The act of vaping or smoking e-cigarettes has been normalized in today’s era. Even if it isn’t, we can see many people, especially teens, are doing it. Vape pods were originally introduced as a mechanism to help smokers quit smoking due to their lower content of nicotine compared to traditional cigarettes. An e-cigarette is claimed to have fewer health risks to smokers as it contains fewer harmful chemicals. But the problem here is, that many people who vape are not smokers initially.
A Fruity-Flavored, Silent Killer
In case you didn’t know, vapes or e-cigarettes come in various flavors. This is believed to be the main reason why teens are hooked on to them, other than its addictive content. However, are these flavors in an e-cigarette safe and promised not to cause health risks to the consumers?
1. Brain
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During adolescence, the area of the brain that controls impulses and makes decisions is still developing. The use of nicotine and other substances, as well as other threats to one’s health and safety, are more common among young people. Mood disorders, nicotine addiction, and a lasting loss of impulse control are some of these hazards.
Additionally, nicotine alters the formation of synapses, which can damage the areas of the brain responsible for learning and attention. Once the area is affected, it is irreparable and young vapers will have to live with the damage forever.
2. Heart
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We won’t be able to completely comprehend the effects of vaping for now due to not enough studies done. Nevertheless, vaping’s immediate effects include elevated heart rate and blood pressure as well as harm to blood vessel function.
The use of e-cigarettes has been linked in numerous studies to oxidative stress, inflammation, and hemodynamic instability. These are the recognized risk factors for cardiovascular disease. Additionally, it has been indicated that persons who smoke and vape are more likely to suffer from heart disease and stroke.
3. Lung
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Bronchiolitis Obliterans (BO), a rare disorder resulting from damage to the lungs’ tiny airways, is often known as “popcorn lung.” The food ingredient known as diacetyl, which is used to mimic butter flavor in microwave popcorn, was the reason for this. Diethyl is used to enhance the flavor of flavored e-liquid. Breathing becomes challenging when inhaling diacetyl because it creates inflammation and may result in popcorn lung, and permanent scarring in the tiniest branches of the airways. As time goes by, the scarring will worsen which eventually affects the whole airway.
4. Oral Health
Image via Cardinal Orthodontics
Nicotine narrows blood vessels whether it is ingested by chewing, vaping, or smoking. This indicates a reduction in the blood flow to gum tissue, which may make it more difficult for this vital tissue to get oxygen and nutrients. These issues can raise one’s chance of developing gum disease, which frequently leads to tooth loss.
Speaking about teeth, vaping can directly damage teeth by staining them yellow or brown due to the chemicals in e-cigarettes. Hence, the possibility of tooth loss. Additionally, vaping might leave your mouth dry, which can make it harder to ward off cavities.
5. Cellular Formation
Image via Asthma Canada
Even mild smoke exposure reduces frontline immune cell activity. This suggests that inhaling vapor from e-cigarettes may be preventing these cells from functioning normally. The first line of defense in the human immune system, neutrophils, may be harmed by breathing e-cigarette smoke, according to research. In this study, vapes are shown to not negatively impact the cells, yet. However, the cells were seen to stop moving after being exposed to the chemicals in the e-liquid.
The best thing one can do for themselves is at least to acknowledge the consequences of their actions. If you choose to smoke or vape, know that you are harming yourself in a way that might be hard to get cured if it is too late. If you are a non-smoker who vapes, consider quitting. You may have your excuses as to why you started vaping, but smoking, be it cigarettes or e-cigarettes, is definitely not the best solution to justify them.
Planning to quit damaging your body? Great! Pair it up with a healthy diet with superfoods to sustain a healthy life.
