Nicotine health benefits

 

Re-examining the Therapeutic Potential of Nicotine Agents and the Venom-COVID-19 Connection

by John Fisher, PhD (assisted by AI)

Nicotine, often stigmatized as a highly addictive substance, is presented by Dr. Bryan Ardis as a powerful, non-addictive therapeutic agent that has been deliberately suppressed by health authorities. Citing published research, he posits that nicotine has the potential to treat a wide array of conditions, ranging from neurodegenerative disorders like Parkinson's and Alzheimer's to inflammatory conditions and symptoms of Long-Haul COVID-19. Notably, in the context of persistent post-viral symptoms, case studies demonstrated a complete disappearance of Long-Haul COVID-19 symptoms in participants using nicotine patches, with the rationale being that nicotine can successfully dislodge snake venom-like spike proteins from the body's nicotine receptors. 

Research from early in the COVID-19 pandemic suggested a "smoker's paradox," where active smokers appeared to be underrepresented among patients with COVID-19, leading to the idea that smoking or nicotine might be protective.

Specific studies and findings related to a potential protective effect:

• Infection Rates:

  • A French study found that among 480 patients who tested positive for the virus, only 4.4% of those admitted to the hospital were regular smokers, suggesting they were much less likely to develop a symptomatic or severe infection compared with the general population.

  • The French study authors claimed the protective effect for ambulatory patients divided the risk of getting infected by five, and for hospitalized patients, by four.

  • A study in China suggested that only 12.6% of 1,000 people infected with the virus were smokers, while the smoking rate in China's general population is around 28%.

  • A large-scale retrospective cohort study on a naval vessel found that current smoking status was associated with a lower risk of developing COVID-19 (Odds Ratio (OR) of 0.64 in multivariable analysis).

  • A meta-analysis of 233 studies found current smokers, compared with never smokers, were at a reduced risk of testing positive for SARS-CoV-2 infection (Relative Risk (RR) = 0.74).

• Mortality/Severity (Nicotine Replacement Therapy):

  • A large study of hospitalized COVID-19 patients found that prescriptions for nicotine patches, lozenges, or gum were associated with reduced mortality among current smokers. Specifically, smokers prescribed Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT) had a significantly lower mortality rate (4.5%) compared to smokers who did not receive NRT (7.7%). The researchers hypothesized that nicotine may activate anti-inflammatory mechanisms.

Nicotine Research Summary and Potential Benefits

Dr. Bryan Ardis's research, as presented in chapter 13 of his book, centers on two main, interconnected arguments:

1. Nicotine is a powerful healing agent and is not the main addictive chemical in tobacco products. He contends that a "massive propaganda campaign" has been launched to demonize nicotine.

   • Addiction Misconception: Citing a Harvard study, he argues that nicotine has "poor reinforcing effects (addictive effects) when administered alone". He asserts that tobacco companies added a highly addictive, man-made chemical called Pyrazines to tobacco products starting in the early 1970s to increase sales, and that Pyrazines—not nicotine—are responsible for the intense addictive properties and high relapse rates.

   • Healing Power: Nicotine is presented as a miraculous compound found in the tobacco plant and common vegetables.

2. Nicotine is an effective antidote against "venomous COVID-19-spike proteins." This theory is based on the idea that COVID-19's spike proteins are nearly identical to neurotoxins found in King Cobra and krait snake venom.

   • Mechanism of Action: These venoms, and the "spike proteins," bind tightly and specifically to nicotine receptors in the body, particularly in the brain. Nicotine, when introduced, is proposed to release these venom/spike proteins, allowing normal signaling to resume. This mechanism is offered as the reason why smokers were an active group least infected and hospitalized for COVID-19.

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⚕️ Conditions Nicotine May Help (According to Dr. Ardis)

Dr. Ardis asserts that nicotine has the potential to prevent, reverse, or cure numerous conditions, often providing links to published studies that he believes confirm these benefits:

COVID-19 and Related Symptoms

• Lingering COVID-19 Symptoms (Long-Haul COVID-19): Complete disappearance of symptoms in days for 100% of participants in a case study using 7 mg patches.

• Loss of Taste and Smell: Nicotine releases the venom spike proteins blocking the olfactory nerve, restoring the ability to transmit signals for smells and tastes.

• Tinnitus (Ringing in the Ears).

• POTS (Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome): His wife's symptoms disappeared after three days of chewing nicotine gum.

