Although most smokers are aware that long-term combustible cigarette use is the leading cause of preventable and premature death in the United States, many are less aware of the long list of health consequences that can come from tobacco use. That said, it’s not as easy as reading about how to stop smoking tobacco that will result in immediate benefits and a recovered life expectancy, it’s about taking control of your health and well-being.
The chemicals used to make combustible cigarettes are bad for your body
While combustible cigarettes contain addictive ingredients like nicotine, it’s the 4000+ other chemicals—69 of which are carcinogenic—that are most harmful to the human body.
Some integral ingredients include:
- Acetone: A flammable solvent that’s used in nail polish remover.
- Arsenic: A natural element found in rocks, soil, and water that’s poisonous.
- Benzene: An ingredient that’s used to make rubber cement.
- Formaldehyde: The base of many types of embalming fluids.
- Lead: A natural element that’s used to make batteries.
- Tar: A liquid material that’s used to make roadways and sidewalks.
All the above chemicals possess the power to have the following effects on the body:
- Lungs and cells: Exposure to chemicals like benzene and formaldehyde has been linked to a range of cancers like leukemia and kidney cancer. Tar is also dangerous, and when you smoke, it’s deposited onto your lungs, encouraging the development of cancer cells in your body.
- Skin: Acetaldehyde is a chemical that’s found in cigarette smoke that attacks the connective tissues holding your skin together, which makes your face wrinkle and sag. Your circulation also suffers due to a lack of oxygen being pumped around your blood vessels.
- Teeth: Tar is a sticky substance that will leave residue on your teeth, allowing staining and discoloration from the lack of saliva in your mouth. That said, you’re also at an increased risk of developing periodontitis (gum disease), which causes inflammation around the teeth leading to swollen gums, bad breath, and in severe cases, tooth loss.
- Hair: A combination of nasty chemicals results in poor hair growth and can also lead to premature grey.
Tobacco use is a leading cause of cancer, heart attacks, and lung diseases
Cigarette smoking has been linked to about 80% to 90% of all lung cancers and is also associated with cancers of the mouth, pharynx, larynx, esophagus, stomach, pancreas, cervix, kidney, and bladder. Even smokeless tobacco products such as chewing tobacco are known to lead to the development of cancer.
In addition to cancer, smoking is also linked to asthma, bronchitis, emphysema, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). There is also an increased risk of heart disease, heart attacks, strokes, vascular disease, and aneurysms linked to smoking combustible cigarettes.
How to stop tobacco smoking
Now that you’ve read through the above list of physical health consequences, are you in need of some tips on how to stop tobacco smoking?
- Set a quit date
- If you don’t want to experience the discomfort of nicotine withdrawal, purchase a Logic e-cig with a nicotine concentration level to suit your needs
- Tell friends and family about your quit plan and ask for their support
- Get more physically active and exercise regularly
- Modify your diet to include enriching foods
- Avoid people and situations that might trigger old habits
- Practice deep breathing and other relaxation techniques
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