Poisons in Tobacco Smoke

Poisons in Tobacco Smoke

Poisonous? Consider tobacco smoke  as one. It contain lots of toxic substances that is threatening not just to the smokers but to your family health as well. Did you know that tobacco smoke contains more than 4,000 chemicals including 200 poisonous and 40 carcinogenic compounds? It causes more than 40 diseases. No wonder, World Health Organization statistics showed that nearly 1 0f every 5 death nowadays are related to smoking. One in every seven seconds die from tobacco-related illness. It is due to either mainstream tobacco smoking or through passive (involuntary) smoking.

Here are some of the carcinogenic compounds you can find on tobacco smoke:

4-Aminobiphenyl
-It is confirmed to cause cancer in humans. Bladder, lung, colon, and breast cancers have been associated with 4-ABP.

-The worst thing about 4-ABP is it can cross the placenta & render child susceptible to bladder cancer.

Arsenic
-Inorganic arsenic is present in tobacco smoke and has been linked to lung, skin, bladder, liver, kidney and prostate cancers.

Benzene
-Study showed that high levels of benzene may cause low birth weights, delayed bone formation and bone marrow damage in animals.

-Benzene is highly toxic. Inhalation of extremely high levels of benzene may cause rapid heart rate, confusion, tremors, drowsiness, dizziness, headache, unconsciousness or even death.

-All three blood cell lines may be unfavorably affected by long term exposure to benzene. Low white blood cells or leucopenia, low red blood cells or anemia and low platelet count or thrombocytopenia may exist in varying degree. In case where there is a reduction in all three blood cell lines it is already called pancytopenia, this may happen due toxicity from long term exposure to benzene from tobacco smoking.

-Chronic exposure to benzene through tobacco smoke may also lead to increase risk of acquiring leukemia and, in many cases, is preceded by aplastic anemia.

Cadmium
-Cadmium is a toxic heavy metal pollutant that can be found in tobacco smoke. Tobacco smoke is an important source of air cadmium because tobacco leaves naturally accumulate and concentrate quite high levels of cadmium.

- An average cigarette contains approximately 1.05 micrograms/g of cadmium in cigarette with filter tip and approximately 1.61 micrograms/g in regular cigarette. And, about 10% of the cadmium content in cigarette is inhaled when it is smoked.

-Exposure to high levels of cadmium may lead to high blood pressure, anemia and renal failure, lung and, or liver damage.

-It is also considered as possible carcinogen.

Chromium
-As you inhale air containing chromium, like in tobacco smoke, chromium enters your body. Did you know that some forms of chromium can remain in the lungs for several years or longer?

-When you breathe air containing chromium, some of the chromium will enter your body through your lungs. Some forms of chromium can remain in the lungs for several years or longer.

-The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) has determined that chromium (VI) compounds are carcinogenic to humans. The National Toxicology Program 11th Report on Carcinogens classifies chromium (VI) compounds as known to be human carcinogens. Inhalation of chromium has been shown to cause lung cancer.

-It can cause respiratory problems, depressed immune system- resulting to a lower ability to fight disease, birth defects and other developmental problem, infertility and tumor formation.

2-Naphthylamine
-It can cause bladder cancer.

N-Nitrosodiethylamine
-It can induce benign and malignant tumors in respiratory, upper digestive tracts, liver and kidneys.

N-Nitrosopyrrolidine
-It can produce hepatocellular carcinomas, one of the top in leading liver cancer death type worldwide.

N-Nitrosodiethanolamine
-It is connected to esophageal cancer.

Nickel
-The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) has determined that some nickel compounds are carcinogenic to humans.

-More nickel is absorbed from the lungs into the body when nickel particles readily dissolve in water. If it does not easily dissolved in water, like chromium, nickel particles may remain in the lungs for a long time, and can only be excreted from lungs through coughing out or swallowing the mucus.

-Unborn child can be exposed to nickel through maternal blood supply to fetus.

