It’s no secret that smoking is bad for your health. It’s one of the leading causes of preventable death in the United States. Each year, more than 480,000 people die from smoking-related illnesses, and another 8.6 million live with a serious illness caused by smoking.
But for smokers who are unable or unwilling to quit, there is some good news: quitting smoking is not the only thing you can do to improve your health. Even if you can’t or don’t want to quit, there are still things you can do to reduce your risk of disease and extend your life. Here are eight things smokers can do to improve their health, even if they can’t or don’t want to quit smoking.
Choose cigarettes wisely
Some cigarettes are worse for your health than others. Filter-tipped, low-tar, and light cigarettes may seem like a better choice, but you should know that there is no such thing as a safe cigarette or a safe way to smoke. All cigarettes contain harmful toxins that damage your health.
If you can’t or don’t want to quit, your best bet is to smoke hand-rolled cigarettes made with natural tobacco. These cigarettes tend to have fewer additives and chemicals than commercially-made cigarettes, and they may be less harmful to your health.
Additionally, avoid smoking menthol cigarettes. Menthol cigarettes are especially harmful to your health because the menthol in them numbs your airways, which makes it harder to cough up mucus and debris. This can lead to bronchitis, pneumonia, and other respiratory infections.
Consider vaping
Vaping is not risk-free, but it is considerably less harmful than smoking cigarettes. If you can’t or don’t want to quit smoking, vaping may be a good alternative for you.
E-cigarettes heat nicotine (extracted from tobacco), flavorings, and other chemicals to create an aerosol that you inhale. To find the best disposable vapes for beginners, look for a reputable brand that offers a variety of flavors and nicotine strengths.n Then, start with a lower nicotine strength and work your way up until you find a level that satisfies your cravings.
Unlike cigarettes, e-cigarettes do not produce tar or carbon monoxide which are two of the most harmful chemicals in cigarettes. However, the risks of vaping are mostly due to the other chemicals in e-liquids, such as propylene glycol and vegetable glycerin. These chemicals can cause lung irritation, and they may also be toxic when inhaled.
Smokeless often
If you can’t or don’t want to quit smoking, one of the best things you can do for your health is to cut back on how often you smoke. The less you smoke, the better.
Whenever possible, try to go for long periods without smoking. For example, if you usually smoke after meals, try not to smoke for at least two hours after eating. If you smoke first thing in the morning, try to wait until later in the day to have your first cigarette. And if you smoke before bed, try to go at least an hour without smoking before you go to sleep.
The more you smoke, the greater your risk of disease. So, even if you can’t or don’t want to quit smoking, cutting back on how often you smoke will still have a positive impact on your health.
Avoid smoking triggers
One of the best things you can do to reduce your urge to smoke is to avoid situations that trigger your cravings. If you smoke when you drink coffee in the morning, try switching to tea. If you smoke after meals, try brushing your teeth or chewing gum right after eating. And if you smoke when you’re bored, try finding a different way to occupy your time.
Additionally, try to avoid places where smoking is allowed. If you can’t avoid them altogether, try to spend less time on them. The less time you spend around smokers, the less likely you are to smoke yourself.
Stay active
Physical activity can help reduce your urge to smoke and it’s also good for your overall health. When you’re active, your body releases endorphins which have mood-boosting and pain-relieving effects. These endorphins can help reduce the urge to smoke and they can also improve your mood.
So, if you’re feeling stressed or anxious, go for a run or take a yoga class. If you’re bored, go for a walk or ride your bike. And if you’re feeling down, try exercising with a friend or listening to upbeat music while you work out.
Make sure to visit medical experts as well so they can guide you on keeping a healthy lifestyle. You can also get dental veneers in Harrisburg if you’re teeth are already damaged due to smoking.
Eat healthy foods
Healthy eating can also help reduce your urge to smoke. When you eat nutritious foods, your body gets the vitamins and minerals it needs to function properly. This can help reduce stress and anxiety, which are two common triggers for smoking.
So, if you’re trying to quit smoking or cut back on how much you smoke, focus on eating a healthy diet. Fill your plate with fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean protein. And make sure to drink plenty of water.
Manage stress
Stress is a common trigger for smoking, so it’s important to find ways to manage your stress levels. If you’re feeling stressed, try taking a few deep breaths, listening to relaxing music, or reading a book. You can also try exercise, meditation, or yoga. Find what works for you and make sure to avoid stressors that trigger your urge to smoke.
Alongside, sleep is important for overall health, and it can also help reduce the urge to smoke. When you’re tired, you’re more likely to crave cigarettes. So, make sure to get plenty of rest.
Try alternatives
Nicotine gums or patches can also help reduce your urge to smoke. These products provide your body with a small amount of nicotine, which can help relieve cravings and withdrawal symptoms.
There are also prescription medications that can help. Bupropion (Wellbutrin) and varenicline (Chantix) are two examples. These medications can help reduce cravings and withdrawal symptoms.
On the other hand, these products are not right for everyone. If you’re pregnant or breastfeeding, if you have heart disease, or if you’re taking certain medications, you should not use nicotine replacement products. Talk to your doctor about whether these products are right for you.
So, if you’re a smoker but want to improve your health, try to avoid smoking triggers, stay active, eat healthy foods, manage stress, and get plenty of rest. You can also try nicotine replacement products or prescription medications. Talk to your doctor about which option is right for you. And remember, even if you can’t quit smoking, there are still things you can do to improve your health.