Does VG Hurt Your Stomach?

Vaping has exploded in popularity in recent years as an alternative to smoking tobacco cigarettes. Propylene glycol (PG) and vegetable glycerin (VG) are the two main base ingredients used in vape juice to produce vapor. While PG provides more of a "throat hit," VG produces thicker, more voluminous clouds of vapor.

Many vapers opt for high VG e-liquids for chasing massive clouds. However, some report stomach issues like bloating, cramps, and diarrhea after vaping juices with 70% or higher VG ratios. This begs the question: Does VG Hurt Your Stomach?

How VG Works in E-Juice

VG has a slightly sweet taste and is considerably thicker than PG. It generates much denser vapor when heated. Here's a quick rundown of how VG functions in vape juice:

• VG has a higher boiling point than PG, so it requires more heat to create vapor.
• The thickness of 100% VG juice can cause dry hits or wicking problems in some vape tanks.
• VG is smoother on the throat than PG, producing less of a throat-hit sensation.
• Flavor concentrates dissolve more readily in PG, so higher VG juices tend to be less flavorful.
• The higher viscosity of VG makes the vapor clouds thicker and easier to perform vape tricks.

So in short, VG improves cloud production, smoothness, and vapor density but can compromise flavor and wicking in sub-ohm tanks. Many cloud chaser juices contain 70% VG or above.

Why VG Could Irritate Your Stomach

There are a few reasons why chain vaping high VG e-liquid might irritate your stomach:

• Ingestion of VG: When you inhale the vapor into your mouth, some droplets of e-liquid may accidentally be swallowed and enter your digestive tract. The stomach may react adversely to large amounts of inhaled VG.
• Dehydration: Vaping is inherently dehydrating. Each puff of vapor dries out the mouth, sinuses, and airways slightly. Chain vaping high VG juice causes more moisture loss, which could potentially cause digestive upset. Staying properly hydrated is key.
• Vegetable Allergies: Some individuals have sensitivities or allergies to certain vegetables like soy, palm oil, or coconut oil which are common VG bases. Allergic reactions sometimes manifest as gastrointestinal distress. People with vegetable allergies may experience stomach trouble from vaping VG e-liquid.

Tips to Prevent VG Stomach Pain

If you enjoy blowing massive clouds but don't want to suffer the stomach consequences, here are some tips:

• Drink more water:  Proper hydration is imperative if vaping dehydrates your body. Drink at least 64 oz throughout the day.
• Take smaller hits: Giant rips mean more VG ingestion. Take short, gentle hits to minimize liquid inhalation.
• Avoid excessive nicotine: High nicotine concentrations can exacerbate stomach issues. Opt for lower nic levels.
• Try a PG/VG blend: Use a mix ratio with more PG to reduce thickness and associated stomach problems. Many vape tanks perform better with a 70/30 PG/VG ratio.
• Check VG sensitivity: Exclude other causes like food sensitivities. Try vaping 100% PG juice for a day to test for VG reactions.

Following these tips will allow you to keep enjoying substantial vapor production without upsetting your stomach. Let's explore in more detail how vapers can check for vegetable glycerin sensitivity.

Testing for Vegetable Glycerin Intolerance

The best way to check if VG is irritating your stomach is to isolate and eliminate it as a variable. Here is a simple process to test for VG intolerance:

• Switch to Max PG Juice: Obtain a small bottle of 100% PG vape juice with zero VG and the same nicotine concentration and flavor profile as your normal e-liquid. Vape this max PG juice exclusively for a day or two and take note of any changes in stomach comfort.
• Slowly Re-introduce VG: If your stomach issues disappear with the PG juice, then start incrementally adding VG back into your e-liquid blends. For example, go from 100% PG to 90/10 PG/VG for a day, then 80/20, etc. Incrementally increase VG while tracking any stomach changes.
• Identify VG Threshold: See if a certain VG percentage threshold emerges above which you experience gastric distress. Stay under your personal VG threshold. This allows you to maximize vapor production at the highest VG ratio your body can tolerate.

