Experts indicate seven damage that the cigarette causes the body, in addition to those often associated with smoking
The cigarette is one of the greatest enemies of health as a whole. Although they are often associated with lung and brain problems, its risks go far beyond. Smoking can even cause various damage to the body, especially for metabolism, skin, hair, reproductive system, heart, kidneys and peripheral circulation. Understand how this happens with the explanation of the experts. Check:
Nutrient absorption problems
The habit of smoking is also able to influence the nutritional aspects of the body. “By acting on the central nervous system, cigarettes cause a decrease in appetite, as it affects the activity of neurotransmitters who are responsible for controlling hunger, as well as changing the taste and smell, reducing the taste and aroma of food”, says Dr. Marcella Garcez, director and teacher of the Brazilian Nutrogy Association (Abran).
“In addition, the cigarette promotes a thermogenic effect, accelerating the metabolism, which leads to weight loss and reduces the oxygenation of the body’s tissues, which causes premature and accelerated aging”, warns the doctor.
Skin inflammation and complications after aesthetic treatments
Even the cigarette does not correspond to the health of the skin. “Smoking accelerates aging, since the toxic substances present in cigarettes cause peripheral vasoconstriction, reducing the blood flow to the skin tissue, which affects the release of nutrients in this region. This has consequences in the loss of the lush and brightness of the skin and also promotes the lounge of the tissue. Dr. Monica Aribi, dermatologist and effective partner of the Brasilian Society of Dermatology.
Those who undergo surgery or a aesthetic procedure should also avoid smoking. “This is because there is a greater incidence of surgical complications in patients with smokers due to the vasoconstriction of cigarettes, including pulmonary thrombosis, infection, hematoma, tissue necrosis and quality of the scar quality”, explains the plastic surgeon Dr. Beatriz Lassance, a complete member of the Brazilian society of plastic surgery.
“Some studies indicate an increase up to four times the number of complications and complications due to smoking, both in the respiratory tract and in the risk of necrosis and difficulty of healing of the operated area, for example,” he adds.
Damage to the scalp and wires
The habit of smoking can also damage the scalp and consequently the threads. “The toxic substances present in cigarettes can lead to vasoconstriction, thus reducing oxygenation and contribution of nutrients, which are essential for hair to remain healthy and grow correctly”, explains Dr. Jaqueline Zmijevski, a dermatologist by the Brazilian society of dermatology (SBD). “In addition, the cigarette makes the yellow and opaque threads because of oxidation,” he adds.
The cigarette affects fertility
The cigarette is one of the main causes of infertility, since the toxic components present in the product, such as nicotine and tar, seriously worsen the reproductive quality. “In women, smoking is able to encourage the deterioration of eggs, aging up to ten years and accelerating the beginning of menopause. In fact, this is particularly harmful today, since women want to get pregnant later”, warns dr. Rodrigo Rosa, a specialist in human reproduction and in the clinical director of the Prime Mater Clinic.
In men, the habit of smoking reduces the amount of sperm and fragments of the sperm DNA. This, in turn, reduces the capacity for fertilization, in addition to contributing to the loss of sexual appetite and erectile dysfunction, explains the professional.
Broken heart
The nephrologist and Dr. Intensivute Caroline Reaugada, informs that every time the cigarette smoke, heart rate and blood pressure is temporarily inhaled. “Your heart must beat faster and faster than normal. Cholesterol levels are also out of control, since cigarette smoke increases LDL levels (bad ” cholesterol) and fat in the blood called triglycerides. This makes a fat plate accumulate in their arteries, increasing the risk of heart attacks”, explains the doctor.
Therefore, quitting smoking is a great way to improve heart health. According to studies, only 20 minutes after arrest, blood pressure and heart rate decrease. “In 2-3 weeks, the blood flow begins to improve. After a year without cigarettes, you are half of the probability of suffering from heart disease compared to when you smoked. After 5 years, the risk is almost the same as someone who has never turned on a cigarette,” says Caroline.
The cigarette causes kidney disease and kidney cancer
Smoking is one of the main risk factors that can lead to terminal kidney diseases, says the nephrologist, Dr. Caroline. Lists some of the possible ways to smoke can hurt
- Increase in blood pressure and heart rate;
- Reduction of blood flow in the kidneys;
- Increase in the production of Angiotensina II (a renal hormone);
- Narrowing of the blood vessels in the kidneys;
- Damage in the arteriole (rams of the arteries);
- Formation of arteriosclerosis (thickening and hardening) of the kidney arteries;
- Acceleration of the loss of renal function.
According to the American Association of Renal Patient (AAKP), studies show that smoking can cause progression of kidney diseases and increase the risk of proteinuria (excessive amount of protein in the urine), adds the nephrologist.
Changes in peripheral circulation
Circulation is one of the structures that suffer most from smoking. “The cigarette can cause circulatory problems such as arteriosclerosis and trombongeitis of obliteity, a disorder that affects the ends of the body. In both cases, there are risks of amputation of limbs such as legs, feet and hands”.
In addition, nicotine is linked to the reduction of the thickness of the blood vessels, just like carbon monoxide reduces the concentration of oxygen in the blood. “The entire process can cause complications for the normal functioning of the vessels, which are more susceptible to use and can lead to thrombosis processes, especially when there are risk factors involved”, underlines the expert.
How to abandon the cigarette
The arrest of cigarettes is not a simple task. “Studies show that only 15% of people trying to quit smoking without professional help.
“Looking for any activity that will be pleased. Try to start a physical activity, it is the greatest antioxidant that exists. The consumption of energy of the moving body forces our body to produce antioxidants in a huge way, which protects us from free radical action and also helps to reduce anxiety. Any physical activity is important. The greater the number of muscles that move, better”, concludes Dr. Beatriz.
Source: Terra

Ben Stock is a lifestyle journalist and author at Gossipify. He writes about topics such as health, wellness, travel, food and home decor. He provides practical advice and inspiration to improve well-being, keeps readers up to date with latest lifestyle news and trends, known for his engaging writing style, in-depth analysis and unique perspectives.