Neurological and Cognitive Conditions

• Parkinson's Disease (PD): Nicotine administration is said to improve memory impairment and dyskinesia (uncontrollable movements).

• Alzheimer's Disease (AD): Nicotine administration is said to improve cognitive impairment.

• Schizophrenia: Nicotine is known to prevent, improve, and reverse it.

• Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD): Nicotine patches have been found to improve the behavior of autistic children and adults, including aggression and irritability, with dramatic improvements in social scores.

• Memory Impairment: Nicotine improves memory impairment caused by sleep deprivation and hypothyroidism.

Inflammatory and Other Chronic Conditions

• Chronic Inflammatory Diseases: Nicotine is believed to be more anti-inflammatory than pro-inflammatory.

  • Arthritis: Improved or reversed inflammatory conditions.

  • Ulcerative Colitis.

  • Sepsis.

• Multiple Sclerosis (MS): Nicotine has a proven ability to prevent it, with a study showing a significantly lower risk for those who used both smoking and snuff.

• Cancer (Glial Blastoma): Nicotine alone dissolved brain "turbo cancers" by half the size in less than 72 hours in animal studies.

• Type 1 Diabetes: Nicotine can protect against and improve or even reverse Type 1 Diabetes in some cases in mouse models, reducing high blood sugar (hyperglycemia) and protecting pancreatic insulin content.

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👨‍⚕️ Dr. Ardis's Recommendations for Nicotine Use

Dr. Ardis suggests that people considering nicotine should consult their doctor and offers the following recommendations for those who choose to proceed:

• Consult Resources: He directs readers to a free document simply titled "NICOTINE" in the Patient Resources Section of his website, thedrardisshow.com, for information on how to begin using nicotine agents and personal brand recommendations.

• Starting Dose: For most people, he suggests starting with small doses like 1-3 mg daily for the first week before increasing to higher doses.

• Personal Use: He personally buys 21 mg patches and cuts them into six equal pieces (roughly 3-4 mg size), which he wears every single day and intends to continue for the rest of his life.

• Delivery Methods: He encourages exploring nicotine patches, nicotine gum, nicotine pouches, or even eating nicotine-rich vegetables.

• Nicotine-Rich Vegetables: Vegetables that contain nicotine include: eggplant, zucchini, green tomatoes, cauliflower, white potatoes, red tomatoes, bell peppers, and celery. Eggplants are noted as having the second highest amount of nicotine of any plant on earth.

Conclusion

Dr. Ardis encourages individuals to investigate the wealth of information confirming nicotine's healing qualities. He personally recommends starting with a small dose, such as a 7 mg patch, or by cutting a 21 mg patch into six pieces to achieve a daily dose of roughly 3-4 mg. While commercial products like Tolevita patches are primarily marketed for smoking cessation, their availability in multiple doses, including the smaller 7 mg size, provides a straightforward path for those who, like Dr. Ardis, believe in the non-addictive, therapeutic application of nicotine for conditions such as chronic inflammation, cognitive decline, or persistent post-COVID symptoms. As with any therapeutic intervention, individuals are strongly advised to consult their doctor to determine if nicotine patches, gum, pouches, or nicotine-rich vegetables are appropriate for their specific health needs.

For individuals seeking to explore this documented healing potential, commercially available products, such as Tolevita Anti-Smoke Herbal Patches, which are available in 7 mg, 14 mg, and 21 mg strengths, offer a practical, over-the-counter means to administer a controlled dose of nicotine.

Important Context:

It is crucial to note that the majority of public health organizations and later, larger meta-analyses concluded that smoking is a risk factor for severe COVID-19 and death, particularly for current and former smokers who contract the disease. The studies suggesting a protective effect often focus on the rate of infection or hospitalization and must be viewed with caution due to inconsistencies in the data and the known severe risks of tobacco use on overall health.

Reference:Ardis, Bryan. (2024). Moving beyond the Covid-19 lies: restoring Health & hope for humanity. Harvest Creek Publishing. Available at thedrardisshow.com

Hashtags: #NicotineAntidote #COVIDLies #NicotineReceptors #Pyrazines #DrBryanArdis

Selenium's Role in Brain Health

The Role of Selenium in Neurological Health

In this episode of The Dr. Ardis Show, Dr. Brian Ardis presents a comprehensive review of medical literature suggesting that a single mineral—Selenium—is critical in preventing and reversing symptoms of Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, and Multiple Sclerosis (MS). Dr. Ardis argues that Selenium deficiency is a primary driver of cognitive decline and that supplementation can mimic the neuroprotective benefits of exercise.