Pros and Cons of Vaping High Vegetable Glycerin Juices

Let's summarize the key advantages and disadvantages of using high VG vape juice:

Pros:

• Enormous, dense clouds
• Smooth, thick, creamy mouthfeel
• Mild throat hit for less irritation
• Allows vape tricks like O's and jellyfish

Cons:

• Reduced flavor intensity
• Dry hits more likely
• Coils burn out faster
• Possible stomach irritation
• Dehydration and dry mouth

Just be informed on the tradeoffs involved with high VG juice and take steps to mitigate the potential digestive effects.

Other Factors that Can Irritate Your Stomach When Vaping

While VG is the most likely culprit for vaping-related stomach troubles, a few other factors could contribute including:

• VG Sensitivity: Some may have an intolerance to vegetable glycerin base even in small amounts.
• Nicotine Strength: High nicotine concentrations can cause nausea and stomach upset.
• PG Sensitivity: Although less common than VG issues, some are intolerant to propylene glycol as well.
• Added Sweeteners: Lots of added sweeteners like sucralose are known to cause bloating and gut issues.
• Dehydration: Vaping dehydrates the body which can manifest as stomach cramping.
• Other Ingredients: Flavor concentrates, colorants, and emulsifiers may cause reactions in sensitive people.

How to Stop Stomach Pain from Vaping?

Here are some handy tips to prevent vaping-related stomach pains:

• Drink more water: Stay well hydrated before, during, and after vaping
• Take smaller puffs: Don't overdo it with huge rips which deposit more VG into your gut
• Avoid excessive nicotine: Opt for lower nic levels like 3mg or 6mg to prevent nausea
• Check for VG/PG sensitivities: Experiment to find your tolerance threshold
• Vape on a full stomach: Eat something substantial before prolonged vaping sessions
• Choose simpler juice: Avoid juices overloaded with sweeteners and additives

A bit of trial and error is required to tailor vaping habits to your individual body chemistry and tolerance levels.

Comply with these tips when enjoying our SKE Crystal Bar and you won't feel stomach ache. Happy vaping.

How to Vape Higher VG Juice Without Stomach Discomfort

If you want to enjoy the huge, dense clouds of high VG vape juice without upsetting your stomach, here are some effective tactics:

1. Hydrate, Hydrate, Hydrate: Drinking more water is perhaps the most critical intervention to offset the dehydrating effects of vegetable glycerin. Shoot for at least 64 oz per day of water intake, more if you're actively vaping throughout the day. Proper hydration provides a buffer against stomach issues.

2. Take Smaller Hits: Avoid taking massive rips when running high VG juice. Large inhales deliver more vapor to the stomach which could provoke irritation. Take short, gentle puffs instead to minimize any VG ingestion - it takes some discipline but pays dividends for your gut health.

3. Vape at Lower Power: Cloud chasing usually involves cranking up the wattage to produce enormous clouds on each hit. But for stomach comfort, it's advisable to vape high VG juice at lower power settings. Keep your mod below 60W to avoid excessive vapor production.

4. Use a High PG Blend for Flavor Chasing: If you're after potent flavor instead of epic clouds, opt for a PG-dominant blend in the 60/40 or 70/30 range. You'll enjoy a fuller flavor with a reduced throat hit and less risk of stomach upset. Reserve straight VG juices for cloud comps instead of all day vaping.

5. Avoid Fasting Before Vaping: Always fire up your mod on a full stomach by eating a meal first before extended vaping sessions. Having food in your gut helps mitigate any issues from ingesting VG droplets. Drink some water first too for good measure.

