The Cigar Protocol

The Cigar Protocol
Photo by Yohan Cho / Unsplash

In this article, my idea is to map out a basic "protocol" on how to approach cigar smoking to maximize the effect and minimize the damage.  It is important to mention that unlike the Bitcoin protocol (aka BSV) this protocol is not set-in-stone and will likely be adjusted as time passes by and I learn more.

IMPORTANT NOTICE: I HAVE NO FINANCIAL TIES TO BIG TOBACCO!  (.. yet)

The Cigar Journey

Over the last two and a bit years, I have begun smoking cigars on a more regular basis.  Previously it was a once-in-a-blue-moon thing with friends at say a wedding or on a farm (ranch in America speak), but for the last three years I increased the number of times I enjoy a cigar to a weekly basis.

This journey was made a firm reality once some of my good friends here in Berlin (yes, the socialist capital of the world) gifted me a humidor for my 30th birthday. This gift remains one of my favourite items which will definitely be traveling wherever I go in the future, so, if you're reading, thanks. 🤝

It is rather difficult to try and tell someone the benefits of smoking cigars, especially since one will automatically think the individual is just "totally addicted to nicotine".  But there is indeed a full range of benefits to smoking cigars, many of which stem from nicotine's ability to stimulate the hypothalamus to get the pituitary gland to produce ADH, or what is more commonly known as "growth hormone".

In a separate article, I will try my novice best to delve into tobacco and nicotine, but my current view is that the benefits outway the drawbacks.  However, with the caveat that it should be managed in terms of consumption, and managed in terms of using a protocol to support your body function optimally.

The General Theory (Burn & Replace)

Enjoying a cigar gives positive benefits in a multitude of ways.  But to create these benefits, the body has to spend resources.  So, what is burnt needs to be replenished or supported, and in my thinking, bringing these elements of the body to higher levels makes the experience of having a cigar that much better, as one's body has adequate resources at hand to drive forward.  

So what are the main expenses to the body?

  • The adrenal glands pump out more adrenalin and are put to the test.  This pair of glands is hugely important for the mind and body consider the term "burnt out" is probably connected to these glands
  • The vascular system is also put under strain, in particular, the endothelial cells (inside of the blood vessels), if these are under strain then your heart needs to up the workload, we'd prefer that the heart is relaxed and at ease

What Supports the Above?

Your adrenal gland produces adrenaline/epinephrine which enhances your cognitive performance.  These same glands also impact your stress levels, so we want to keep them in check.  

Vitamin C is the most concentrated in the human body in these glands.  So, in a nutshell, you want to make sure you have ample free Vitamin C floating in your body.  Vitamin C will act as a driver and also a supporter for your adrenal glands.

In terms of your endothelial cells, I'll be honest, it is still a work in progress for me to figure out, but nicotine puts this enormous system under strain.  Apparently, an individual tends to have something like 100,000 miles (or is it kilometers?) worth of endothelial cells within their body, all of which are connected to the heart, so we're looking at a way to improve these cells and the surrounding muscles to make it more robust.

For this, there is a multi-pronged strategy.  This comprises cold showers, Nitric Oxide and Vitamin B3.  The cold showers in essence improve your endothelial cells in such a way that your heart is actually doing less of the heavy lifting.  The Nitric Oxide is also supporting this system in ways scientists are still only discovering. While the Vitamin B3 or Niacin acts to support energy generation and the vascular system.

Where to Find Vitamin C, B3, and Nitric Oxide?

  • Vitamin C - Unpasteurized Saurkraut, lemons, citrus, papaya etc.
  • Vitamin B3 - Nutritional Yeast is my personal goto source
  • Nitric Oxide - Apparently coca leaves, but they're illegal, so rather get some sunshine and eat some beetroots which help your body produce Nitric Oxide
  • Cold Showers - Well, you can find that rather easily provided you don't live in the tropics

In Summary - The "Protocol"

Don't overcomplicate life.  

Rather just remind yourself to try to have some lemon water or Vitamin C rich produce in high amounts before enjoying a cigar and/or afterward too.  This alone will give your adrenal glands some TLC not to mention it will give the rest of your body anti-oxidants.

For the Vitamin B3 and Nitric Oxide.  Just try your best to catch some sun and be sure to sprinkle some Nutritional Yeast on your food, or take a spoon full every now and then.

All in all, a cigar is there to be enjoyed.  Dwell in it.  Don't stress.  Enjoy.

gm ☀️