The Surprising Side of a “Perfect” Cigar
We’ve all been there—a relaxing moment with a well-made cigar, only to be blindsided by waves of nausea, dizziness, and cold sweat. But what if the culprit isn’t the cigar itself, but your empty stomach? In this episode of Smoke Signals, Beau shares his personal, eye-opening story of how a respectable cigar turned into an unexpected ordeal.
The Science Behind “Nic Sick” 🤒
Nicotine: More Than Just Smoke
Even if you never inhale, your body absorbs nicotine from a cigar—slowly but steadily. Nicotine is a stimulant, increasing heart rate and triggering your nervous system. But if your blood sugar is low (hello, skipped lunch!), the effects get dramatically stronger.
Symptoms to Watch Out For:
Dizziness
Nausea
Sweating
Unsettled, shaky feeling
Not even a mild or creamy cigar is exempt from these effects. As Beau explains:
“Strength and flavor intensity are not the same thing...A smooth, creamy cigar can still deliver a steady dose.”
How to Avoid Getting Sick from Your Cigar 🤔
Simple Tricks for Enjoying Your Ritual
Avoiding cigar-induced sickness is surprisingly easy. Here’s Beau’s advice:
Eat real food before you smoke (not just a candy bar)
Protein helps
Stay hydrated
Smoke slowly—no need to puff like you’re chasing a storm
If you feel off, stop immediately
Set the cigar down
Sip water or try something sweet to stabilize
Final Thoughts: Timing Is Everything ⏰
Don’t blame the blend or the brand—blame the timing. As Beau reminds us, “The cigar didn’t make me sick. My empty stomach did. The cigar simply exposed the mistake.”
Thinking back, have you ever had a cigar hit you harder than expected? Share your experience and join the Smoke Signals family. Subscribe so you can keep the ritual enjoyable and avoid the mistakes nobody talks about.
Stay curious. Stay well. And remember: the ritual is yours to shape.