How To Choose the Optimal PG/VG Ratio for Your Setup

Finding the perfect PG/VG balance for your vaping setup and preferences requires some fine tuning. Here are some guidelines on choosing juice ratios for different vaping styles:

High PG for Flavor Chasing

• Benefits: Maximizes flavor intensity, efficient wicking
• Good For: MTL tanks, pods, drippers
• Ratio: 60/40 PG/VG or 70/30 PG/VG

High VG for Cloud Chasing

Benefits: Thick, dense vapor, smoothness

Good For: Sub-ohm tanks, RDAs, RTA

Ratio: 70/30 VG/PG or 80/20 VG/PG

50/50 PG/VG For Versatility

Benefits: Balances vapor and flavor production

Good For:   Almost any atomizer

Ratio: 50% PG, 50% VG

Max VG With Extra Flavoring

Benefits: Max clouds with solid flavor

Good For: RDAs, squonk mods

Ratio: 90%+ VG with added flavor concentrate

100% PG or VG for Testing

Benefits: Determines individual sensitivities

Good For: testing purposes only

Ratio: 100% PG or 100% VG

The most versatile ratios are 50/50 and 60/40 PG/VG. Optimal ratios differ for sub-ohm tanks, RTAs, RDAs, and pod systems. Personal preference for vapor versus flavor also dictates ideal ratios.

Troubleshooting Dry Hits and Burnt Coils

Ultimately you want the highest VG juice ratio that your setup can handle without dry hits or burning your coils prematurely. Here are some troubleshooting tips for high VG vaping:

• Thin With Distilled Water: Add 10% water to high VG juice to improve wicking.
• Close Airflow: Restrict airflow halfway to strengthen the vacuum effect.
• Lower Power: Run cooler temps so the juice can wick fast enough.
• Smaller Hits: Take shorter puffs to let wicks resaturate.
• Thinner Juice: Increase PG ratio or add PG booster to liquid.

Warning Signs of Too Much PG

On the other hand, the following signs indicate too much PG for your device:

• Harsh throat hit
• Muted, weak flavor
• Rapid coil gunking
• Flooding/leaking
• Popping or sputtering
• Wetness in the mouthpiece

Gradually reduce PG until these symptoms disappear if they occur. Find your optimal balance for huge clouds coupled with a crisp flavor.

FAQs on Vaping High VG Juices:

1. Is vaping 100% VG juice safe?

Pure vegetable glycerin e-liquid is safe for most people. However, very high VG levels may cause dehydration or minor stomach discomfort for some vapers. Keep the bottle handy when vaping 100% VG in case dilution with PG or distilled water is needed.

2. What health risks does vaping high VG present?

Excessively chain vaping pure VG could potentially irritate the stomach lining of those with sensitivities. Staying hydrated and not overdoing high VG juices minimizes risks. VG is otherwise considered non-toxic at typical vaping exposure levels.

3. Why does VG make bigger clouds?

The molecular structure of vegetable glycerin forms thicker, denser vapor. VG's higher viscosity and lower volatility means it requires more heat to vaporize, producing large clouds. PG creates a thinner, more "wet" vapor consistency.

4. Does 100% VG vape juice taste good?

Pure VG e-liquids tend to have a muted flavor compared to PG-based juices. Flavor molecules dissolve more readily in PG. To boost flavor in max VG juice, add extra flavor concentrates or use flavor enhancers like Ethyl Maltol.

5. Is the 80/20 VG/PG ratio good for clouds?

For most sub-ohm tanks, 80% VG delivers a nice balance of vapor density and flavor intensity. For giant cloud-chasing rigs like RDAs, bumping up to 90%+ VG creates the thickest, most voluminous clouds possible.

While vaping high VG e-juice may cause minor stomach irritation in some users, especially when chain vaping, taking sensible precautions can allow you to enjoy massive cloud production without gut discomfort. Proper hydration, smaller puffs, lower nicotine, and avoiding vaping on an empty stomach can help mitigate VG-related stomach issues. Testing different PG/VG ratios tailored to your equipment and personal tolerance helps unlock huge clouds and robust flavor. Ultimately a little trial and error is required to find your ideal juice ratios for cloud chasing versus flavor intensity.

Check out the discussion about PG or VG cause stomach aches on e-cigarette-forum.com.