Why nicotine is so dangerous

The problems associated with cigarettes, chews, and pipes reside with the nicotine, the active ingredient in tobacco, as well as the plethora of chemicals and substances found within. Tobacco leaves are cured in sugar; when smoked, they raise blood sugar levels, which then plummet. Also in response to nicotine, the body produces the energizing hormone adrenaline, which speeds up metabolism to help eliminate the smoke’s toxins. This elevates circulation and the heart rate. As the body rids itself of the nicotine, the body initially relaxes, but eventually becomes uncomfortable and depressed. At this point, the smoker usually feels anxious to ingest more tobacco.⁷

These stimulant-sedative ups and downs, along with the many toxins the body must endure, stress the adrenal glands, which are the body’s “stress-regulators.”¹ The more nicotine that is ingested, the more compromised the adrenals become. When these glands become worn out, the body is less able to deal with illness, trauma, allergies, injury, and daily stress in general.^{2 7} Nicotine also takes a toll on the thyroid, another gland that directs the body’s metabolism and energy output for all body functions. Research shows that smoking can cause a three to five fold increase in the risk of all types of thyroid disease,³ which can lead to any number of symptoms including weight gain, poor circulation, fatigue, and emotional disturbances.

Depression – common culprit

Depression is a catch-22 when it comes to smoking. It appears that not only does a history of depression increase the risk of smoking, but that a history of smoking also increases one’s risk of developing depression.⁴ Interestingly, smoking causes a temporary rise in serotonin, the brain chemical that makes us feel happy and calm, and is often in short supply in those suffering depression.^1 18

Another indication of the smoking-depression link is that the commonly prescribed drug for smoking cessation (Zyban™) is an antidepressant; helping smokers lose interest and minimizing physical withdrawal symptoms upon quitting. Zyban is believed to increase the availability of two feel-good neurotransmitters that influence thoughts, behaviors, motivation, and the feeling of pleasure.⁵

Toxic Burdon

As if it couldn’t get worse, tobacco smoke contains over 4000 chemical constituents, with 60 of those being known carcinogens (cancer-causing substances ).^{6 7 8} In addition to herbicides and pesticides used in the tobacco fields, chemicals are added to the tobacco mix to enhance burning, and there are bleaches in the rolling papers.⁷ For example, tobacco-specific nitrosamines (TSNAs) are a class of potent carcinogens known to induce lung cancer.^{9 10 11 12} Among both men and women, lung cancer takes more lives in the U.S. than any other cancer.¹³ Smoking also contributes to high blood pressure, hardening of the arteries, osteoporosis, and complications in pregnancy.¹⁴

What about non-smokers? Smoking “exhaust,” or secondhand smoke, can also lead to serious harm, such as increased bronchitis, pneumonia and other chest illnesses, lung cancer, and cardiovascular disease.¹⁵ These effects are particularly harmful to our children. For instance, secondhand smoke increases a child’s chances of recurrent ear infections,¹⁶ even if the smoking is only done outside the home.¹⁷

Quitting – why is it so hard?

Two separate dependencies are involved in the challenge of quitting: physical withdrawal, and the psychological habit. In addition to intense cravings, withdrawal symptoms may include nervousness, constipation, irritability, headache, difficulty concentrating, stomach cramps, tremors, disrupted sleep, increased appetite, and more. Quitting means getting past this period of withdrawal and beating the nicotine addiction.¹⁴ To make the break as smooth as possible, pack your quitting arsenal backpack with a proper diet, nutritional supplementation, and stress management, along with providing the body with the necessary nutrients to detoxify and rebuild nicotine-related deficiencies.

Nutrition Matters

An aspiring quitter has a better chance of tapering off tobacco if the desired effects from nicotine, such as alertness and energy, are achieved naturally, through better food choices. Unfortunately, smoking encourages poor dietary habits. Its effects on blood sugar spark one’s cravings for sugar and refined carbohydrates like breads and baked goods. Similarly, the drain smoking causes on serotonin reserves frequently results in ravenous cravings for anything that will artificially increase its production, like refined carbohydrates, coffee, sodas, alcohol, and other drugs. Therefore, making sure serotonin levels are stabilized and its production is supported is instrumental in overcoming addictions.¹⁸ The below three concepts will help make this happen.

1. Eat REAL foods

This includes fresh fruits and vegetables; humanely- and sustainably-raised and/or farmed meat, poultry, and fish; and healthy fats like olive oil, coconut oil, avocados, and pasture-raised butter. Nuts, seeds, fermented dairy products, and pasture-raised eggs are also fantastic foods. Each individual’s balance of these wholesome choices will be different; just dive in and start experimenting with what works for you. Organic varieties are always preferred; the fewer toxins taken in, the more energy the body has to eliminate those already stored.

