8 Reasons Why You Should Stop Smoking Right Now
In addition to affecting our respiratory health, smoking can lead to much more serious problems, such as bone deterioration, and even different types of cancer beyond lung
Excessive cigarette smoking continues to be one of the modern evils, and despite warnings about the harmful effects of smoking, millions of people continue to do so.
This addiction, caused by nicotine, one of its main components, is one of the factors that influence the appearance of chronic diseases and thousands of deaths.
And it is that, although many ignore it, it contains more than 19 chemical compounds with toxic qualities that, when assimilated in the body, affect cell activity and tissue health. For this reason, the World Health Organization (WHO) lists it as one of the greatest threats to public health, also warning that more than half of smokers die from its effects.
Considering that many are still not aware of the risks to which they are exposed, today we want to dedicate this space to those 8 reasons why everyone should stop this habit.
1. Smoking increases the risk of diabetes
The toxins contained in cigarettes can interfere with the processes by which sugars are converted into energy. Therefore, the risk of diabetes is considerably increased.
In addition, these substances prevent the body from using insulin optimally, which leads to the excessive accumulation of glucose.
2. Causes infections
Smokers have a high probability of contracting infections of all kinds, not only because their respiratory system is compromised. The reason is that their immune defenses are low compared to those of a healthy person.
Smoking in excessive amounts deteriorates the mucous membranes that prevent the passage of infectious agents. Thus, the development of diseases caused by these agents is facilitated. In reality, people who are exposed to tobacco smoke, even if they don’t smoke, have a weaker immune system.
3. Affects visual health
Toxins that are retained in the body due to tobacco use can, over time, cause macular degeneration. This disease causes permanent blurred vision and, in more severe cases, leads to blindness.
The risk is higher among active smokers, especially if they are exposed to other factors.
4. Increases the risk of cancer
It is no secret to anyone that smoking is listed as the leading cause of lung cancer and chronic respiratory diseases. The toxins that enter the body directly affect the health of cells and, over time, cause abnormal cell growth.
What many may not know is that, in addition to this cancer, tobacco can cause other aggressive varieties of the disease. For example, its consumption is related to cancer of:
- Stomach
- Mommy
- Pancreas
- Kidney
- Bladder
- Cervix
5. Impairs brain health
The accumulation of toxic residues of tobacco in the blood can have negative consequences on the health of the brain. These substances, which manage to travel through the bloodstream, interfere with the cellular oxygenation process and affect abilities and capacities such as concentration and memory.
On the other hand, daily cigarette smoking is linked to oxidative stress. This is considered one of the factors responsible for the deterioration of the cell membranes of this organ.
6. Causes premature aging
The negative effects of cigarettes are noticeable on the skin. Thus, after smoking for a long time, they manifest with premature wrinkles and signs of age. This occurs because toxic substances affect the cell regeneration process and the mechanisms that maintain the natural moisture of the skin.
On the other hand, it causes the accumulation of free radicals and can also cause premature aging of other internal organs.
7. Deteriorates the bones
Smoking is a habit that can influence the premature deterioration of bone pieces, since it makes it difficult to absorb the nutrients that keep them strong. This, added to its high toxin content, influences the loss of bone density and the development of chronic problems such as osteoporosis and osteoarthritis.
8. Causes dental disease
The components of tobacco not only cause a noticeable deterioration of tooth enamel, but, in turn, can lead to dental disease.
- Tar, one of its toxins, causes yellow spots and cavities.
- This substance weakens the teeth and, in excessive amounts, could cause them to fall out.
- Among other things, it is worth mentioning that it also causes bad breath and deterioration of the gums.
Do you need more reasons to quit smoking? Now that you know in detail how harmful this habit is, make the decision and find healthy practices to start quitting.
We know that it is not easy nor can it be achieved overnight, but, with will, it is possible.