Smoking
Description
Smoking, a primary cause of preventable disease and death, involves the habit-forming inhalation of fumes from cigarettes, cigars, pipes or any other form of tobacco. Cigarette smoke contributes greater complicating disorders than do pipe or cigar smoke. Tobacco smoke of any form is an ubiquitous personal and environmental pollutant. It contributes to a condition known as passive smoking, when a nonsmoker must inhale the smoke of others. Children and newborns commonly suffer from the condition.
The chemical constituents of cigarette smoke are complicated; over 4,000 have been identified. Tar, nicotine and carbon monoxide are three particularly dangerous components; tar is a carcinogen, nicotine affects the nervous system, and carbon monoxide is an insidious poisonous gas which interferes with the transport of oxygen by the blood.
Emphysema and bronchitis are most often caused by smoking. Smoking also causes, or complicates, many other conditions including arteriosclerosis, asthma, Beuger's disease, cancer, diabetes mellitus, heartburn, indigestion, irritable bowel syndrome, periodontitis, phlebitis, premature labor, Raymond's disease, sinusitis, stillbirths and strokes.
Smoking is also is associated with a higher incidence of atherosclerosis. Autopsies show cigarette smokers have atherosclerosis to a greater extent than do nonsmokers. This increase in coronary heart disease may stem from smoking causing a decrease in the protective high density lipid (HDL) component of the blood. It has been shown as the number of cigarettes smoked increases, HDL levels decrease proportionately. Once smoking stops, the risk for coronary heart disease decreases, until it approaches that of a nonsmoker.
Women smokers who use oral contraceptives have an even higher risk of coronary heart disease and thromboembolism. The size of an intravenous blood clot which results from an injury tends to be larger in these women. This thrombus is more likely to occlude a clogged blood vessel, producing a heart attack or ischemia.
Heavy smoking has been associated with an increased incidence of peptic ulcers. Smoking may be a confounding variable rather than a causative agent since the smoker may have other risk factors for ulcers such as emotional anxieties or neuroses.
The treatment for smoking is to stop. Often, visiting a coronary care unit is the most effective deterrent.
Causes
Psychological factors.
Signs & Symptoms
The symptom of smoking is self-described. Other symptoms relate to the complicating disorder; impaired maximum exercise performance is common.
Characteristics of smokers include:
Drinking more ethanol, coffee, and tea (black) than the average individual
Having lower than normal weight
Hypotension
Having higher than normal heart rate
Nutritional Supplements
Structure & Function: Antioxidants
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General Supplements
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| Adult | |
| Beta-carotene | 10 - 20 mg |
| Cysteine | 100 - 500 mg |
| Selenium | 50 - 150 mcg |
| Vitamin C | 1,000 - 3,000 mg |
* Please refer to the respective topic for specific nutrient amounts.
Note: All amounts are in addition to those supplements having a Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA). Due to individual needs, one must always be aware of a possible undetermined effect when taking nutritional supplements. If any disturbances from the use of a particular supplement should occur, stop its use immediately and seek the care of a qualified health care professional.
Dietary Considerations
No diet is specifically prescribed for smoking by the American Dietetics Association. Barring any underlying health condition, an Immune Strengthening Diet should be followed to provide all the nutrients necessary for building a sound and disease-resistant body. Smoking may produce a vitamin C deficiency, therefore oral supplements should be taken to prevent the symptoms associated with vitamin C deficiency.
Drug Interactions
Contraindications:
Tobacco decreases blood levels of acetaminophen
Tobacco decreases blood levels of B12.
Tobacco speeds the elimination of benzodiazepines
Tobacco blocks cimetidine.
Estrogen is metabolized more quickly by tobacco.
Tobacco enhances glutethimide.
Tobacco increases risk of clots with oral contraceptives for women over age 30.
Phenylbutazone is metabolized more quickly by tobacco
Theophylline is metabolized more quickly by tobacco
Tobacco speeds the elimination of tricyclic antidepressants
Tobacco speeds the elimination of vitamin C
Homeopathic Remedy
1. Tabacum - 30C
2. Daphne indica - 15C
Treatment Schedule
Doses cited are to be administered on a 3X daily schedule, unless otherwise indicated. Dose usually continued for 2 weeks. Liquid preparations usually use 8-10 drops per dose. Solid preps are usually 3 pellets per dose. Children use 1/2 dose.
Legend
X = 1 to 10 dilution - weak (triturition)
C = 1 to 100 dilution - weak (potency)
M = 1 to 1 million dilution (very strong)
X or C underlined means it is most useful potency
Asterisk (*) = Primary remedy. Means most necessary remedy. There may be more than one remedy - if so, use all of them.
References
Boericke, D.E., 1988. Homeopathic Materia Medica.
Coulter, C.R., 1986. Portraits of Homeopathic Medicines.
Kent, J.T., 1989. Repertory of the Homeopathic Materia Medica.
Koehler, G., 1989. Handbook of Homeopathy.
Shingale, J.N., 1992. Bedside Prescriber.
Smith, Trevor, 1989. Homeopathic Medicine.
Ullman, Dana, 1991. The One Minute (or so) Healer.
Herbal Approaches
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Herbs
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Capsicum
Ginger
Licorice root
Lobelia
Milk thistle
Slippery Elm
Note: The misdirected use of an herb can produce severely adverse effects, especially in combination with prescription drugs. This Herbal information is for educational purposes and is not intended as a replacement for medical advice.
Discussion:
Capsicum is reputed to desensitize respiratory cells to irritants from cigarette smoke.
Ginger provides an "antidote" to any irritation from the use of Capsicum or Lobelia. It also aids in detoxification via perspiration.
Licorice root helps with the sugar balance.
Lobelia with a touch of Ginger discourages the taste for and addiction to nicotine.
Lobeline was, at one time, approved as a smoking deterrent by the FDA.
Milk thistle protects the liver from the toxins in cigarette smoke.
Slippery Elm relieves lung congestion and coughs.
Aromatherapy - Essential Oils
A number of aromatic herbs are mixed with tobacco in various parts of the world. The smoke, therefore, resembles, incense.
For someone trying to give up the habit but encountering various negative side effects, such as a state of nervousness, various calming essential oils would be most beneficial:
| Clary Sage Essence, | Lavender Essence, |
| Melissa Essence, | Ylang-Ylang Essence. |
Related Health Conditions
There are many conditions related to smoking, particularly:
Emphysema
Bronchitis
Pneumonia
Atherosclerosis
Heart disease
Cancer (especially lung cancer)
References
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