Smoking

Description

Alternative Names

Lifestyle Changes

It is so difficult to quit that smokers should never feel inadequate if they fail. In fact, self-recriminations and guilt only reinforce the low self-esteem and depression that helps cause smoking behavior in the first place. So the cycle continues. Everyone who smokes should simply assume that at some point they will be able to quit, even if they have relapsed many times. Whether or not smokers can stop smoking, they and former smokers should begin immediately to change any other behaviors that might be damaging their health.

Exercise

Any smoker who is able to and is not exercising should start after discussing an appropriate program with their physician. Regular exercise reduces a smoker's risk of heart disease (although still not to the level of a nonsmoker). Exercise does not lower a smoker's risk for lung cancer or emphysema.

Small cell carcinoma, also called oat cell carcinoma, can create its own hormones, which alter body chemistry.

Regular Check-Ups

Smokers should be assiduous about screening programs for any disorders that are increased with smoking. They should have their cholesterol and blood pressure checked regularly. Women should have annual Pap smears (which are used to detect cervical cancer). All older adults should be screened for colon cancer. Smokers might ask their physicians about computed tomography (CT) screening programs, which are becoming increasingly available and might detect lung cancer in early stages. (At this time, they are not usually covered by insurance.)

Healthy Diet

Everyone should also maintain a healthy diet, with foods rich in whole grains and fruits and vegetables (particularly dark colored ones). Saturated fats should be avoided, and people should choose monounsaturated fats, which are contained in olive oil or fats from oily fish. (All fats are high in calories and former smokers particularly should be careful to use even these fats in moderation.) Two studies have indicated that eating fish more than twice a week might help limit the tobacco damage in people who are not heavy smokers (more than a pack and a half a day).

Vitamins and Supplements

Even with a healthful diet, however, smoking reduces the levels of a number of vitamins, importantly vitamin C. Some research suggests that supplements of folic acid, a B vitamin, and the antioxidants vitamins E and C and selenium may improve lung function or reduce the damage done by cigarette smoke. According to two studies, daily vitamin E supplements were associated with reduced risk for prostate cancer among smokers, and in another, higher levels of vitamin E were associated with a lower risk for lung cancer. It should be strongly noted that taking another well known antioxidant, beta-carotene, has been associated in more than one study with higher rates of lung cancer in smokers. The best way of achieving healthy levels of important nutrients is from healthy foods.

Click the icon to see an image of the benefits of vitamin E.

Click the icon to see an image of the sources of vitamin E.

Protecting the Smoker in Special Circumstances

Pregnant Women. Women who are pregnant and continue to smoke must be sure to take appropriate vitamins, particularly folic acid. In this way, they might reduce the increased risk of fetal injury and death, although they do not eliminate that risk.

Smokers with Heart Disease. Smokers who have had a heart attack and are still smoking may dramatically reduce their risk for another heart attack by taking aspirin. This agent may also have some protection against lung cancer. Long-time use, however, increases the risk for gastrointestinal bleeding (which is also higher in smokers).