The Mechanism: Oxidative Stress and Neurogenesis

Dr. Ardis explains that the brain is highly susceptible to oxidative stress, a key factor in neurodegenerative diseases. Selenium is required to synthesize selenoproteins and glutathione peroxidase, which act as the body’s primary defense against oxidative damage and inflammation.

Furthermore, research cited in the episode highlights that Selenium stimulates neurogenesis (the growth of new neurons) in the hippocampus, the area of the brain responsible for memory and learning.

Key Research Findings

• ** The Exercise Connection:** Studies on mice revealed that physical exercise improves brain function by increasing the transport of Selenium to the brain. Crucially, researchers found that administering Selenium without exercise resulted in the same increase in neural precursor cells—effectively doubling or tripling the number of new neurons. This suggests Selenium is a viable therapy for elderly or disabled individuals unable to exercise.

• Alzheimer’s Disease: A systematic review of human studies showed that Alzheimer’s patients consistently exhibit lower Selenium levels in their plasma and red blood cells compared to healthy controls. Supplementation significantly increased Selenium levels in the Cerebral Spinal Fluid (CSF) and improved cognitive test scores (such as the MMSE and ADAS-Cog), often outperforming multivitamins that contained lower doses.

• Parkinson’s Disease: The transcript details how Selenium protects the nigrostriatal pathway, a dopamine pathway essential for motor control.



Image provided by Gemini AI

Degeneration in this pathway leads to Parkinson's symptoms like tremors and rigidity. Studies indicated that Selenium deficiency exacerbates damage to dopamine neurons, while supplementation reduced DNA damage and improved motor function.

Thyroid and General Health

Dr. Ardis reiterated a foundational point regarding thyroid health: the thyroid cannot synthesize hormones (T3 and T4) without three specific components—Selenium, Iodine, and the amino acid Tyrosine. He suggests that many thyroid conditions are actually untreated Selenium deficiencies.

Dosage and Recommendations

The episode concludes with practical advice on dosage. While the FDA recommends a daily limit of roughly 200–400 mcg, Dr. Ardis discusses the safety of higher doses for therapeutic purposes, citing experts who suggest up to 1.2 mg may be safe. However, the standard recommendation provided is 200 mcg per capsule, suggesting 2 capsules (400 mcg) daily for those with neurological concerns to restore cognitive function and protect against oxidative stress.

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Annotated Bibliography: Selenium and Neuroprotection

Akbaraly, T. N., Hininger-Favier, I., Carrière, I., Arnaud, J., Gourlet, V., Roussel, A. M., & Berr, C. (2007). Plasma selenium over time and cognitive decline in the elderly. Epidemiology, 18(1), 52–58.

Transcript Context: Referred to as the "EVA Study" (Epidemiology of Vascular Aging), this 9-year longitudinal study followed 1,389 elderly participants in France. Key Findings: The study established a longitudinal link between falling selenium levels and cognitive decline. Researchers found that participants with the greatest decrease in plasma selenium over the 9-year period had the highest probability of cognitive decline. Conversely, those who maintained or increased their selenium levels showed a protective effect against cognitive deterioration.

Cardoso, B. R., Ong, T. P., Jacob-Filho, W., Jaluul, O., Freitas, M. I., & Cozzolino, S. M. (2010). Nutritional status of selenium in Alzheimer's disease patients. British Journal of Nutrition, 103(6), 803–806.

Transcript Context: Dr. Ardis discusses this study to highlight the deficiency of selenium in diagnosed patients. Key Findings: This case-control study compared 28 elderly patients with Alzheimer’s Disease (AD) to 29 healthy controls. It found that selenium concentrations in plasma, erythrocytes (red blood cells), and nails were significantly lower in the Alzheimer’s group. The authors concluded that selenium deficiency is strongly associated with the pathology of AD, potentially due to the brain’s inability to combat oxidative stress without adequate selenoproteins.

Leiter, O., Zhuo, Z., Rust, R., Wasielewski, J. M., Grönnert, L., Kowal, S., ... & Walker, T. L. (2022). Selenium mediates exercise-induced adult neurogenesis and reverses learning deficits induced by injury and aging. Cell Metabolism, 34(3), 408–423.

