STUDIES SAY that, there are almost four thousand chemicals in a cigarette, out of which many are toxins. These chemicals in cigarette affect the functioning of organs and also the immune system of the body. The ill-effects of cigarette smoking are widespread and very destructive.
The harmful effects of smoking are:
The ingredients of the smoke coming out of cigarette travels all over the the body and cause damage in several ways.
Carbon monoxide, which comes with the smoke, binds with hemoglobin, preventing the cell to carry the full load of oxygen.
Smoking and cancer are closely related as the carcinogenic substances in the smoke damage some important genes, which are important for growth of the cells.
It affects the functioning of immune system.
Smoking affects the respiratory system and problems associated with it.
Smoking causes oxidative stress which can cause mutation of DNA, chronic lung injury and atherosclerosis.
Antioxidants, which stop the free radical formation and prevent the damage of cells are at lower levels in the blood of smokers as compared to non-smokers.
Quitting smoking is not only useful for the smoker but also to those around them (passive smokers). Mothers who smoke during pregnancy can give birth to a premature baby or a baby with a low birth weight. Passive smoking has higher risk than direct smoking as it increases the risk of lung cancer, stated Netdoctor.
Benefits of quitting smoking are:
Improving the sense of taste and smell.
The strain on the heart will decrease and it will work more efficiently.
Tiredness and headache, which are linked to smoking, will stop.
There are many methods to quit smoking such as:
Nicotine replacement treatment.
Zyban – a licensed medicine which helps in smoking cessation.
Behavior modification programmes.
Therapies such as acupuncture and hypnosis.
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