It is pretty well understood that smoking cigarettes is bad for you (next week we’ll discuss vaping). Sometimes a review of the risks to the smoker and to the person exposed to “sidestream smoke”, otherwise known as “second-hand smoke” can lead a person to finally make that decision to quit. Having help is also key.
The effects of smoking can impact nearly every organ in the body. The dangers of lung cancer and COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease) with their inherent inability to grasp oxygen, which we all take for granted; the increased risk of cardiovascular diseases such as heart attacks, strokes and peripheral artery disease; a weakened immune system making it more difficult to recover from certain illnesses; reproductive risks which include infertility in both men and women, complications in pregnancy, including miscarriage, premature birth and low birth weight; risk of erectile dysfunction in men; and impaired oral health, including gum disease, tooth loss and oral cancers; are on the top of the list as to the deleterious effects of smoking and second-hand smoke on the body.
Not often considered is the injurious exposures to toxic chemicals which compound to even worse chemicals and accumulate over time, often leading to various cancers in addition to lung cancer. According to the CDC, there are over 7,000 chemicals found in cigarette smoke. At least 70 of them are known carcinogens. The American Lung Association, the National Institute on Drug Abuse and the World Health Organization all discuss the chemicals found in cigarette smoke and the potential harm that they cause.
In addition, smoking depletes critical nutrients such as Vitamins A, B, C, D, and E, calcium, magnesium, zinc, and selenium. It is important to replace these health-sustaining nutrients, therefore, proper nutrition is essential in supporting smoking cessation.
What else can we do about all this? Have you ever considered Acupuncture? Acupuncture is extremely effective in helping individuals stop smoking in several ways. It helps suppress cravings, relieves stress, helps to detoxify the body of the toxins, and works on the anxiety often associated with the need to smoke. It increases the release of endorphins, the body’s natural painkillers and mood enhancers. This can promote a sense of well-being, reduce stress, and alleviate some withdrawal symptoms. What is nice about acupuncture for smoking cessation, is that it can be modified to address whichever symptoms present themselves in the process of quitting cigarettes.
Other natural strategies and techniques that can help manage these feelings while supporting your efforts to quit include: mindfulness and meditation, deep breathing exercises, increasing physical activity, and cognitive behavioral therapies.
Using a variety of modalities gives the best assurance of success in releasing this habit that sucks the health out of you. It is the best approach, rather than depending on only one solution.
Want to hear more from Dr. Carling? Check out our podcast. Search for VitalHealth4You on your favorite podcast listening app or go to vitalhealthcda.com/podcasts/
©2024 Holly A. Carling, O.M.D., L.Ac., Ph.D.
