Why do people who chew tobacco have to spit so much?

The Toxic Nature of Chewing Tobacco

The question of why people who chew tobacco frequently spit is not just about the act of spitting itself but also the inherent reasons behind chewing tobacco in the first place. Contrary to popular belief, chewing tobacco is not just a social practice; it has deep-rooted health implications. It involves consuming tobacco specifically for its nicotine content, which can be addictive and harmful. Beyond nicotine, many varieties of chewing tobacco contain trace amounts of arsenic, a highly toxic substance. If you were to consume any tobacco, including those used for rat poison, you would similarly need to spit it out due to its poisonous nature.

Rat Poisons and Health Risks

Chewing tobacco is often compared to substances like rat poisons to highlight its toxic components. Rats may consume these poisons, but humans are capable of recognizing and reacting to the danger, one of the reasons why humans can be observed spitting out tobacco. Humans have a natural instinct to protect themselves from harmful substances through various means, including spitting. This behavior is not just a cultural or social norm but a survival mechanism in the face of harmful toxins.

The Physical and Physiological Reasons

A roommate of mine used to chew what is known as Skoal tobacco. I and a few of my other roommates, in a misguided attempt to understand the practice, tried it ourselves. The end result was a near spitting emergency, which made us realize the significant amount of saliva produced during the chewing process. Upon further investigation, it became clear that the fermentation process used in making chewing tobacco generates a lot of saliva. This is in contrast to other forms of tobacco, like snus, which are pasteurized and contain a higher water content.

The fermentation process involved in making chewing tobacco creates a conditions that stimulates the production of saliva. This saliva serves as a protective mechanism, helping to neutralize the harsh effects of the tobacco and keeping the mouth hydrated. Additionally, the act of spitting out the chewed tobacco juice allows for the removal of harmful substances, preventing them from being ingested. This process is similar to the practice of spitting out any strong or toxic substance.

Misconceptions and the Addiction Cycle

Many people who chew tobacco believe that the act of spitting is related to the belief that they are not swallowing the juice. However, this is a misconception. The primary reason people who chew tobacco spit is to avoid swallowing the harmful substances it contains. Spitting is a natural defense mechanism that helps to expel these toxins from the body. If one were to swallow the tobacco juice, it could lead to serious health complications, including poisoning or irritation of the digestive system.

The addiction to chewing tobacco is also a loop that encourages the spitting habit. The body craves the nicotine, which is released into the system through the juice from the chewed tobacco. After a period, the habit of spitting becomes ingrained, as it is a crucial part of the ritual. This is why many people who chew tobacco find it difficult to stop, as not only is it physically addictive, but also socially ingrained through the act of spitting.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the act of spitting when chewing tobacco is a combination of physiological response, evolutionary instinct, and addiction. It is more than just a social behavior; it is a protective mechanism that helps to mitigate the severe health risks associated with tobacco use. Awareness of these factors can help individuals understand the importance of quitting and choosing healthier habits.