People find it impossible to quit smoking or only have been able to reduce the number of cigarettes per day. Keeping cardiovascular system healthy would help one stay healthy while smoking. There are a number of ways to keep the cardiovascular system healthy while inhaling toxins on every puff. Following these habits will put one in a stronger place physically where every puff reduces its adverse effect.
Exercise
One of these habits is exercise. Moderate exercise strengthens the heart and reduces the risk of lung cancer, and other volatile diseases. Among the Smokers with post-traumatic stress syndrome (PTSD), the highest levels of PTSD symptoms occurred in regular smokers reporting low weekly exercise levels.
Studies show that exercise has reduced cigarette cravings and withdrawal symptoms. It also produced some non-significant—but yet still large—effects on reducing restlessness, stress, irritability, tension, and depression. It’s important not to overtax with physical exercise, though.
over exercising can cause free radical damage in the healthiest of people, but this damage is even worse in smokers. Yoga seems to be a better form of exercise. Many studies have shown it’s a great way to keep the cardiovascular system in shape and lower hypertension. Clinical trials have also concluded that yoga could help smokers quit smoking.
The Lungs and Your Diet
Everything consumed impacts the health of the lungs. This applies to all, but even more so in smokers.
Increase in the intake of fruits, green vegetables, and fibre rich food in the diet would minimize the damage to the lungs. The Mediterranean diet, rich in antioxidants and healthy fats, helps offset the ravages of cigarette smoking. It also helps reduce the risk of colorectal cancer in smokers.
Additionally, one might want to add a glass of Concord grape juice to the daily diet. Studies have shown that consuming concord grape juice strengthens the arteries and reduces arterial wall damage caused by smoking.
Arm with Antioxidant supplements
While one continues to smoke, it is advisable to load up on antioxidant supplements—both in the form of diet and supplement. More than often, any antioxidant can reduce the damage caused by cigarette smoke. Of all the N-acetyl cysteine and antioxidant vitamin C are most efficient.
In cell culture studies, NAC has protected human lung cells from damage caused by cigarette smoke.
Exposure to Cigarette smoke triggers the activation of nuclear factor kappa beta (NF-κB). The kappa beta is responsible for the inflammation that causes lung diseases. Vitamin C can stop the activation of NF-κB, reducing the inflammation in the lungs.
One last non-antioxidant nutrient that smokers should definitely add to their regimen is a good fish oil supplement. Fish oil can boost antioxidant levels that decline over time in smokers.
Find the Middle Ground
Obviously, People could stay healthier and live longer if they quit smoking. Yet, there are ways to keep body healthier in the endeavor to give up cigarettes completely.