Smoking and drinking coffee are two things many people unfortunately engage in every day. Smoking and ingesting caffeine, though part of daily culture for some, have been found to be bad for the body over a prolonged period of time.
Regarding smoking, the National Institutes of Health (NIH) has reported that there are over 7,000 chemical compounds produced in cigarettes, many of which can and will be found in the smoker’s bloodstream as they are inhaled, ingested, and absorbed through the cigarettes. These chemicals may lead to lung cancer, stroke, heart attack, and other illnesses if the person smokes regularly.
Coffee, like tobacco, can have negative effects if over consumed. According to the US National Library of Medicine, drinking more than four cups of coffee per day is a risk factor for mental health issues, including anxiety and depression. Moreover, the caffeine in coffee can increase adrenaline levels which can eventually lead to sleeping problems and fatigue.
Furthermore, research conducted at the Harvard School of Public Health and Brigham and Women’s Hospital has found that men and women who drink four or more cups of caffeinated coffee daily are more likely to suffer insomnia, palpitations, restlessness, irritability, and tremors.
These problems can become more serious if someone is already a smoker. Research has found that smokers who drink more than four cups of coffee daily are more likely to suffer from physical and psychological health symptoms than those that only smoke, while non-smokers tend to suffer more when they drink more than four cups daily.
Smoking and drinking coffee can also negatively affect our teeth and gums. The Harvard School of Dental Medicine has found that smoking predisposes one to poor oral hygiene and risk of cancers, while drinking coffee and tea might cause tooth stains and enamel erosion.
However, there are solutions to the problems caused by smoking and drinking coffee, such as the use of nicotine patches and gum for those who want to quit smoking, or reducing the number of cups of coffee and switching to decaffeinated coffee for those who cannot do without it.
Smoking and Coffee’s Impact on the Lungs
Smoke from cigarettes may lead to a weakened immune system, making it harder for the body to fight infections, and smokers usually have a greater risk of developing serious lung diseases, compared to non-smokers. The University of Rochester Medical Center reports that smoking can also lead to a decrease in lung capacity, leading to shortness of breath and coughing, while long-term smoking can result in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, emphysema, and lung cancer.
In terms of coffee and its effects on the lungs, a study conducted at the University of Washington found that consumption of coffee by adults over the age of 45 had no significant effect on their risk of developing lung cancer or on their ability to breathe. However, the study did find that regular consumption of coffee can lead to faster airflow when breathing, as it helps to open up the airways.
Additionally, The American Lung Association warns that coffee may worsen the symptoms of preexisting chronic respiratory diseases, such as asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder. Some asthmatics can experience an increase in asthmatic symptoms when consuming caffeinated coffee, and it is recommended that those with existing respiratory conditions should consult their physicians before making any changes to their diets.
Overall, while the consumption of cigarettes and coffee has become part of daily life for many, it still remains important to understand the risks associated with smoking and drinking large amounts of coffee so that appropriate steps can be taken to lower the risks of negative health effects.
Effects of smokers and coffee drinkers on cardiovascular health
Smoking has been linked to an increased risk for a number of cardiovascular diseases such as heart attack, stroke and hypertension. One study conducted by the Mayo Clinic concluded that smokers are at an increased risk for atherosclerosis, which is a narrowing and hardening of the arteries. Additionally, the study found that long-term smoking may lead to the thickening of the blood vessels, which increases the risk of blood clots.
In addition to smokers, coffee drinkers may also often have an increased risk of cardiovascular diseases. The European Journal of Preventive Cardiology notes that those who drink four or more cups of coffee per day had a higher risk of death due to cardiovascular diseases, compared to those who drank none or little coffee. Accordingly, the journal states that those who are at risk of cardiovascular disease should limit their coffee intake.
Coffee drinkers who also smoke may have a higher risk of heart disease, according to research by the Spanish National Research Council. The research showed that smokers who drank large amounts of coffee had double the risk of developing heart disease, compared to those who did not smoke and also did not drink large amounts of coffee.
Finally, a study conducted at the University of Nebraska Medical Center concluded that smokers and coffee drinkers combined experince an increased risk of type 2 diabetes. This is because the chemicals in cigarettes and the caffeine in coffee both adversely affect the body’s metabolism and insulin sensitivity.
The Influence of Smoking and Coffee on the Pain Sensitivity of the Body
Research by the New York University School of Medicine has revealed that smoking and drinking coffee can affect the neural pathways of the body and reduce an individual’s ability to feel pain. Though many may consider this an advantage, numbness to pain can lead to more serious injuries and can slow down the healing process.
Additionally, research conducted by the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI) found that smokers and coffee drinkers have a reduced sensitivity to heat and cold. This can be due to the chemicals found in cigarettes and the caffeine in coffee which activate certain pain pathways in the body. The NCBI study concluded that smokers and coffee drinkers are more likely to suffer from burn injuries due to their reduced sensitivity.
What’s more, research by Harvard Medical School found that smoking and drinking coffee may cause additional sensitivity to acute pain. The study concluded that smokers and coffee drinkers are more likely to feel more pain in their joints, muscles, and bones than those who do not smoke or drink coffee.
Finally, a study by the University of British Columbia revealed that those who smoke and drink coffee are more likely to experience long-term pain in their lower back, lower limbs, and neck. This can be due to the impact of smoking and coffee on the nervous system, as they both suppress the body’s natural painkillers, making it more difficult for the body to manage pain.
Alternatives to Smoking and Drinking Coffee
Fortunately, there are several healthier alternatives to smoking and drinking coffee. Individuals who are looking to reduce the risks associated with smoking and drinking coffee may consider switching to herbal tea. Drinking herbal teas can provide some of the same benefits as coffee, such as increased alertness and focus, but without the associated risks. Additionally, herbal teas contain lots of antioxidants which can help to reduce inflammation and improve overall health.
Furthermore, individuals who are looking to quit smoking may opt for other nicotine replacement therapies, such as e-cigarettes or nicotine gums, which provide the nicotine hit without the harmful chemicals found in cigarettes. These may help to reduce the side effects associated with smoking, such as fatigue and irritability.
Finally, individuals may also opt for exercising or engaging in alternative activities such as yoga and meditation to help manage stress and boost energy levels. Regular exercise and activities such as yoga and meditation can help to reduce anxiety, improve mood, and increase mental clarity.
