer are much higher with naswar, as it exposes you to many cancer-causing chemicals.
Tobacco-specific nitrosamines (TSNAs) are the strongest of the cancer-causing substances which are present in naswar. These levels differ in different types of naswar. If there are higher levels of TSNAs in a product it has higher chances of causing cancer. These cancers can be of many kinds e.g. oral cancer, esophageal cancer, pancreatic cancer etc.
Poor Genital Function
The people who use naswar regularly, can have a broken genital function. The sperm production stops, which leads to a poor genital process and even infertility. The effect of naswar is so bad that there is a very little chance to relieve it again.
Gut Diseases
Naswar can affect all of your gut. Starting from the mouth, esophagus, and stomach, it can harm the intestines and pancreas as well. The mucous membrane of the gut gets inflamed. In severe cases, it can lead to cancer.
Tooth Decay and Loss
Using naswar damages your teeth. Can you imagine losing even a tiny bit of your tooth? Well, naswar not only yellows the teeth, it can also initiate tooth decay and ultimate loss.
In severe naswar addiction, it can lead to gum infections, jaw complications, or loss of teeth resulting in bone loss and face disfigurement.
Read more about simple ways for personal oral care.
Which Treatments are there for Naswar Addiction?
Like any other addiction, naswar addiction is first treated with medications. Regular medications can eliminate the effects of naswar on the mind and brain. You may find quitting naswar difficult but anyone with a firm will and resilience can do it.
Counseling can also help get rid of addiction. A counselor helps manage the triggers and withdrawal symptoms that come after quitting naswar. The best advantage of counseling is that it maintains motivation and keeps one going.
The Bottom Line!
Breaking any kind of addiction is not easy. Naswar is no exception. With constant support from family, friends, and the counselor, it is safe. Naswar side effects may make the road feel bumpy, but if one keeps their life and goals in mind, getting rid of addiction gets easy.
If you know someone with naswar addiction, you must ask them to consult a well-known counselor to help them manage this addiction. You can book an appointment via Healthwire.pk or you can call at (042) 32500989.
