Cigarettes are the number one killer in America. They also increase your risk for stroke, heart disease, cancer, Crohn's Disease and high blood pressure. You also have a higher risk of developing bronchitis or psoriasis than your non-smoking counterparts. Though these are viable reasons to quit smoking, you may not be able to kick the highly addictive habit. However, by arming yourself with information on smoking's effects on your body, you may find the incentives you need to rid yourself of the toxic problem.
Smoking is Costly
Smoking is expensive, with pack-a-day smokers spending nearly $2,500 on cartons or packs. However, it's not just the packs of cigarettes that rob your wallet. Life insurance for a $1 million 20-year plan can easily reach $230 a month for a smoker, whereas a non-smoker with the same age and policy reaches around $55 a month. In addition, smoking increases your risk of dental issues, including gum disease. Thus, you'll be making more costly trips to the dentist than your non-smoking counterpart.
Smoking Can Cause Sexual Issues
Smoking is a common cause of erectile dysfunction. The same sexual hindrance is true for women. This is because smoking can affect your circulation, causing less blood flow to your genitals, explains Health.com. In addition, smoking causes low sperm count and sperm motility, which can dampen any attempts at trying to have a baby.
Smoking Increases the Aging Process
According to Mayoclinic.com, just 10 years of smoking can speed up the aging process. The nicotine present in cigarettes narrows the blood vessels in the outer layer of the skin. This inhibits blood flow, greatly reducing the amount of oxygen and essential vitamins your skin needs to keep it looking healthy and youthful. In addition, the 4,000 chemicals in cigarettes damage collagen and elastin, the substances in your body responsible for your skin's strength and elasticity. Because of this, your skin will experience sagging and wrinkles. Also contributing to these wrinkles are the repeated pursing of the lips and squinting of the eyes. This aging issue doesn't just manifest on your face; other areas, such as your inner arms, can experience wrinkling as well.
Smoking May Increases Caloric Intake
If you smoke, you may be habitually nibbling on unhealthy foods. This is because smoking increases cravings for foods, especially foods that are high in saturated fat and cholesterol. A 1998 meta-analysis showed that smokers experienced a significant increase in intakes of energy, total fat, saturated fat, alcohol and cholesterol. Further, the analysis showed that smokers take in lower amounts of healthy nutrients, such as vitamin A, vitamin E, fiber and beta carotene, than non-smokers. Such caloric intake can contribute to unhealthy weight gain.
Smoking May Cause Cosmetic Issues
In addition to wrinkling, smoking contributes to multiple cosmetic issues. For instance, smoking may permanently stain your fingers yellow. The habit can also cause yellow stains on your teeth. These may require professional removal. In addition, smoking can contribute to premature graying and baldness. In fact, men who smoke have twice the chance of becoming bald as non-smokers. Similarly, if you smoke, you are three to six times more likely to experience premature graying.
