Vaping has become an increasingly popular way for people to ingest nicotine and other substances. However, many vapers report feeling dehydrated or experiencing dry mouth and throat after vaping. There are several reasons why vaping can lead to dehydration.
Nicotine is a diuretic
One of the main reasons vaping dehydrates you is because nicotine is a diuretic. This means it increases urine production and fluid loss from the body. When you vape e-liquids containing nicotine, the nicotine enters your bloodstream and travels to your kidneys. It causes your kidneys to excrete more water and electrolytes, leading you to become dehydrated.
Studies show that people who ingest nicotine, whether from vaping, smoking cigarettes, or other sources, tend to have increased urine output and electrolyte loss. One study found that people who smoked cigarettes or used other nicotine products had 11% greater urine output per day compared to non-users. The more nicotine is consumed, the stronger its diuretic effects become.
Propylene glycol draws moisture
Another reason vaping dehydrates you is because the e-liquids contain humectants like propylene glycol that draw moisture out of your mouth and throat. Humectants are substances that attract and retain water molecules. When you inhale vapor that contains propylene glycol, it pulls water out of your oral mucosa, leading to a drying effect.
One study tested the effects of propylene glycol on oral cells in a laboratory model. It found that exposure to propylene glycol led to rapid depletion of intracellular fluid, damage to oral cell membranes, and cell shrinkage due to water loss. These effects cause the dry mouth sensation many vapers experience.
Vaping temporarily suppresses saliva
Vaping also appears to temporarily reduce saliva production (known as hyposalivation), which can contribute to dehydration. Saliva helps keep your mouth moist and protects against dryness. However, research shows that nicotine and propylene glycol inhaled during vaping inhibit salivary gland function for a period of time after use.
One study measured saliva production in smokers before and after vaping an e-cigarette. It found a significant decrease in saliva secretion for 30 minutes after vaping. The inhibited saliva production allows the mouth to become drier faster.
High VG e-liquids are very viscous
The composition of the e-liquid also impacts hydration levels while vaping. Many vapers prefer high VG (vegetable glycerin) e-liquids because they produce thicker, more voluminous clouds of vapor. However, VG is an extremely viscous, syrupy liquid that can coat and adhere to the mucous membranes.
The high viscosity of VG causes it to stick to the mouth and throat as it is vaped. This provides less moisture relief and lubrication compared to PG (propylene glycol) dominant e-liquids. The result is increased friction and dryness of the oral tissues.
Vaping involves lots of exhalation
The sheer amount of exhalation involved in vaping also contributes to its dehydrating effects. When you vape, around 80% of each puff is exhaled as vapor. This involves forcefully expelling large volumes of air from your lungs repeatedly.
This constant exhalation of vapor tends to dry out the mouth, throat, and airways. That’s because moist epithelial tissues are being exposed to a continuous outflow of air. Reduced moisture in the respiratory system leads to dehydration over time.
Dehydration symptoms
If you are becoming dehydrated from vaping, some symptoms you may experience include:
- Dry or cotton mouth
- Dry lips and throat
- Dizziness
- Headaches
- Fatigue or lethargy
- Irritability
- Lightheadedness
- Constipation
- Dry skin
Ways to avoid dehydration from vaping
Here are some tips to help avoid becoming dehydrated when you vape:
- Drink plenty of water – Stay well hydrated by drinking water throughout the day
- Use lower nicotine e-liquid – Choose low or zero nicotine e-liquids
- Vape lower VG blends – Opt for e-liquids with higher PG ratios
- Avoid long vaping sessions – Take breaks between vaping sessions
- Breathe ambient air – Improves respiratory moisture
- Chew gum – Helps stimulate saliva production
- Suck on hard candy – Also stimulates saliva flow
- Use a humidifier – Adds moisture to the air
- Apply lip balm and moisturizer – Prevents dry skin
Risks of vaping dehydration
If you become chronically dehydrated from frequent vaping, it can negatively impact your health and wellbeing. Some risks include:
- Electrolyte imbalance – Losing electrolytes like sodium and potassium
- Urinary tract infections
- Kidney stones
- Impaired physical performance
- Reduced cognitive function
- Headaches and dizziness
- Increased infections
- Constipation
- Dry eyes and skin
Severe dehydration that is not treated properly can also progress to heat injury, seizures, low blood volume shock, or kidney failure in extreme cases.
Tips for staying hydrated while vaping
Here are some tips you can follow to avoid dehydration and stay well hydrated if you vape regularly:
Drink more water
Drink at least 64 ounces (8 glasses) of water per day or more if you vape heavily. Carry a water bottle with you to regularly sip throughout the day.
Consume hydrating foods
Eat fruits and vegetables with high water content like cucumbers, grapes, watermelon, lettuce, berries, oranges, and pineapples.
Avoid diuretics
Limit intake of drinks like coffee, tea, soda, and alcohol since these have diuretic effects.
Use moisturizing vape juices
Choose e-liquids with added ingredients like menthol, honey, aloe vera, or coconut oil which help moisturize the throat.
Vape lower nicotine strengths
Using 0-3 mg nicotine juice will limit nicotine’s diuretic effects.
Take vaping breaks
Take 10-15 minute breaks between vaping sessions to allow your mouth to rehydrate.
Breathe through your nose
Inhale through the nose to moisten inhaled air before it reaches dry mouth and throat.
Use a humidifier
Run a humidifier, especially in your room at night to prevent waking up with a dry throat.
Chew gum or suck on hard candy
This stimulates saliva production to help moisten the mouth.
Don’t mouth inhale
Inhale vapor directly into lungs rather than the mouth to limit dryness.
The bottom line
Vaping can lead to dehydration due to its diuretic effects, constant moisture loss, and inhibition of saliva. However, drinking more fluids, vaping moderately, and using hydrating vape juices can help you avoid dehydration.