Effect of smoking on a person's nutritional status

Tobacco smoke contains over 100 carcinogens, KCN, As, benzene, polonium, ammonia, cadmium, formaldehyde and free radicals. However, the most significant component is nicotine, which is more addictive than heroin. One cigarette contains 15 mg of nicotine; a smoker absorbs approximately 1-3 mg. However, the amount is individual, depending on the method of smoking. For example, smoking menthol cigarettes causes irritation of the cold receptors. The smoker then does not perceive the irritants and absorbs the smoke and therefore the nicotine even more.

The lethal dose is 60 mg of nicotine.

Hookah smoking
Nicotine needs the alkaline pH of water pipes to be absorbed, so it is more easily absorbed. In addition, cooler smoke is easier to inhale than normal smoke, which is why we inhale more nicotine when smoking a hookah. If you take a big drag, you inhale 10 times more than smoking a regular cigarette.

Second-hand smoke - same risk to blood vessels

Effect of smoking on weight
In general, smokers have higher energy intake and a less balanced diet - less fiber, vitamins, unsaturated fatty acids, fruits, vegetables. In addition, nicotine modifies taste in the smoker. In addition, lipophilic nutrients in the digestive tract degenerate with exposure to smoke (lutein, lycopene, antioxidants). Supplementation with vitamins does not improve endothelial function, in combination vit. C and vit. A further increases the risk.

Nicotine decreases appetite by affecting serotoninu and dopamine efflux. In addition, nicotine increases basal metabolic rate by about 800 kJ, which is why smokers lose weight more easily. Furthermore, nicotine slows down gastric peristalsis and speeds up intestinal peristalsis. This is why smokers may suffer from constipation during cessation. Smokers have higher LDL cholesterol, lower HDL, which are risk factors for developing dyslipidemia, diabetes mellitus, obesity, metabolic syndrome. They also have impaired glucose tolerance, which is impaired by active and passive smoking.

Risks of smoking in pregnancy
Smoking during pregnancy causes:
 * lower fetal birth weight;
 * hypoxia, higher risk of asphyxia;
 * hypovitaminosis, lower levels of vitamin C;
 * reduces the likelihood of breastfeeding.

Withdrawal therapy
During withdrawal, there is often a weight gain of about 6 kg. Therefore, drinking, limiting sugary and fatty foods, and physical activity are important. In addition, constipation' is a risk, as nicotine no longer accelerates bowel motility. Strict diets are inappropriate, they can lead the smoker to the cigarette again. Support with pharmacotherapy for 3–6 months is important. Most importantly, the smoker must change his stereotypes and want to quit smoking.

Related articles

 * Nutritional needs and recommendations at different stages of life
 * Nutritional Epidemiology
 * Preventing Tobacco Dependence
 * Substance Abuse