-Babies are exposed to nickels through breastmilk of mother who is exposed to nickel and through passive tobacco smoking.

-It causes reduced lung function, chronic bronchitis, and cancer of the lung and nasal sinus

Lead-210 and Polonium-210 (Radon)
-Did you know that tobacco leaves used in making cigarettes contain radioactive materials? Yes, lead-210 and polonium-210 are radioactive materials.

- Lead-210 and polonium-210 are toxic radioactive heavy metals. They build up over time in delicate lung tissue and are a key risk factor for lung cancer. How? Tar from tobacco smoke builds up in the bronchioles; accumulated tar traps lead-210 and polonium-210 against the tissues of the bronchioles. Most of what is deposited in the bronchioles is lead-210 which has a half life of 22.3 years; eventually it decays and become dominant radionuclide. On the other hand, polonium-210 has only half life of 138 days but it quickly increases in concentration, thus, over the time, as its concentration rises, an intense localized radiation doses may occur in the bronchioles.

-Researchers believe that lead-210 and polonium-210 in tobacco smoke are significant factors for lung cancer in smokers.

Vinyl Chloride
-Inhalation of high levels of vinyl chloride may cause dizziness, drowsiness or even death.

-Chronic exposure to vinyl chloride may cause severe nerve damage and immune reactions.

-The World Health Organization has determined that vinyl chloride is a human carcinogen.

-Vinyl chloride, has also been shown to have an effect on human reproductive system.

Swine Flu: Virus Transmission from Human to Human

Human to Human Transmission of Swine Flu Virus

Swine flu pandemic alert of World Health Organization was recently raised to phase 5-6. A PHASE 5-6 alert -which means it is PANDEMIC, widespread human infection exist! Declaration of Phase 5 is a strong signal that a pandemic is imminent and that the time to finalize the organization, communication, and implementation of the planned mitigation measures is short. While, designation of phase 6 indicate that a global pandemic is under way. According to WHO, phases 4–6 clearly signal the need for response and mitigation efforts.

You want to know how swine flu can affect your family health? Generally, infection of influenza virus occurs when an infected person transfer a respiratory secretion to an immunologically susceptible (with low immune system) person. How? Through coughing or sneezing of infected individual or holding things that is contaminated by influenza virus then without disinfecting the hands, the susceptible person touch his nose or mouth.

Please take note of this because it is so important for your family health: Usually the incubation period (the stage in the development of an infection between the time influenza virus enters the body and the time the first symptoms appear) last for 18-72 hours. People should be aware of this asymptomatic stage because infected individuals appears normal on this stage, no rise of body temperature that can be detected by the sensitive gadgets posted on airports and other public places. Infected individuals may transmit the virus before they manifest signs and symptoms of flu and up to 7 or more days after becoming sick.

Swine flu is contagious. To protect your whole family health from swine flu virus,  you need to take action, you need to boost the immune system of your family. Taking in lots of fruits and vegetables everyday, especially the raw one because it contains phytochemicals and vitamin C and, lessen processed foods; not forgetting the family exercise bonding for at least 30 minutes a day; water therapy; have adequate sleep; train your kids about importance of cleanliness and how to avoid being transmited by the swine flu virus.

Swine flu manifest similar signs and symptoms to seasonal flu. Runny or stuffy nose, sore throat, cough, fever, body aches- especially on joints and throat and fatigue are the common signs and symptoms of flu though, nausea, or vomiting or diarrhea may sometimes be present. Infected person may be asymptomatic or may have sever pneumonia that is life threatening. Have an appointment with your family health care provider to ask for more details about it.

Swine Flu Virus Transmission to Human

Swine Flu Transmission to Humans

Swine flu virus transmission to humans can happen (as what is happening now) but normally, humans do not get swine flu. Any influenza caused by any strain of influenza virus endemic (causes a regular outbreak) in swine (pigs) is called swine influenza or swine flu.There are four subtypes of type A influenza virus that causes swine flu, lately, it is a new strain  of influenza type A subtype H1N1 viruses  has been isolated that causes swine to human transmission. It is contagious airborne disease, and is spreading from person to person now.

