How Biohackers Use Nicotine WITHOUT Getting Addicted

Dave Asprey

Oct 23, 2025

Episode description

This is Part 2 of the Nicotine Masterclass. If you haven’t heard Part 1, start there for a full breakdown of nicotine’s mechanisms, myths, and the science behind its misunderstood role in longevity, nootropics, and human performance. 



Nicotine is one of the most misunderstood nootropics in the world—and one of the most powerful tools for brain optimization and longevity when used correctly. In this episode, Host Dave Asprey breaks down how to harness nicotine for cognitive enhancement, metabolism, and human performance without falling into addiction. You’ll learn the real science behind dosage, timing, and cycling, plus how nicotine interacts with mitochondria, acetylcholine, and neuroplasticity to boost focus, motivation, and mental energy. 



Watch this episode on YouTube for the full video experience: 

https://www.youtube.com/@DaveAspreyBPR 



This is Part 2 of the Nicotine Masterclass. If you haven’t heard Part 1, start there for a full breakdown of nicotine’s mechanisms, myths, and the science behind its misunderstood role in longevity, nootropics, and human performance. 



Host Dave Asprey reveals practical biohacking templates for using nicotine safely and effectively—covering metabolism genetics, stack combinations, and how nicotine fits into a smarter not harder lifestyle. You’ll discover how low-dose nicotine can support attention, memory, and even protect against neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s. Dave also shares his own five-year nicotine protocol, how he avoided dependence, and why nicotine can be a game-changer for brain and mitochondrial performance when used intelligently. 



You’ll Learn: 

• How to use nicotine as a safe, powerful nootropic for brain optimization and focus 

• The genetics of nicotine metabolism and why dose timing matters 

• How to stack nicotine with caffeine, theanine, and rhodiola for maximum energy and motivation 

• Why nicotine enhances mitochondria and PGC-1α for better metabolism and longevity 

• The truth about nicotine tolerance, cycling, and how to avoid addiction 

• How nicotine affects sleep, neuroplasticity, and dopamine signaling 

• What science says about nicotine’s protective effects against Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s 

• How to integrate nicotine into a complete biohacking protocol with fasting, ketosis, and supplements 



This episode is essential for anyone exploring biohacking, functional medicine, fasting, ketosis, sleep optimization, and cognitive resilience. You’ll learn how nicotine stacks with caffeine, theanine, rhodiola, and supplements for sharper thinking and sustained focus—plus the key mistakes to avoid so you don’t

Episode description

This is Part 2 of the Nicotine Masterclass. If you haven’t heard Part 1, start there for a full breakdown of nicotine’s mechanisms, myths, and the science behind its misunderstood role in longevity, nootropics, and human performance. 



Nicotine is one of the most misunderstood nootropics in the world—and one of the most powerful tools for brain optimization and longevity when used correctly. In this episode, Host Dave Asprey breaks down how to harness nicotine for cognitive enhancement, metabolism, and human performance without falling into addiction. You’ll learn the real science behind dosage, timing, and cycling, plus how nicotine interacts with mitochondria, acetylcholine, and neuroplasticity to boost focus, motivation, and mental energy. 



Watch this episode on YouTube for the full video experience: 

https://www.youtube.com/@DaveAspreyBPR 



This is Part 2 of the Nicotine Masterclass. If you haven’t heard Part 1, start there for a full breakdown of nicotine’s mechanisms, myths, and the science behind its misunderstood role in longevity, nootropics, and human performance. 



Host Dave Asprey reveals practical biohacking templates for using nicotine safely and effectively—covering metabolism genetics, stack combinations, and how nicotine fits into a smarter not harder lifestyle. You’ll discover how low-dose nicotine can support attention, memory, and even protect against neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s. Dave also shares his own five-year nicotine protocol, how he avoided dependence, and why nicotine can be a game-changer for brain and mitochondrial performance when used intelligently. 



You’ll Learn: 

• How to use nicotine as a safe, powerful nootropic for brain optimization and focus 

• The genetics of nicotine metabolism and why dose timing matters 

• How to stack nicotine with caffeine, theanine, and rhodiola for maximum energy and motivation 

• Why nicotine enhances mitochondria and PGC-1α for better metabolism and longevity 

• The truth about nicotine tolerance, cycling, and how to avoid addiction 

• How nicotine affects sleep, neuroplasticity, and dopamine signaling 

• What science says about nicotine’s protective effects against Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s 

• How to integrate nicotine into a complete biohacking protocol with fasting, ketosis, and supplements 



This episode is essential for anyone exploring biohacking, functional medicine, fasting, ketosis, sleep optimization, and cognitive resilience. You’ll learn how nicotine stacks with caffeine, theanine, rhodiola, and supplements for sharper thinking and sustained focus—plus the key mistakes to avoid so you don’t

Mindsip insights from this episode:

Avoid nicotine pouches containing microplastics to protect hormones

Do not use popular nicotine pouches because the fabric they are made from contains microplastics that can disrupt your hormones.

Utilize nicotine to counteract post-ejaculation tiredness in men

Nicotine feels good for men after sex because it suppresses the post-ejaculation rise in prolactin, a hormone that causes tiredness and apathy.

Cut nicotine patches to taper your dose effectively

Despite package warnings, you can cut a 14mg nicotine patch in half to create a 7mg patch, which is useful for tapering down your dose.

Limit nicotine intake to protect testosterone levels

Using more than 10mg of nicotine per day, such as from popular pouches, can meaningfully lower your testosterone by up to 20%.

Utilize ketones and nicotine to restore lucidity in Alzheimer's patients

The combination of ketones and nicotine can be profound for temporarily restoring lucidity in people with Alzheimer's disease.

Avoid quitting high-dose nicotine cold turkey to prevent severe cramping

Stopping high-dose nicotine cold turkey can cause severe, whole-body muscle cramping that can persist for months.

Supplement choline to alleviate nicotine headaches

If nicotine gives you a headache or brain fog, you probably need more choline, which you can supplement with citicoline (CDP-choline).

Balance nicotine use to optimize benefits

The benefits of nicotine follow an inverted U-curve, where using too much is bad, but using none is also not optimal.

Utilize nicotine to potentially lower Parkinson's risk

Smokers have a noticeably lower risk of Parkinson's disease, and evidence suggests pure nicotine is the protective agent.

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Unlock the wisdom of longevity

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Unlock the wisdom of longevity

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Unlock the wisdom of longevity

Unlock the wisdom of longevity

© Mindsip 2025 – Made with ❤ in Vilnius

Unlock the wisdom of longevity

© Mindsip 2025 – Made with ❤ in Vilnius