Reason #1: Is known to cause cancer
We
all have heard about the fact that cigarette smoking causes cancer. But if you
thought that cigarette smoking only led to lung cancer you are quite mistaken.
Smoking leads to cancer of the nose, mouth, larynx (voice
box), trachea, esophagus, stomach, pancreas, kidneys, bladder, cervix, bone
marrow and blood.
Wondering how it happens? Well, when you smoke, the entire process – right from
when you light up your cigarette to when you exhale – leads to several drastic
and disastrous effects in the body. Out of the 41,000 chemicals in cigarettes,
a large percentage are known to be carcinogenic (cancer causing). These
chemicals combined with the heat of the smoke leads to mutations in your cells causing
them to multiply in an uncontrolled manner, leading to cancer.
Reason
#2: Leads to formation of wrinkles and premature ageing
We
try a number of ways to fight the signs of ageing, right from creams to diets
to even surgical treatments, but did you know that if you quit smoking you can
actually cut down the appearance of fine lines and other signs of ageing by
half? Yes, smoking leads to the appearance of fine lines(especially around the
eyes and lips), age spots, puffy eyes, dull, dry and lifeless skin. How it
happens is that the chemicals present in cigarettes cause the fine capillaries
under your skin to contract and constricts the blood flow to your skin. This
lack of blood and fresh oxygen causes your skin to look dull and lifeless. So
much so that the habit leads to permanent damage to connective fibers like
elastin and collagen – leading to the formation of permanent lines and
wrinkles.
Reason
#3: Weakens your heart, putting you twice at risk of suffering from a heart
attack and stroke
According
to the CDC (Center for Disease Control), a smoker is two to four times likelier
to suffer from coronary artery disease and stroke than a non-smoker. Moreover,
people who smoke have a 25 times greater risk of suffering from lung cancer.
Here’s how; the chemicals present in cigarette smoke affects the entire
composition of your blood; making it thicker and more prone to formation of
blood clots. Apart from that it also causes the constriction of your blood
vessels, increases your blood pressure (since it makes your heart beat faster),
and leads to the formation of plaque – increasing your chances of suffering
from cardiovascular and heart disease. Find out more about how your smoking could give your loved ones a heart
attack
Reason
#4: Ruins your lungs lowering your stamina and lung capacity
Cigarettes
have a large number of chemicals which leave a considerable amounts of residue
in your lungs, airways and your entire body in general. All this residue ends
up clogging your lungs leading to breathing problems and lowered lung
function. This lack of fresh oxygen and blood to various parts of your body
causes fatigue and breathlessness. Research has shown that smoking can lead to
COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease), emphysema, chronic bronchitis,
pneumonia, lung infections, asthma and increases one’s risk of suffering from
TB (tuberculosis).
Reason
#5: Can cause premature ejaculation and lowers libido
A
condition commonly associated with older men, premature ejaculation is quite
commonly seen in younger men who smoke. That is because the habit leads to a
lack of blood flow, lowered sensation in the penis, heart disease and lack of
stamina. All these factors put together lead to the lack of proper function of
the male reproductive system, causing premature ejaculation. Apart from that,
research conducted at the University of Arizona found that smoking directly
impacts a man’s sexual desire, stamina and overall interest in sex. And
that’s not all, another study conducted at the University of Kentucky found
that men who smoked had an overall lesser desire to engage in sexual activity
when compared to non-smokers – as early as when they were in their late 20s and
early 30s.
Reason
#6: Is a leading cause for erectile dysfunction
If
you have been finding it difficult to maintain an erection of late, it’s
probable your cigarettes are to blame. According to a paper published by the
NHS on the link between smoking and erectile dysfunction; smoking leads to the
constriction of blood vessels that directly leads to the inability to
maintaining an erection (since smoking lowers the amount of blood that flows to
the penis). The chemicals present in cigarettes also alter the way the blood
vessels around your penis expand and can lead to the formation of blocks in the
arteries lowering the amount of blood that rushes to the penis when aroused.
Moreover, nicotine is known to affect the blood vessels supplying the penis
directly, making it difficult for you to have and maintain an erection.
Reasons
# 7: Makes your bones brittle
A
large number of studies have found that smoking leads to loss in bone density
by increasing the amount of calcium leeched from the bones. This loss in bone
density leads to early onset of osteroporosis (especially in women since
smoking affects the amount of oestrogen produced), joint pain and even loss of
teeth due to excessive loss of bone density in the jaws. This factor also
puts you at risk of suffering from frequent fractures and slower healing of
injuries.
Reason
# 8: Stains your teeth
Cigarettes
contain tar, a chemical that coats your teeth lending them a yellowish tinge.
This tar is difficult to clean with brushing and usually forms permanent stains
on a smoker’s teeth. Apart from that the habit also kills the good bacteria in
your mouth, increases the amount of saliva secreted and causes a higher amount
of tartar formation on your teeth.
Reason
# 9: Causes bad breath
This
not only relates to the commonly known ‘smoker’s breath’, but in some cases may
lead to severe and persistent bad breath. Apart from killing off the good
bacteria in your mouth, smoking is also known to cause problems with digestion,
throat infections and build up of chemicals within the oral cavity (an
unhealthy throat and stomach are one of the key reasons for bad breath, apart
from poor oral hygiene). Not only does smoking cause conditions like oral
thrush but also leads to a condition called ‘smoker’s palate’ (where the roof
of the mouth is covered with cigarette residue, leading to formation of small
red spots on the palate) which is one of the main reasons for bad breath.
Thought
smoking only affects your lungs? Well, here is an eye opener for you (pun
intended); smoking also affects your vision. According to the CDC smoking
increases one’s risk of suffering from cataracts, age related macular
degeneration and optic nerve damage and can actually make you go blind.
Reference:
- NHS - http://www.sct.nhs.uk/_documentbank/pd6039_SmokingErectileDysfunction1.pdf
- How stuff works – http://health.howstuffworks.com/skin-care/beauty/skin-and-lifestyle/smoking-affect-skin.htm
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