The latest update? May 6, 2009, Canada’s National Microbiology Laboratory in Winnipeg has good news for all of us. They have completed sequencing of H1N1 flu virus, that is so important in discerning the swine flu outbreak.

WHO Influenza A(H1N1) – update 26. As of 06:00 GMT, 12 May 2009, 30 countries have officially reported 5251 cases of influenza A(H1N1) infection.

Mexico has reported 2059 laboratory confirmed human cases of infection, including 56 deaths. The United States has reported 2600 laboratory confirmed human cases, including three deaths. Canada has reported 330 laboratory confirmed human cases, including one death. Costa Rica has reported eight laboratory confirmed human cases, including one death.

The following countries have reported laboratory confirmed cases with no deaths – Argentina (1), Australia (1), Austria (1), Brazil (8), China (2, comprising 1 in China, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, and 1 in mainland China), Colombia (3), Denmark (1), El Salvador (4), France (13), Germany (12), Guatemala (1), Ireland (1), Israel (7), Italy (9), Japan (4), Netherlands (3), New Zealand (7), Norway (2), Panama (16), Poland (1), Portugal (1), Republic of Korea (3), Spain (95), Sweden (2), Switzerland (1) and the United Kingdom (55). [1]

If you worry too much because your family love to eat pork instead of other meat in your favorite menus, well, there is no risk of infection from this swine flu virus from consuming a well-cooked pork and pork products. But, you need to eat more of healthy foods nowadays instead of pork for a strong immune system. So, better lessen your meat consumption and eat more of vegetables and fruits, especially the raw ones.

What you can do to protect your family health? Everybody are advised to wash hands thoroughly with soap and water on a regular basis. Much better if you  provide  your on-the-go family members a handy bottle of ethyl alcohol, for them to have an alternative for hand washing if hand washing is not possible.  For other things you can do to avoid being infected just click here. Immediately seek medical attention if one of your family members develop any symptoms of influenza-like illness.

Reference:

[1] World Health Organization for Influenza A(H1N1) updates

Properties of Tobacco

Properties of Tobacco

What are the properties of tobacco that made it the number one killer nowadays? Tobacco is a slow poison that has harmful effect on the physical, mental, and moral powers. In general, cancer deaths are declining but, lung cancer deaths are rising because of tobacco smoking. Nicotine keeps people to smoke despite its harmful effects. Research showed that nicotine, like many other drugs, causes physical and psychological dependence.

Nicotine is the drug in tobacco leaves. It belongs to the category of stimulant drugs. How someone can deliver nicotine to the brain? Simply by smoking, chewing, or sniffing the powder form of tobacco leaves, you can deliver nicotine to your brain. Each cigarette contains approximately 10 milligrams of nicotine. Nicotine is a powerful drug that if pure nicotine content of two cigars were injected into bloodstream, death would result. Smokers can absorb 1 to 2 milligrams of nicotine to its lungs from each cigarette they smoke.

Did you know that lots of young people nowadays have an alternative to cigarettes? They call it “bidis.” It is popular to young people because they think it is less harmful compared to cigarettes. And, it comes in attractive packages, lots of color and flavor to choose from, which attracts the consumers to smoke more. Behind its attractive color and flavor is a much more harmful effect to the lungs, because bidis has more nicotine content compared to cigarettes.

In tobacco smoking, nicotine stimulates the flow of saliva, raises blood pressure, increases heart rate, causes narrowing of blood vessels, lowers the skin temperature and dulls the appetite. Like other stimulants, the aftereffect is depression of body functions. Like caffeine ingestion, smokers also develop a tolerance to nicotine.

