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The U.S. Surgeon General reported
that cigarette smoking is the most significant risk factor for the development
of cancer and heart disease. Likewise, cigarette smoking increases your
risk of emphysema and chronic lung disease, stroke, osteoarthritis,
macular degeneration, hypertension and other conditions as well. There
is new data in recent years to indicate that even second hand smoke
can have fatal consequences. In general, the average smoker usually
dies about seven or eight years before a non-smoker.
Unfortunately, cigarette smoking
is extremely addictive and, in many cases, is difficult to eliminate.
Often many smokers can be in some level of denial and do not feel that
their life will necessarily be shortened by this addiction. There are
others that have made the comment that if they die prematurely, so be
it. What they don't recognize is that if one develops a stroke or chronic
lung disease, one may not die from this but be chronically disabled.
Proper diet and nutrition is extremely
important for the chronic smoker. It has been well reported in the medical
literature that many smokers have a relative deficiency of
vitamin
C and with supplementation
ascorbic acid levels can be repleted. Antioxidants in general can be
extremely beneficial in reducing the incidence of many of the diseases
caused by cigarette smoking. In particular there have been studies cited
in the literature describing benefits with
grape seed extract and flavonoids
from
green
tea.
In terms of smoking cessation, more
specific measures, such as nicotine replacement (either gum or patch)
can be effective. For other people acupuncture, hypnosis, visualization
might have some benefit. Some physicians recommend the gradual reduction
in cigarette smoking, especially if there is some enjoyment associated
with it. Instead of automatically lighting up one cigarette after another,
the smoker should instead choose certain times of the day when he or
she would smoke one or two cigarettes (such as during their morning
cup of coffee or at a lunch break). By following this routine, cigarette
smoking may go from one or two packs/day to just a few cigarettes daily.
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Nutrient Facts
and Recommendations for diseases associated with smoking:
-
Antioxidants
will help alleviate the oxidization of cells that lead to the incidence
of many diseases caused by cigarette smoking. Each day you must provide
your cells with the essential nutrients they need in order to function properly
and to repair the damage caused by the daily onslaught of free radicals.
The antioxidants found in the Synergy line of
multi-vitamins
will provide you with the free radical fighting elements you need for optimum
general health. Since oxidative damage of the eye can cause macular
degeneration, taking antioxidants may lower the disease’s occurrence. People
with high levels of
Vitamin
C,
Vitamin E,
and
Selenium
appear to have a 70% lower risk of developing macular degeneration.
-
Selenium
deficiency increases the risk of cancer. However, this does not prove that
taking selenium supplements will prevent cancer if you do not have a documented
deficiency. However, a recent study did find that selenium supplements can
dramatically reduce the incidence of cancer. The results were so impressive
that the researchers discontinued the study ("broke the code") because they
felt it was unethical to continue to give one group of patients the placebo.
The study was designed to detect selenium's effects on skin cancer. Although
no significant effect on skin cancer was found, the researchers found that
people taking selenium had a 50% reduction in overall cancer deaths and
significant decreases in cancer of the lung (40%), colon (50%), and prostate
(66%).
-
Green tea’s
active ingredient, polyphenols, may block
the formation of nitrosamines and other cancer-causing compounds and may
trap or detoxify carcinogens. Green tea may also exert an estrogen-blocking
effect that is helpful in preventing breast and uterine cancer, and another
study suggests that it might prevent the development of tumors by blocking
the growth of new blood vessels. The optimum dosage of green tea is unknown.
However, to reproduce the effects of the consumption in the observational
studies, you need to drink 3 cups of green tea daily or take 100 to 150
mg 3 times daily of a green tea extract standardized for 80% total polyphenols
and 55% epigallocatechin content. No significant side effects are associated
with green tea, other than those due to its caffeine content (which is fairly
low).
-
A rice bran derivative
called MGN-3, or Arabinoxylane compound has been shown to increase
natural killer cell activity and stimulate the production of anti-tumor
substances such as interferon in the body. Natural Killer cells (NK cells)
are those white blood cells that seek and destroy mutated cells, thus trying
to clean up the genetic damage caused by oxidation. It appears to assist
the body in retarding the growth of cancer cells.
-
A deficiency
of
Coenzyme Q10
is often associated with hypertension. When a dose of 50 mg is taken twice
daily, blood pressure drops noticeably.
-
The
fatty acids EPA
and DHA, found in Fish Oil, may lower blood pressure.
-
Magnesium
appears to ease hypertension. A dose of up to 500 mg daily appears effective.
-
The amino acid
Taurine has been shown to reduce blood pressure in both animals and
humans.
-
Vitamin C
has also been reported to lower blood pressure.
-
Garlic
lowers blood pressure. It is generally not powerful enough, however, to
be used as the sole treatment of hypertension.
-
Zinc
is needed by the retina to create enzymes needed for vision. 80 mg of Zinc
daily may decrease vision loss rate in patients with macular degeneration.
-
Ginkgo Biloba
appears to reduce the risk of macular degeneration. Gingko should not be
used by patients who are taking anticoagulant medications.
-
Bilberry
contains compounds which act as antioxidants in the retina, making it a
possible preventive measure for macular degeneration. It also strengthens
capillaries in the retina and reduces hemorrhaging.
(this article provided by VitaCost.com)
Wellness Plans for Respiratory Care
- Regular exercise and weight control
- Balanced diet emphasizing fresh fruits, vegetables and lots of fluids
- Avoid alcohol, smoking and air pollution
Recommended Supplements for Respiratory
Care
(Essential in
bold)
Read Related Links
on Respiratory Care
-
Respiratory Diseases (General) - a great resource links related to respiratory
health provided by the National Library of Medicine
-
Chest
Pain, Acute: Self-Care Flowcharts - provided by the American Academy
of Family Medicine
-
Questions about Smoking, Tobacco, and Health - provided by the American
Cancer Society
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Refresh Yourself! Stop Smoking- published by the National Heart,
Lung, and Blood Institute
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Facts about Lung Cancer - provided by the American Lung Association
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physician or other medical profession. You should not use the information
contained herein for diagnosing or treating a problem or disease, or prescribing
any medication. If you have or suspect that you have a medical problem, promptly
contact your health care provider. Information and statements regarding
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and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
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