Smoking: Can the harm caused by smoking be reversible by quitting?
It is well known, that smoking is a constant threat to the lungs, the heart and actually the entire body. Many smokers, even it they are aware of this, will not stop this bad habit either, because as they say, “I have been smoking for too lond, now it doesn’t matter at all!” But this is not true in this form, as a recent U.S. study points out that smoking cessation not only stops lung damage, but also can show improvement.
A study about smoking
A study in 2013 suggested that a change in metabolic profile could be observed a few months after smoking cessation. This means that lung function may improve and the chances of hearts disease may decrease.
Based on this study, a group of researchers regularly took blood, urine and saliva samples from volunteers for three months after they quit. The research team monitored participant’s diets and also measured their body’s carbon monoxide levels. Scientists were able to identify 52 metabolites that changed significantly and improved after smoking cessation.
“In the first clinical study, we compared a number of processes between smokers changes in fatty acid and amino acid metabolism took place within three months of smoking cessation. These results may indicate a partial or later complete recovery of the metabolic pathway disorder”- wrote the researchers.
It has long been known that smokers have a much higher risk of developing serious diseases such as lung cancer. Butt according to one study, this process can be stopped, or even reversed, by quitting smoking.
A study published in the journal Nature found that our bodies seem to be able to produce healthy cells instead of cells damaged by smoke. This result can give new hope and motivation to those who want to quit, says Peter Campbell, one of the leaders in the research included in the study.
There may be a glimmer of hope to curb smoking
The latest results may have a positive effect on statistics, which show that encounter an extremely large number of people who smoke today.
According to a recently published study, nearly 1 billion people are smoking nowadays. It may come as a surprise, but data show that more than 82% of smokers come from men.
“Despite more than half a century of clear evidence of the harmful effects of smoking on healthy, every 4th man in the world smokes today. For women, that number is much lower, with an average of 20 smokers per lady.” – experts at The Lancet say.
What else can help our health after quitting?
At the cellular level in smokers, harmful oxidizing chemicals in the smoke are stressful. What’s wrong with that?
These oxidants, or as they are popularly called, “free radicals”, damage cells and can cause a number of diseases, such as cancer, certain cardiovascular diseases, and emphysema. In fact, smokers deliver roughly 100 billion unhealthy molcules from a cigarette to their bodies.
What can help after smoking?
In order to neutralize these effects, the body relies on nutrients that can counteract or neutralize free radicals. These are antioxidants. Antioxidants are found primarily in fruits and vegetables in greater amounts.
Because smoking puts large amounts on oxidative stress on the body, there is a broad consensus that smokers would need large amount on antioxidant to reduce harm.
To make matters worse, smoking also causes vitamin deficiencies, making smokers even less likely to defend themselves against free radicals.
Thyme
Field thyme can have calming effect on the throat and vocal cords. Improves digestive functions.
Peppermint
Peppermint supports the body’s defenses. Helps with indigestion.
Rosemary
Rosemary supports the immune system and protects the body.
Lemongrass
Lemongrass reduces tension and irritability. Helps you get better, soothing sleep.
Vitamin C and smoking
Smoke harms the body. Vitamin C contributes to the effective protection of cells against oxidative stress.
Look for a multivitamin preparation that is rich in antioxidants and also contains herbal ingredients that not only protect smokers from the cell-damaging effects of oxidative stress.
