Simply put, cigarettes are literal “death sticks.” Besides containing a highly addictive substance called nicotine, cigarettes also contain a horde of destructive chemicals and poisons that can trigger dreadful illnesses like smoker’s lung and cancer. (Let’s also not forget the wave of health problems faced by people who inhale the secondhand smoke produced by these small sticks.) After people take puffs off cigarettes, the chemicals enter the body and trigger the release of free radicals which can wreak deep damage on cells and deplete essential vitamins and minerals. However, while doctors do like to mention the lack of nutrients in smokers’ bodies, we have to ask one question: why is this conversation important? What is the importance of understanding a vitamin depletion in the bodies of smokers? Let’s take a closer look at this phenomenon and find out more.
The Trouble with Vitamin Depletion and Smokers
As indicated earlier, cigarette smoking triggers the release of free radicals which (in turn) inflict severe damage in our sensitive cells, which can ultimately lead to deadly illnesses like cancer. Keep in mind, though, that each of us is exposed to a horde of chemicals and toxins on a daily basis, and our bodies constantly produce free radicals. However, this is where vitamins enter the picture. In a healthy body, these special substances serve as a first line of defense by neutralizing free radicals (so they do not further damage our bodies). Now, combine the consistent act of smoking with the depletion of vitamins, and you can see why smokers are so susceptible to cancer.
Dynamic Duo: Vitamin C and Vitamin E
One of the biggest components to prevent the spread of free radicals is our horde of antioxidants, chemicals that donate electrons to these invaders without destroying themselves. Overall, two of the biggest champions of antioxidant production are vitamin C and vitamin E. These two chemicals not only help us fight inflammation but (as a result) also serve as a major line of defense for our immune systems. Ultimately, if you do smoke, the only option for healing and replenishing your antioxidant supply is to stop your cigarette use altogether.
Seeking Treatment for Cigarette Use
Nothing about smoking cigarettes is glamorous or appealing. Although this may have been a cultural and social fad at one point, these little sticks are filled nicotine and dangerous chemicals that can turn social occasions into a peg in the ladder of a shorter life span. Are you suffering from cigarette abuse or a severe case of nicotine addiction? Is one of your friends or your loved ones also suffering from one of these problems? In either case, get in touch with Asana Recovery today. Our professional team of counselors and healthcare experts are ready to walk you through every step of the rehabilitation process and guide you towards living a happier, healthier, and freer lifestyle.
If you are interested in one of our residential treatment or supervised detoxification/withdrawal programs, we are ready and waiting to speak with you at your disclosure. Call Asana now at (949) 438-4504 to learn how to break away from cigarettes for good.
