El estimulante del que se habla poco y se utiliza mucho (SPA-ENG)

The stimulant that is little talked about and widely used

A couple of years ago I heard the word "snus" for the first time, a friend who was returning from Europe, a fan of football and long-distance running, told me about this tobacco mixed with some other substances that act as a stimulant, it is of Swedish origin and had seen it used among some of the runners of the event in which he was participating and for which there was no penalty or alert from the authorities. It was not considered and is not currently considered a drug from which one can obtain a sporting advantage.

However, in recent times there is a growing concern in all European soccer leagues, its consumption does not stop growing, it is even mentioned by sports journalists who indicate its use among several of the most relevant figures in the main leagues; There are already serious studies that indicate a harmful impact in its prolonged use.

This product known as snus is a kind of tobacco for oral use that has its origins and has been used for several decades mainly in Norway, Sweden, and other northern European countries. At first, it was adopted by many as a way to reduce consumption by smokers.

The product is made up of a mixture of tobacco with water, salt, and a set of flavorings that is sold in small packages similar to a tea bag. According to the manufacturers, each envelope contains approximately 27.5 mg. of nicotine, almost triple that of a common cigarette.

The way to consume it is by inserting the envelope between the cheeks and gums or under the tongue.

Questions abound, though not answers. Does it improve performance? does it reduce fatigue? Does it have a calming and relaxing effect? Some experts say that it maintains alertness and strength, which would seem to be something very close to providing a sporting advantage.

For some, it is more harmful and addictive than cigarettes.

An alarming fact indicates that in 1992 it was banned in a large part of Europe after linking its use with some cancer variants.
Its sale is prohibited in most of the countries of the old continent, although not in Sweden where it continues to be legal.

Despite the warnings and its prohibition, its use continues to rise and, for example, in England, some former players and coaches believe that at least 40% of Premier League footballers consume it regularly.

It is a taboo subject from the locker room to the outside but as we know the news spreads like wildfire and nowadays the names of players that are mentioned as regular consumers surprise everyone, many great stars from the main teams are on that list.

At the end of March, a photograph of Karim Benzema showing his tongue dyed blue after scoring a goal garnered endless speculation and there are cases of footballers who have been seen consuming it in the middle of a game.

Studies published by a leading Italian sports medicine journal on urine samples from all Italian players show a significant increase in nicotine residues.

Surely the issue of pressure and exposure of the players is playing an important role, many try to calm anxiety in various ways and this seems to be one that has hit too hard among them.

We will see what the sports authorities of each team, league, and FIFA itself, which are already alerted to the problem, decide; At least one deep and committed study remains on various aspects of the consumption of this product, mainly to preserve the health of athletes and millions of fans who idolize and copy them.