Does VG Hurt Your Stomach?

Many vapers opt for high VG e-liquids to chase 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 Cause Stomach Issues?

1. Fermentation in the Gut: A Hidden Culprit

Ever felt bloated or experienced mild cramping after vaping? In some cases, VG can ferment in the digestive tract and produce gas, which leads to the uncomfortable sensations of bloating and cramping. While this doesn't happen to everyone, it's something to keep in mind, especially if you've noticed these symptoms after a vaping session. For some, VG doesn't fully break down in the gut, causing an overgrowth of gas-producing bacteria.

2. Individual Sensitivities: A Personal Reaction

As with any substance, everyone's body reacts differently. While many vapers can enjoy VG without issue, some may have a heightened sensitivity. For those with a lower tolerance, even small amounts of VG in e-liquid can trigger digestive upset, nausea, or an overall feeling of unease. If you've ever felt off after vaping, it might not just be the nicotine — it could very well be the VG interacting with your digestive system in ways that aren't immediately obvious.

3. Dehydration: The Hidden Factor in Stomach Discomfort

It's no secret that vaping can dehydrate the body. Each puff you take dries out the mouth, sinuses, and airways. But what about your gut? When you vape heavily, especially with high-VG e-liquids, you're essentially increasing moisture loss from your body., which can upset the digestive system, potentially causing discomfort like bloating, constipation, or mild stomach pains. So, if you're chain-vaping with a VG-heavy juice, you might find that your stomach feels the effects of that moisture loss as much as your mouth does.

4. Overconsumption: An Unlikely but Real Concern

Most vapers don't ingest large amounts of VG through vaping alone, but what happens if you accidentally consume VG in other forms? While rare, it's possible to ingest VG in ways you might not have anticipated — say, through accidental ingestion of e-liquid or by consuming food products that contain VG as an ingredient. Overconsumption of VG, particularly in these instances, may generate digestive discomfort, including nausea and bloating.

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 Prevent VG Stomach Pain

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

1. Stay Hydrated: Water is Key

Stay hydrated throughout the day. Aim for at least 64 ounces (about 1.9 liters) of water daily, especially if you're vaping heavily. Hydration will help your body process VG more comfortably, and reduce the risk of throat dryness, mouth irritation, and the digestive upset that often accompanies dehydration.

2. Take Smaller Hits: Less VG, Less Stomach Trouble

It's easy to get carried away with massive, cloud-chasing hits, but these larger puffs can mean more VG being ingested into your body. The more VG you inhale, the greater the potential for stomach discomfort, especially if you're sensitive to it. To keep things more comfortable, take smaller, gentler hits. Minimize the amount of VG your digestive system has to process, reducing the likelihood of bloating or nausea.

3. Switch to a PG/VG Blend: Find the Right Ratio

Propylene glycol (PG) is thinner and less likely to cause stomach issues, so finding an e-liquid with a higher PG content (like a 70/30 PG/VG ratio) could offer a better balance. Not only will this help with digestion, but it can also improve the performance of your vape device, as many tanks work more efficiently with PG-rich e-juices.

4. Test for VG Sensitivity: Know Your Body

To determine whether VG is the cause, try vaping 100% PG e-liquid for a day or two. If your symptoms improve, you may have a sensitivity to VG. However, it's important to rule out other potential causes, such as food sensitivities. Once you've confirmed that VG is the issue, you can opt for lower-VG or all-PG e-liquids for a more comfortable experience.

5. Vape at Lower Power: Control Vapor Production

Cloud chasing involves cranking up the wattage to produce enormous clouds, but it can also lead to overproduction of vapor, and irritate your stomach. For greater stomach comfort, try vaping VG juices at lower power settings. Keeping your mod below 60W reduces excessive vapor production, minimizing the amount of VG you're inhaling with each puff.

6. Avoid Fasting Before Vaping: Eat Before You Vape

Vaping on an empty stomach can amplify digestive discomfort, especially if you're using high VG e-liquids. Always make sure to have a meal before indulging in extended vaping sessions. Having food in your stomach acts as a buffer, helping to mitigate the effects of VG droplets that might otherwise irritate your digestive tract. A well-fed stomach is better equipped to handle the VG that enters your system during your vape session.

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 During VG Vaping

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.