Smoking is one of the main causes of oxidative stress. Chemicals in cigarettes, including e-cigarettes, increase the production of free radicals. These free radicals trigger inflammatory processes and reduce the body's ability to repair damage. Quitting smoking, both traditional and electronic cigarettes, is essential to reduce oxidative stress and the negative influence of smoking on long-term well-being is, without a shadow of a doubt, the reason why it is appropriate to ask ourselves whether the time has come to stop smoking. 

Smoking is a major cause of oxidative stress in the human body

1. Production of free radicals: Cigarette smoke contains numerous toxic compounds, including free radicals, which are highly reactive molecules with unpaired electrons. These free radicals can damage cells and tissues, contributing to oxidative stress. When a person smokes, the amount of free radicals in the body increases dramatically, exceeding the ability of the body's natural antioxidants to neutralize them.

2. Inflammation: Smoking causes inflammation in the lung tissues and cardiovascular system. Chronic inflammation further stimulates the production of free radicals and other reactive oxygen species, increasing the level of oxidative stress.

3. Direct damage to cells: Chemicals in cigarette smoke can directly damage cell membranes, DNA, and other intracellular structures. This damage can trigger repair processes that deplete the body's antioxidants and other defense mechanisms.

4. Impairment of the antioxidant system: Smoking not only increases the production of free radicals, but can also reduce the effectiveness of the body's antioxidant system. Some components of cigarette smoke can in fact inhibit antioxidant enzymes and deplete reserves of antioxidants such as vitamin C and vitamin E.

The prolonged impact of tobacco on overall health

The habitual and continuous use of tobacco has a profound impact on both longevity and quality of life: consuming cigarettes can significantly reduce life expectancy. It is estimated that every week spent smoking can shorten your life by one day.

Smoking is one of the main causes of:

• Acute bronchitis and, in the long run, chronic bronchitis
• Recurrent asthmatic episodes and respiratory infections
• Lung cancer – the Ministry of Health website estimates that smoking is responsible for 91% lung cancer in men and 55% in women in Italy, for a total of around 30,000 deaths per year.
• According to the World Health Organization, the 90-95% of lung tumors, the 80-85% of chronic bronchitis and pulmonary emphysema and the 20-25% of cardiovascular accidents are due to tobacco consumption.
• Heart attack and ischemic heart disease
• Ischemic heart disease – is caused by carbon monoxide and nicotine; it is one of the most frequent diseases in advanced countries.

Furthermore, smokers have a risk of getting sick that is more than double that of non-smokers. By quitting smoking the risk is reduced after just one year of abstinence. After 20 years it becomes similar to that of someone who has never smoked.

Influence of smoking on sexual function

Cigarette smoking is a very important risk factor in the development of both atherosclerosis and penile erectile dysfunction. In an important study conducted in Massachusetts (Massachusetts Male Aging Study – MMAS) it was found that cigarette smoking significantly amplifies the risk of impotence, especially when associated with cardiovascular diseases and related pharmacological therapies. In subjects between 40 and 70 years of age the incidence of impotence varied between 5% and 15%. In patients treated for heart disease, the probability of complete impotence was 56% among smokers and 21% among nonsmokers.

The prospect of improving sexual performance is a very strong motivation to make the smoker abandon his drug addiction. Smoking can also reduce fertility by reducing sperm density and the number and mobility of sperm.

Skin aging

Smoking accelerates skin aging and causes an increase in facial hirsutism and hoarseness with a relative risk for heavy smokers (more than 10 sig./day) of 5.6 for facial hirsutism and 14 .2 for hoarseness.

Relationship between smoking and dementia

Recent studies highlight that smoking, over time, increases the risk of mental problems. According to a group of researchers from the University of London, the habit of smoking, if continued for a long time (even during the so-called "silver age"), significantly increases the risk of mental decline.

Effects on the oral cavity and aesthetics

Smoking decreases immune defenses against bacterial plaque; causes yellowing of the dentine; increases the risk of gingivitis; promotes the onset of mouth cancer.

Cigarettes and pregnancy

Smoking negatively affects the female reproductive system, causing menopause approximately 2 years earlier than non-smokers as smoking alters the normal production of female sexual hormones. Smoking during pregnancy can cause a delay in growth and mental as well as lung development (lower breathing capacity than 10%) of the baby.

Effects of passive smoking on the health of those you love

Passive smoking can induce lung cancer in smokers. Children of smoking parents also have a higher incidence of pneumonia, bronchitis and asthma attacks than children of non-smoking parents. Even the most optimistic epidemiological studies estimate that the cumulative risk of contracting lung cancer is very high for people exposed to passive smoking.

Health effects of e-cigarettes

The final opinion of the Scientific Committee of the European Commission was published in April 2021, assessing the emerging health risks on the health effects and public health dimension of e-cigarettes.

The Committee found evidence of risks of local irritative damage to the respiratory tract and a moderate, but increasing, level of evidence from human data indicating that e-cigarettes have adverse health effects, in particular, but not limited to, on the cardiovascular system. It also found weak to moderate evidence of respiratory carcinogenicity risks from long-term cumulative exposure to nitrosamines and exposure to acetaldehyde and formaldehyde and concluded that there is strong evidence of risk of poisoning and injuries due to burns and explosions. It also found weak to moderate evidence of several risks related to passive exposure.

Stop smoking and live longer and better thanks to the Stop Smoke LongLife Formula® path

The program includes Long Life Formula® medical tests, any additional tests that will be evaluated by the doctor, physical activity suitable for postural and breathing re-education, wellness activities in our thermal spa. At the end of the stay the guest will receive the Long Life Formula® Dossier which includes the clinical diary, the reports of all tests, the food, physical activity and treatment program carried out during the stay, a final clinical report and a post-stay prevention.

Don't wait another day, to reduce the risk of serious health problems and improve the quality of your life. It doesn't take much to start breathing new air. Savor the taste of a healthier life and a more beautiful appearance thanks to our path Stop Smoke LongLife Formula®