Once viewed as glamorous and fashionable, smoking has endured decades of documented evidence mounting against its effects on physical health. Aside from the increased risks of future diseases such as cancer and emphysema, smoking may impact your current efforts to lead a physically active life, due to its effect upon your body's energy systems.
Oxygen
Oxygen molecules, taken in through the natural process of breathing, are delivered by the blood to the cells of the body for use as energy. However, Cancer Research UK states that chemicals inhaled through smoking "can constrict your airways, forcing your lungs to do more work and making breathing difficult." Further, the website Smoking-Cessation.org explains that the carbon monoxide in cigarette smoke inhibits the ability of your red blood cells to transport oxygen. "Less oxygen means less energy."
Appetite
While stimulating appetite is your brain's normal response to detecting a negative energy balance, smoking can upset this process. Researchers for the Department of Pharmacology and the Cooperative Research Center for Chronic Inflammatory Diseases found that mice exposed to cigarette smoke three times a day for four days exhibited a 30 percent lower food intake than a control group, and a subsequent negative balance of energy and loss of body weight.
Immune System
According to the Department of Internal Medicine at the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine, "smokers are more prone than nonsmokers to infection by certain organisms" because "tobacco smoke can alter both the structure and immunological defenses of the lungs against infection." Increased incidence of illness brings additional demands to the body's energy, as the immune system works to fight infection. Smoking-Cessation.org notes that these impairments to the immune system "are reversible if the smoker stops smoking."
Other Habits
Smoking is often linked to other unhealthy habits, including lower nutrient intake, which could, over time, impact an individual's energy levels. In a study conducted by the Department of Food and Nutrition at Sookmyung Women's University in Korea, subjects were divided into groups based upon how often they smoked, and data regarding their health and habits was compiled. The heaviest smokers were observed to have "undesirable lifestyle and dietary habits," such as high consumption of coffee and alcohol and low intake of iron and vitamin C.
Warning
The information presented in this article is in no way meant to replace the guidance of a health care professional. Prior to making any lifestyle changes that could potentially alter your mental, physical or emotional health, always consult your physician.
References
- Cancer Research UK: Smoking and Cancer: What Happens in Your Body?
- Smoking-Cessation.org: Clearing the Air on the Hard Facts of What Smoking Does to Your Body
- The Medical News: Smoking Can Dramatically Affect Appetite and Weight Control
- PubMed.gov: Therapeutic Considerations: Lower Respiratory Tract Infections in Smokers
- PubMed.gov: Nutrient Intake and Bone Health Status of Korean Male College Students As Related to Smoking Situations
