Winter Maladies: Natural Approaches
June Russell's Health Facts
Smoking - Brain
Cigarette smoking more than doubles the risk of developing a large brain aneurysm in people who are already at risk for the condition. (“Smoking increases risk of brain aneurysm,” Reuters Health, HealthCentral.com - March 2000)
Cigarettes lower oxygen levels circulating in the blood, and chronic smoking decreases blood flow to the brain. Neither of these effects are good for the brain. (“Fending Off Forgetfulness,” Washington Post Health, Dec. 14, 1999)
Nicotine changes the brain. ‘Light’ cigarettes are just as lethal as unfiltered
cigarettes, mostly because smokers inhale more deeply. Cigarette tars contain dozens
of cancer-causing chemicals - nicotine is not a carcinogen, but it is the driving force
behind the addiction, and it is tobacco dependence that kills. Cigarettes deliver an
instant ‘hit,’ for within just 10 seconds they deliver nicotine to the brain. Nicotine is
not instantly addicting, smoking takes considerable practice, and there is one study
estimating that it takes about 100 cigarettes to become addicted.
(“Feeding the Nicotine Habit,” Washington Post Health, June 30, 1998)