We all know that smoking is bad for us, but how exactly does cigarette smoke do its damage? A new study performed at Uppsala University and Uppsala Clinical Research Center has found that smoking may cause genetic alterations that increase the risk for chronic disease.
Through examining the genes of smokers and of non-smoke tobacco users, the research team found a significant number of altered genes in the smokers, but not in the users of non-smoke tobacco.
Study leader Asa Johansson explains, “this means that the epigenetic modifications are likely not caused by substances in the tobacco, but by the hundreds of different elements that are formed when the tobacco is burnt.”
Specifically, the genes that were affected by smoking were those that may increase the risk of cancer and diabetes, as well as those that may affect immune response and sperm quality. Johansson says, “our results therefore indicate that the increased disease risk associated with smoking is partly caused by epigenetic changes.”
This is not to say that non-smoke tobacco is safe. On the contrary, these forms of tobacco, including chewing tobacco, have been associated with increased risk of certain cancers, including mouth cancer, as well as tooth and gum deterioration.
Besides numerous associations with increased risk of chronic disease, smoking may accelerate the aging process. In a comparison of non-smoking and smoking twin pairs, the twins who smoked had more mouth wrinkles, droopier upper eyelids, sagging lower eyelids, and were more likely to have jowls.
Quitting smoking may seem like a very difficult feat. However, a healthy, whole, organic diet may do wonders in keeping cravings to a minimum. Researchers has found that smokers who consumed a great deal of fruits and veggies found themselves less likely to smoke. This may be because the healthy foods increased satiety, and by some smokers, hunger is mistaken for cigarette cravings.
Crunchy, healthy snacks, such as raw fruit and veggie slices, or raw nuts, may also help keep cravings at bay, since chewing them exercises jaw muscles and provides relief for some of the “oral fixation” that smokers crave.
Whatever method you choose, a huge body of research plainly states that quitting smoking as soon as possible—preferably now—can do wonders for your current and future well-being.
Sources:
http://www.uu.se/en/media/news/article/?id=3111&area=2,10,16&typ=artikel&na=&lang=en
http://www.thealternativedaily.com/twin-study-says-smoking-really-make-appear-older
http://www.thealternativedaily.com/can-great-nutrition-help-end-smoking-habit-good
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