Cigarette smoke contains over 7,000 chemicals, many of which are harmful and can cause various health problems. With each inhale, you expose your body to these toxins, harming your organs and leaving you vulnerable to ailments. The people around you aren’t spared either.
Secondhand smoke also harms health when inhaled, even if the person has never smoked before. This study revealed that secondhand smoke impacts gut microbial composition, which can lead to cognitive impairment. Here are some of the common health risks caused by cigarette smoke and how to reduce its impact:
Health risks from cigarette smoke
Cancer
Smoking is the leading cause of preventable cancer death in the United States. It is responsible for about 30% of all cancer deaths and is linked to cancers of the lung, esophagus, mouth, throat, larynx, bladder, pancreas, kidney, liver, stomach, cervix, and colon.
Heart disease
Smoking is a major risk factor for heart disease, the leading cause of death in the United States. It damages the blood vessels and heart, making it harder for blood to flow through the body. This can lead to heart attack, stroke, and other cardiovascular problems.
Lung diseases
Smoking is the leading cause of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), which includes emphysema and chronic bronchitis. This review highlights that adults with asthma frequently have a history of current or previous cigarette smoking. It also increases the risk of developing asthma and exacerbating the condition. These conditions make it difficult to breathe and can lead to disability and death.
Stroke
Smoking increases the risk of stroke, which occurs when blood flow to the brain is blocked. These blockages can be caused by plaque build-up in the arteries or atherosclerosis. Strokes can cause paralysis, speech problems, and other disabilities.
Weakened immune system
Smoking weakens the immune system, making it harder for the body to fight off infection. This can increase the risk of getting sick and make recovering from illness more difficult. These effects can last years even after quitting smoking.
Cigarette smoke causes a myriad of health issues. Fortunately, quitting helps reverse most of the impacts, and the longer you stay off them, the more your well-being improves.
How to prevent cigarette smoke from harming well-being
Go smokeless
Using smokeless alternatives can cut your exposure to cigarette smoke while still delivering nicotine. Nicotine pouches are one such product, and they’ve been emerging in the global market due to their convenience, range of flavors, and nicotine strengths. ZYN has become a major leader in the pouch market thanks to its high-tech distillation procedures that ensure a high-quality and tobacco-free experience. This page showcases the brand’s extensive selection of pouches, from bestsellers like Cool Mint to unique flavors like Coffee and Cinnamon. The diversity and versatility cater to various palates.
Another smokeless alternative is dip. While dip often contains tobacco, there are now tobacco-free versions available that offer a reduced-risk experience. Black Buffalo is a leader in the smokeless tobacco scene, offering long-cut tobacco, among other alternatives. The company also developed a ZERO line of products, providing a tobacco-free experience. Read more on the brand here to learn more about their products.
Manage stress
Stress and anxiety are often triggers for smoking, which can make it harder to stay off cigarettes. Stress management helps you relax while minimizing cravings to ensure you stay smoke-free. When you feel like you’re in a troublesome situation that’s triggering, you can step back and meditate or practice breathing exercises to calm yourself and get in tune with your body and mind. This can give you a clear head and prevent you from impulsively lighting up.
Regular exercise and eating a nutritious diet can also be great de-stressers. Physical activity keeps your mind and body engaged so you don’t reach for a cigarette or focus on your worries. Your food’s nutrients can offer an energy boost or calm nerves. Healthy habits can also increase your well-being and reduce your risk of chronic illnesses, allowing you to recover from cigarette smoke’s impacts and keep you healthy for longer. Check out our post for more natural ways to beat stress and anxiety.
Get support
Quitting smoking can be a challenging process, but it can be made easier with the help of others. Your friends and family can encourage you during tough times and celebrate your successes. Remember that cigarette smoke can also affect your loved ones, so keep them in mind for motivation to stay off smoking.
Additionally, joining a smoking support group can provide you with the opportunity to connect with like-minded individuals who’ve shared similar struggles and can offer tips for quitting. Technology, such as mobile apps and quitlines, can also connect you to counseling services or help you track your progress.