New Delhi: Smoking is the leading cause of death across the world. It severely impacts health ranging from cardiovascular health to the brain, to early ageing, respiratory illnesses and even cancer. People may often think about what happens to their stomachs when they smoke. Smoking has profound and detrimental effects on the digestive system, impacting various organs and functions integral to digestion. Dr Vigyan Mishra Chief of lab -Neuberg Diagnostics, Noida told News9, “One of the primary components of cigarette smoke is nicotine, which, alongside other harmful chemicals, disrupts the normal functioning of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract.”
“Firstly, smoking has been linked to the weakening of the lower esophageal sphincter, the muscle responsible for preventing stomach acid from entering the esophagus. This can lead to gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), characterized by chronic heartburn and acid reflux. The irritation and damage caused by stomach acid can increase the risk of esophageal cancer over time.”
Smoking stimulates the production of gastric acid
In the stomach, smoking stimulates the production of gastric acid while simultaneously reducing the production of bicarbonate, a substance that helps neutralise stomach acid. “This imbalance can lead to the development of peptic ulcers, painful sores in the stomach lining or the first part of the small intestine. Smokers with peptic ulcers also tend to have a slower healing process and a higher rate of ulcer recurrence compared to non-smokers,” added Dr Mishra.
“Furthermore, smoking affects the intestines by altering the production and activity of digestive enzymes, which are crucial for the proper breakdown and absorption of nutrients. This can result in malabsorption issues, where the body fails to absorb essential nutrients effectively, leading to deficiencies and related health problems.”
Impact of smoking on other body organs
Smoking also impacts the liver, an essential organ in digestion and detoxification. The toxins in cigarette smoke can lead to liver damage and interfere with its ability to metabolise fats and proteins efficiently. Additionally, smoking increases the risk of liver disease, including liver cancer and cirrhosis.
Another significant concern is the impact of smoking on the pancreas, an organ involved in producing digestive enzymes and insulin. Smoking can increase the risk of pancreatitis, an inflammation of the pancreas, and is a known risk factor for pancreatic cancer, one of the most aggressive forms of cancer.
The cumulative effect of smoking on the digestive system not only disrupts normal digestive processes but also significantly increases the risk of developing severe, often life-threatening conditions. Thus, smoking cessation is crucial for maintaining digestive health and preventing the myriad of associated diseases.
Smoking has profound and detrimental effects on the digestive system, impacting various organs and functions integral to digestion. Know how smoking impacts the digestive system Health Conditions Health News: Latest News from Health Care, Mental Health, Weight Loss, Disease, Nutrition, Healthcare