Transcript Context: This is the foundational mouse model study cited regarding "exercise vs. supplementation." Dr. Ardis refers to the lead researcher, Dr. Tara Walker. Key Findings: The study discovered that the cognitive benefits of physical exercise are mediated by the transport of selenium to the brain via the protein selenoprotein P. Crucially, the researchers demonstrated that selenium supplementation alone (without exercise) could replicate these effects, tripling the number of neural precursor cells in the hippocampus and reversing cognitive deficits caused by aging and hippocampal injury.

Pereira, M. E., Souza, J. V., Galvao, J., & Oliveira, C. S. (2022). Effects of selenium supplementation in patients with mild cognitive impairment or Alzheimer’s disease: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Nutrients, 14(15), 3205.

Transcript Context: Dr. Ardis uses this systematic review to argue for the efficacy of selenium supplementation in humans. Key Findings: A meta-analysis of 11 clinical studies involving selenium supplementation. The review found that supplementation significantly raised selenium levels in the blood and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). It also noted that patients taking selenium alone often showed greater improvements in cognitive scores (such as the MMSE and ADAS-Cog) than those taking selenium as part of a broader multivitamin, possibly due to dosage or absorption competition.

Solovyev, N. D. (2015). Importance of selenium and selenoprotein for brain function: From antioxidant protection to neuronal signalling. Journal of Inorganic Biochemistry, 153, 1–12.

Transcript Context: Cited to explain the biochemical mechanisms of selenium in the brain, specifically regarding the "nigrostriatal pathway" in Parkinson's and protection against neurotoxins. Key Findings: This review paper details how selenoproteins (like glutathione peroxidase) protect neurons from oxidative damage and modulate neurotransmission. It highlights selenium’s specific role in preserving the dopamine pathways involved in Parkinson’s disease and its ability to chelate and protect against neurotoxins like mercury and lead.

Hashtags: #Selenium, #BrainHealth, #Alzheimers, #Parkinsons, #Neuroprotection

Building Better Energy

Exercise strengthens mitochondria - Image from chatGPT

How to Grow and Strengthen Your Mitochondria for Better Health and Vitality

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By John Fisher (assisted by AI)

Mitochondria are the tiny powerhouses inside your cells that turn food and oxygen into energy. When they work well—and when you have enough of them—you feel stronger, clearer, and more resilient. When they struggle, you feel tired, sluggish, and less able to recover. The good news is that your body can build new mitochondria and make existing ones work better through simple daily habits. This process, called mitochondrial biogenesis, is one of the most powerful natural tools for improving long-term health, energy, and aging.

Below is a clear, practical guide to the proven ways you can strengthen your mitochondria and boost your body’s natural energy production.

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1. Move Your Body With Aerobic Exercise

Aerobic exercise—walking, cycling, swimming, or jogging—is the most reliable way to build new mitochondria. When your muscles need more oxygen, your cells respond by growing additional energy factories to meet the demand.

How to do it:

• 20–40 minutes per session

• 3–5 days per week

• Moderate pace (you can talk but not sing)

Even a brisk daily walk begins to spark mitochondrial growth.

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2. Add Some High-Intensity Intervals

Short bursts of higher effort trigger powerful cellular signals (such as PGC-1α) that tell your body to make more mitochondria. You don’t need much—just consistency.

Simple interval example:

• 30 seconds fast

• 1–2 minutes slow

• Repeat 6–10 times

This boosts both the number and efficiency of mitochondria.

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3. Strength Training Helps Too

While not as dramatic as cardio or intervals, strength training improves mitochondrial function—especially as we age. Stronger muscles contain healthier, more efficient mitochondria.

Try:
Two to three sessions per week of basic resistance exercises (squats, bands, light weights).

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4. Eat Foods That Feed Your Mitochondria

Your diet gives mitochondria the raw materials they need to produce energy and repair themselves.

Key nutrients include:

• Omega-3 fats: salmon, walnuts, chia seeds

• Antioxidants: berries, leafy greens

• CoQ10: meat, fish, or supplements

• B vitamins: eggs, whole grains

• Magnesium: nuts, seeds, beans

These foods reduce oxidative stress and strengthen energy production at the cellular level.

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5. Use the Power of Fasting

Allowing your body a longer break between meals activates pathways that repair old mitochondria and stimulate the creation of new ones. A simple 12–14 hour overnight fast is enough.

Example:
Finish dinner by 7 p.m., eat breakfast at 8 or 9 a.m.

This gentle fasting window promotes cellular cleanup and improved metabolic health.

