Vixus Online Magazine Store
Related Articles
Smoking was never considered as a redeemable task. Now the studies reveal that the effects of smoking are far worse than they are presumed to be. These effects are not reversible and are hazardous to almost all systems of the body. Tobacco in smoke is composed of more than 7000 chemicals out of which 70+ are linked directly to cancer. This fact is threatening enough to push us to stop smoking. Let’s look at an elaborative description of what harms can smoking cigarettes does to our various systems.
1. Central nervous system:
The presence of nicotine in cigarettes is the most dreadful part of them. Nicotine instills a sense of energy for a brief period. After this time is over, the smoker starts feeling dreary and is compelled to pull out another one. This becomes an addiction over time which is very difficult to absolve. The thinking abilities and cognitive functioning is impaired which causes anxiety, mood swings, irritation and promotes depression.
2. Respiratory system:
Smoke from a cigarette is harmful to the lungs. It causes permanent alterations in the lungs which can’t be treated medically. These conditions are bronchitis (inflammation of lung vessels), a group of lung diseases, and emphysema (destruction of air sacs). The most frightful effect of smoking is lung cancer.
3. Circulatory system:
When someone smokes, the tar present in cigarettes enters the blood. This poisonous substance causes major alterations in blood and its composition. It thickens our blood and increases the chances of clot formation. It causes hypertension and thus increases the pressure on the heart. Narrowing of arteries leads to poor oxygenation of the body parts which can be a reason for stroke.
4. Cardiovascular system:
Smoking chokes the entire cardiovascular system. It is responsible for the thinning of blood vessels, decrease in blood flow, increase in blood pressure, weakening of walls of blood vessels, promotion of blood clots and serves as an invitation to many heart problems. Heart attack, stroke, and chronic heart diseases are common in those who smoke.
5. Hair, skin, and nails:
The receding hairline because of hair fall, graying of hair, and balding are the common effects of smoking. Toenails and fingernails become more prone to fungal infections due to changes in their structures. Studies have shown that the skin of smokers undergoes major alterations and becomes susceptible to skin cancer.
6. Mouth and throat:
Smoking can stain teeth and causes bad breath. It can be a reason for gum diseases and can damage taste buds.
7. Digestive system:
The proneness to cancer of the esophagus, mouth, throat, and larynx increases with smoking. The risk of encountering pancreatic cancer also increases by manifolds. Smoking interferes with insulin as well. It puts smokers on a direct path to develop type 2 diabetes as the person becomes resistant to insulin.
8. Skeletal system:
Smoking makes bone malleable and brittle. They lose their density and rigidly. Fractures and joint problems are very common in people who smoke. Brittle bones are more common in women as compared to men.
9. Reproductive system:
Yet again nicotine plays a significant role in decreasing sexual desires and hampering performance. As it introduces changes in the male and female genitals, sexual dissatisfaction becomes a major concern.
How to quit smoking?
People find it hard to quit smoking because of nicotine addiction. Quitting isn’t an easy journey. It’s long and requires a lot of effort. But if you determined to quit, nothing can stop you. There are several tips that can be kept in mind if you are planning to quit smoking. These are:
- Question yourself about when do you smoke, with who do you smoke, and why do you smoke. This will set the course for your quilting technique.
- Set up a quitting date, inform your closed ones, prepare for the cravings, get rid of any kind of tobacco, and discuss it with your doctor.
- Identify your smoking triggers and note them down. Then think about the ways you can avoid them like by switching to non-alcoholic drinks, staying away from fellow smokers.
- Find out suitable techniques for coping with withdrawal symptoms.
- Keep yourself distracted, remember why did you quit, reward yourself to avoid situations that might trigger cravings or withdrawal symptoms.
- Medications, acupuncture, meditation, yoga, behavioral and motivational therapies are good ways that assist you in quitting.
- Maintain a healthy diet and exercise regime to avoid weight gain after quitting.
The overall negative effects are too much to bear for a human body. Smoking gives temporary pleasure and causes permanent life changes. It is extremely difficult to stop smoking because it’s an addiction that grows stronger with time. But with the right guidance, true willingness, and sheer dedication it is possible to quit smoking. Quitting smoking is a painful and time-consuming task but it is worth trying to stop our body from decaying and becoming home to many chronic diseases. So my last message for you all is please quit smoking if you want to be safe from these effects of smoking.
