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Diet
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Diet and Nutrition For People Who SmokePeople who smoke cigarettes or any form of tobacco have increased nutritional needs due to their intake of carcinogens and other cancer-causing chemicals. Smokers have a significantly increased risk of ill-health, involving serious diseases like: lung cancer, hypertension, atherosclerosis, heart attack, stroke, deterioration of lung capacity (emphysema) and more. A healthy diet will not compensate for these health risks, but may delay their development. Increased Need For Antioxidants in Daily Smokers DietTobacco smoke leads to increased levels of free radicals - carcinogenic or cancer-causing agents - and a corresponding need for protective antioxidants that can neutralise them. The main antioxidant vitamins are vitamin C and vitamin E (works best with selenium). Phytochemicals such as bioflavonoids and carotenoids (eg. beta-carotene) are especially rich in antioxidants. How To Increase Your Antioxidant ReservesIf you are a cigarette smoker and wish to reduce your risk of lung cancer, you must eat plenty of antioxidant rich foods.
[A serving is approx 1 medium fruit, or 1/2 cup chopped] Best Diet Foods For Vitamin CA smoker needs 400+ percent more vitamin C than a non-smoker. Here is a list of the best dietary sources of vitamin C. Fruits Vegetables Fruit Juices Note: bioflavonoids are found in most vitamin C rich foods. Importance of Carotenoids in Daily Smokers DietCarotenoids are pigments found in all plants. All carotenoids are antioxidants, with beta-carotene being the most common example. It is found in all green plants (eg. spinach), and orange and yellow plants, such as carrots and melons. Clinical trials indicate that - when consumed in foods, not supplements - betacarotene reduces certain precancerous symptoms. How To Eat Enough Carotenoids
Importance of Brassicas in Daily Smokers DietAccording to research evidence, cigarette smokers who eat more brassicas have less incidence of cancers, like breast, colorectal, lung, pancreatic, prostate and stomach. As all these cancers are initiated by free radicals, it follows that brassicas may help to prevent other problems initiated by free radical damage and accelerated by smoking, such as: cataracts, emphysema, asthma and age spots. Brassicas include: broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cabbage (all types), cauliflower, cress, horseradish, kale, kohlrabi, mustard, radish, swede, turnip, watercress. Garlic and OnionsGarlic is a good source of unique antioxidants and contains anti-bacterial and anti-viral properties. Its anti-tumor properties are well documented. Onions, a member of the same vegetable family, have similar properties to garlic. Other Diet Tips For Cigarette SmokersReduce Fat Eat Healthy Carbohydrates Eat Healthy Lower Fat Protein Reduce Sodium (Salt) in Your Diet |
Best Dietary Supplements For SmokersWe strongly recommend slow-release vitamin C supplements containing bioflavonoids. However, we do not recommend any other supplements. We prefer to emphasise the importance of obtaining your nutrients from food. Combine Your Smokers Diet With Regular Cardio-aerobic ExerciseNo cigarette smokers diet-plan is complete without regular physical exercise. Work within your fitness capacity, and gradually increase the intensity and duration of your workouts. Aim to exercise for 30-45 minutes a day, on most days. For best effects on lung capacity and cardiovascular function, choose aerobic exercise such as: brisk walking, jogging, jumping rope, swimming and most sports. The Best Advice is: Quit SmokingYou can try dozens of healthy diets or eating plans, but no diet can compensate for the health damage done by cigarette or cigar smoking. Tobacco abuse remains the No 1 cause of death and ill-health in most developed countries. |