2. Include healthy protein and fat into every meal

These two nutrients help the body absorb foods more slowly and help keep blood sugar stable. The brain also makes serotonin from tryptophan, which is an essential amino acid found in high-protein foods like turkey, grass-fed meat, dairy products, and eggs.¹  Another amino acid found in protein, tyrosine, has also been shown to increase dopamine concentration and support stress reduction.¹⁹ Fat is vital for brain function and coping with stress,²⁰ meaning adequate amounts are necessary to think clearly and make the best choices for health. Even cholesterol, found readily in egg yolks, is needed for proper function of serotonin receptors in the brain.^{21 22}

3. Minimize processed foods

This includes refined sugar and flour, damaged fats like hydrogenated oils, sweetened beverages like soda, most prepared cereals, artificial sweeteners, and anything containing unpronounceable ingredients (preservatives and additives). These foods strain the body tremendously and hold zero healing power.

Nutritional supplementation withdrawal support

Supplemental goals for kicking the “nic” habit are to replace the nutrients and substances nicotine leaches from the body, support the adrenal glands from the stress of this stimulant, and help calm cravings.

Vitamin C

Vitamin C not only helps ease withdrawal symptoms and cravings,^7 14 it also acts as an antioxidant within the adrenal cortex itself, which helps manage stress.^{23 24} As is the case with many other nutrients, smoking depletes the body’s supply of vitamin C. Replacing what is lost and increasing one’s intake helps detoxify the body, which is desperately needed for the average smoker.^7 14 Linus Pauling, the famous vitamin C researcher, conducted an interesting study with smokers. When the participants craved a cigarette, they took an orange, made a hole in it, and sucked out the juice. Within three weeks, the participants showed a 79% overall decrease in cigarette consumption, and 20% had quit all together. The success of this experiment was believed to be two-fold. First, oranges are high in vitamin C. Second, the sucking action on a cigarette-shaped straw helped the body break its psychological dependency.⁷

B Vitamins

B Vitamins have a sedative effect on the nerves and are vital in adrenal function. Stress causes B vitamins to be quickly depleted.^{25 26} Several of the group of B vitamins also help minimize cellular damage from tobacco’s tars and nicotine.⁷

Vitamin A

Vitamin A (not beta carotene) works as an antioxidant, and aids in the healing of the mucous membranes of the lungs.^7 8 Most cod liver oil supplements are an excellent source of this nutrient and have the added benefit of the essential fatty acids so vital for brain function, inflammation reduction, and immune health. In addition to vitamin A, consider taking a variety of antioxidant nutrients, like pycnogenol, selenium, and zinc, to help further reduce the damage caused by nicotine intake.^7 8

Calcium/Magnesium

Calcium/Magnesium both help relax the body and calm the nervous system.²⁰ Magnesium is also involved in adrenal hormone production. If magnesium levels are low in the body, there is an increase in stress hormones.²⁷

Lobeline

Lobeline, the active substance in lobelia, has been used as a traditional herbal approach to help people stop smoking.²⁸ Preliminary trials suggest lobeline may improve lung function, perhaps by its abilities to reduce bronchial constriction and to thin mucus so that it can be coughed out.²⁹ Lobelia, which is chemically similar to nicotine, may also help satisfy nicotine cravings.⁷ Excess can cause intestinal upset, thus use as the bottle directs.

L-Glutamine

L-Glutamine helps curb the blood sugar highs inherent to tobacco addiction. When the brain is low on glucose (blood sugar), it can burn glutamine instead. Follow the directions on the bottle, or try two 500 mg capsules three times per day between meals. For quick relief of cravings, try placing 500 mg of powder (either from powder supplement or opening a capsule) under the tongue.^2 7

Other natural suggestions for supporting smoking cessation include ashwagandha, an Ayurvedic herb, which strengthens and nourishes bodily systems, enhancing overall levels of immunity, energy, and vitality as well as helping the body adapt to stress. 5-HTP (5-hydroxytryptophan) supplies the body with a form of the amino acid tryptophan that the body converts into serotonin, which is artificially stimulated by nicotine and may be low in those dealing with depressive feelings.³⁰ There are also a number of homeopathic products available that may help curb cravings and ease the transition. Finally, acupuncture and acupressure have been shown to influence dopamine activity and help curb cravings.³¹ Bear in mind, many natural methods and remedies can be used in conjunction with patches, gums, and other techniques for reducing nicotine cravings.

Smoking sure isn’t what is used to be. It may have looked suave in the black and white movies, but in full color, things are much different. Natural help to kick the “nic” habit is ready and waiting. Regardless of the methods used to support withdrawal, quitting can be challenging. Nevertheless, it is well worth the effort, not only for your personal health, but of those around you as well.

References

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