The Effects Of Smoking And Healing The Lungs
Do you smoke or have you recently given up this habit? In both cases, it is good to know that there are vitamins that can cure the lungs of the effects of smoking.
Many people are not aware that it is not enough to quit smoking in order for their body to be in better shape again. Smoking is, in fact, an addiction caused by nicotine. This drug causes major damage to cells and organs in the body, and these structures do not heal on their own or completely.
Fortunately, there are nutrient-rich foods that counteract the damage caused by nicotine. They help to heal the lungs and prevent respiratory diseases.
In this article, we show you what are the essential vitamins for healing the lungs affected by tobacco.
1. Vitamin C cures the lungs from the effects of smoking
Smoking reduces the amount of vitamin C in the body by 25%. Therefore, it is necessary to increase the intake of this nutrient.
Lack of vitamin C predisposes you to infections because your immune system is weakened. At the same time, this deficit can cause:
- Early appearance of wrinkles
- Insomnia
- Gum problems such as pain, inflammation and mild bleeding.
Foods rich in vitamin C are:
- Kiwi
- lemon
- mandarins
- Grapefruit
- pineapple
If you still smoke, you need to consume three times more vitamin C to heal your lungs.
If you are trying to quit smoking, it is good to know that vitamin C reduces the “craving” for nicotine.
2. Vitamin A
Vitamin A or beta-carotene deficiency can cause changes in the immune system. Therefore, it can increase the number of infectious diseases of the respiratory system.
You can find this nutrient in:
- Plums
- Pumpkin
- Mango
- Peaches
- Grapefruit pink
- Lettuce
- Mangrove beets
- Watermelon
- Tomatoes
- Carrot
- Broccoli
3. Vitamin E
Vitamin E decreases the risk of lung tumors caused by tobacco use. It is also called tocopherol and is a fat-soluble vitamin that works as an antioxidant that helps protect essential fats.
To enjoy the above benefits and heal your lungs, it is important to consume vitamin E. Some natural sources are:
- Egg yolk
- Peanuts
- Coconut
- Cereals, rice, soy
- Broccoli
- Lettuce
- Brussels sprouts
- Wholemeal bread
In addition to healing the lungs from the effects of smoking, vitamin E also helps treat other problems, such as:
- Alzheimer’s disease
- Premenstrual syndrome
- Infertility in men
4. Vitamin B9
Vitamin B9 or folic acid contributes to the production of red blood cells. They help prevent anemia and maintain healthy skin.
Vitamin B9 not only cures the lungs of the effects of smoking, but also helps the proper functioning of the central nervous system. This nutrient plays an important role in the synthesis of transmitters.
As if that wasn’t enough, vitamin 9 helps active smokers quit this habit. To get this vitamin, you need to consume:
- Avocado
- Onion
- Garlic
- soy
- oleaginous
- Strawberries
- Raisins
- Lemon
- Carrot
- Pumpkin
Other ways to prevent lung disease caused by smoking
- Avoid unhealthy foods, such as french fries or foods that contain artificial sweeteners.
You need to be very careful with certain foods, such as sour drinks. They cause changes in the nervous system and intestines, which accentuates the negative effects of smoking.
- Add tryptophan-rich foods to your diet. This amino acid is responsible for the production of serotonin.
A high level of serotonin helps fight anxiety, a very useful effect for people who have made the decision to quit smoking.
- Increases calcium intake.
Nicotine damage accelerates bone loss as we age. A higher calcium intake slows down this effect and helps maintain healthy bones. In this way, the risk of fractures and other problems in the bone system decreases.
- Exercise helps strengthen the lungs and heart.
Daily physical activities train your heart. This effect helps to improve blood circulation and prevent thrombosis in the arteries which, in the long run, could lead to a heart attack.
Exercise also helps fight high blood pressure and improve lung function. Thus, you can maintain a stable rhythm of breathing (between 14 and 24 breaths per minute).
It is important to remember that tobacco is one of the most important risk factors in the development of a multitude of serious diseases.
If you want to quit smoking, it is not advisable to take high doses of beta-carotene supplements in the long run.
