If you thought that smoking may only affect the smoker's health, you could be possibly wrong. While health experts across the world are busy explaining the consequences of passive smoking, a new study has surfaced which emphasises on the consequences of third hand smoke. Third-hand smoke (THS) is what comes out of exhaled smoke and smoke emanating from the tip of burning cigarettes that enters the environment and can get accumulated on clothes, hair, and cars. According to the study, third-hand smoke toxins could damage your liver and brain tissues.
For the study, published in the journal Clinical Science, the team used a system in which the exposure of mice to third-hand smoke imitated that of human exposure in the vicinity of smokers. The team then investigated the adverse effects of third hand smoke on biological molecular markers or "biomarkers" found in the serum, and in liver and brain tissues.
Lead researcher Manuela Martins-Green, Professor at University of California, said, "Our goal was to determine the minimum amount of time required to cause physiological changes in mice when they are exposed to THS, using an exposure system that mimics human exposure."
"We found that THS exposure as early as one month resulted in liver damage. THS exposure for two months resulted in further molecular damage, and at four to six months caused even more such damage. We also found that the mice showed insulin resistance after long-term THS exposure, "Martins-Green added.
The liver plays an essential function of natural detoxification in the body. It also plays a crucial role in maintaining your metabolism. Any kind of damage to the liver can hinder its capability to detox and that can lead to toxin build-up in the body. The team examined the brains of THS-exposed mice and found that in one month of exposure that stress hormones, such as epinephrine, increased significantly. The increase in the activity of stress hormones were seen to grow at two months, four months, and six months, eventually causing immune fatigue in the mice. THS is a stealth toxin, it is no less than a silent killer, Martins-Green said.
"Contaminants can be absorbed through the skin and through breathing. Although our research was not done on humans, people should be aware that hotel rooms, cars, and homes that were occupied by smokers are very likely to be contaminated with THS, " added Martins-Green. Turns out that the third-hand smoke toxins, which are invisible but can be smelled, remain on these surfaces for many years, and are often resistant to even the strongest cleaning agents available in the market. These toxins, further accumulate and age by reacting with the ambient air, and change into carcinogenic (cancer causing)chemicals.
Smoking invites a bevy of health hazards. While it can be quite a challenging task to curb your habit of smoking, here are some natural remedies suggested by Ayurveda Expert Dr. MA Chaudhary that may help.
1. Dried Ginger with Lemon
Ginger has Sulphur compounds that help in reducing the addiction. All you need to do is to soak small pieces of ginger with lemon juice and mix it with black pepper and store it in a container. Just suck on a piece of ginger whenever you have the urge to smoke. This will help you curb the feeling.
2. Harad or Harar
Harad or Harar (Terminalia Chebula) are of two types, one is big sized and brown in colour and the other is small sized and black in colour. Use the black harad and soak it in water for a few hours and keep it in your mouth for a few minutes. This will help reduce the urge to smoke.
3. Dalchini and Honey
Take some dalchini powder and mix a half teaspoon of honey with it. Have it with water at least 2-3 times a day to curb the urge to smoke.
4. Onion Juice
Drink onion juice at least three times a day to see effective results.
5. Ginseng
Ginseng helps in reducing the urge and further helps the body deal with physical and emotional stress while experiencing withdrawal symptoms.
(Inputs IANS)