Like nicotine, tar is a harmful by-product of tobacco. It is a yellowish brown sticky residue formed when gases and tobacco smoke particles condense. It bears carcinogenic hydrocarbons that have tumor promoting activity. It can cause cancerous and, or non-cancerous tumors in the lungs. Therefore, tar may be the primary cause of smoking-related cancers.

Are you familiar with carbon monoxide (CO)? Tobacco smoke contains high level of carbon monoxide (CO) that can affect the smoker and those who can inhale the secondhand smoke. High carbon monoxide level in the blood is one of the main factors why smokers suffer from heart diseases. Nicotine and platelet aggregation due to cigarette smoke are some of the factors too.

Did you know that tobacco smoke contains approximately four thousand chemicals? Two hundred of those chemicals are known poison and about 60 are suspected to cause cancer.

Tips for a Healthier Digestive System

Eat a balance diet, increasing fruits and vegetables in your diet. Nowadays people are fond of eating processed and refined foods, they forgot the importance of whole grains, legumes, variety of vegetables and at least 5 servings of various fruits everyday that plays a major role not just in our digestive system but health in general.

Insoluble fibers from plant foods help prevent colon cancer and digestive disorders. It helps eliminate constipation and sometimes prevent hemorrhoids. Fibers also help prevent and treat diverticulosis, small pouches in the wall of colon that can become inflamed. For more info about fibers just click here. Nutritionists agree that it is best to get fiber in foods rather than in supplements, but supplements are better than no fibers at all.

Plant foods contain phytochemicals that protects our cells against cancer causing agents.

Raw plant food diet is rich in enzymes that may aid in digestion process.
Here is a list of some enzymes that are useful in digestion process:
Bromelain and Papain are general and both break down many foods. We can get bromelain from fresh pineapple and papain from papaya.
Lipase – breaks down fats and oils. We can get lipase from avocado, eggplant, oats, coconut and some beans.
Amylase – breaks down starch and sugar
Protease – breaks down proteins
Lactase – breaks down dairy products
Cellulase – breaks down vegetables and cellulose material

Have a regular mealtime, and eat your meal leisurely and chew thoroughly. Our body needs structure and routine, regular mealtime provides rhythm to our digestive system. You will have healthier digestive system if you introduce food at the same regular interval and almost the same amount each meal.

Eat with all your senses, masticate the food properly, slowly chew and savor the food before swallowing. Remember that proper digestion begins at the mouth.

Control nervous tension and emotional upsets. Anger, excitement, fatigue, worry, and anxiety tend to retard digestion by slowing down the flow of digestive juices.

Exercise to stimulate activity of the digestive organ. Another way to maintain a healthy digestive system is by exercising at least 30 minutes every day. When your muscles in the abdomen are strengthened your digestive system will be more efficient. Sluggish feeling may come from a poor digestive system; keeping fit will help you feel better.

Drink 8 glasses of water every day. We need water for proper digestion, bowel functioning and cleansing. Fiber will not work properly without adequate water. Fiber especially insoluble fiber is good for our digestive system but it can form a plug inside you if you do not drink enough water.

Drinking water between your meals cleans the stomach and digestive tract. It gives rest to the stomach so it can stop producing acids.

Avoid caffeinated and alcoholic drinks because these drinks are diuretics, fluids may be drawn from your colon -leaving your stool hard.

For more info about water please visit the following:

Water, how important is it to you?

Water, The Lubricant of Your Functionality

Understanding Our Thirst

Water for Skin Rejuvenation and Beauty

A Daily Water Intake Reminder

Consume probiotic drinks or supplements at least ones a week. It maintains the natural balance of organisms in the intestines. We can find lactic acid bacteria (probiotic bacteria) in yogurt and in dietary supplements. Water, enzymes and good bacteria all work together to maintain optimum digestion, nutrient absorption and health.

Establish regular bowel habit. Bowel movement usually occur just about the same time each day.