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6. Prioritize Quality Sleep

During deep sleep, your body repairs damaged mitochondria and builds new ones. Without good sleep, energy production suffers—no matter how healthy your other habits are.

Aim for 7–9 hours, with regular bed and wake times.

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7. Manage Stress Before It Manages You

Chronic stress hormones interfere with mitochondrial function, reduce energy, and increase inflammation. Simple daily calming routines help reverse this.

Helpful practices:

• Slow walks

• Prayer

• Deep breathing

• Meditation

• Quiet reflective time

Even five minutes makes a difference.

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8. Avoid What Damages Mitochondria

Some habits directly harm your cells’ ability to produce energy. Avoiding these preserves the progress you’re making.

Major offenders include:

• Smoking

• Heavy alcohol use

• Chronic overeating

• Highly processed foods

• Regular sleep deprivation

Protecting your mitochondria is as important as building them.

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Conclusion

Your mitochondria drive nearly everything your body does—movement, healing, thinking, and staying alive. By exercising regularly, eating nutrient-rich foods, getting enough sleep, managing stress, and avoiding harmful habits, you create the ideal environment for your cells to produce strong, steady energy. These simple steps help you feel more alive today while supporting healthier aging for years to come. Small daily habits, multiplied over time, can transform your energy from the inside out.

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Reference: Krupnick, M.J. (2025, August 8). Do mitochrondria hold the power to heal? Harvard Magazine. https://www.harvardmagazine.com/research/harvard-research-mitochondria-cells-healing

Brains Grow Differently

 

By John R. Fisher, PhD (assisted by AI)

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Introduction

Parents, teachers, and anyone who has raised teenagers have probably noticed it: girls often seem to mature earlier, while young men may take a bit longer to reach the same level of judgment, impulse control, and emotional steadiness. This difference isn’t just social—it’s biological. Modern neuroscience shows that although everyone develops through the same stages, the timing of brain maturation is different for men and women. Understanding these patterns helps us appreciate why young adults think and act the way they do—and how we can support them along the way.

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The Prefrontal Cortex: The Last Piece to Finish

The prefrontal cortex is the part of the brain responsible for:

• decision-making

• managing emotions

• impulse control

• long-term planning

This area matures last, and its development shapes the “adult” mind.

Women Mature Earlier (Around 21–23)

Research using MRI scans shows that women typically complete key brain-development processes earlier. These include:

• myelination, which strengthens neural pathways

• synaptic pruning, which removes unused or inefficient connections

Because puberty also begins earlier for girls, hormones such as estrogen help accelerate emotional regulation and executive function.

Men Mature Later (Around 25–27)

For men, the same processes occur—but they take longer. Testosterone surges begin later and influence brain development over a longer period. As a result:

• impulse control develops more gradually

• risk-taking tendencies last longer

• emotional regulation stabilizes later

Why the Difference?

The gap reflects natural biological pacing. Girls move through developmental stages sooner, which pushes brain maturation earlier. Boys move through these stages later, creating a longer runway to reach full adult neurological function.

How This Plays Out in Real Life

These biological timelines help explain common patterns:

• Young women often display stronger planning and emotional self-management in their early 20s.

• Young men may be more likely to take risks and act impulsively until their mid-20s.

• By the late 20s, both sexes reach similar levels of mature cognitive functioning.

These are trends, not rules—every individual is different. But the general patterns hold across populations.

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Conclusion

Men and women reach full brain maturity on different timelines, but both follow a predictable developmental arc. Recognizing these differences helps parents, leaders, and young adults themselves understand that maturity is not just a choice—it’s a process shaped by biology. When we appreciate how the brain grows, we respond with more patience, more compassion, and better support for young people navigating the transition into adulthood. Ultimately, understanding brain development helps us live better—not by judging differences, but by respecting them.

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References

Lenroot, R. K., & Giedd, J. N. (2010). Sex differences in the adolescent brain. Brain and Cognition, 72(1), 46–55. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.bandc.2009.10.008

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Additional Supporting References

Giedd, J. N. (2008). The teen brain: Insights from neuroimaging. Journal of Adolescent Health, 42(4), 335–343. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jadohealth.2008.01.007

De Bellis, M. D., & Keshavan, M. S. (2003). Sex differences in brain maturation in youth: A structural MRI study. Cerebral Cortex, 13(12), 1284–1291. https://doi.org/10.1093/cercor/bhg102