Nicotine Dependence and Skin Color | Nicotine Risk in Dark Skinned People
Nicotine Addiction in Dark Skin People:
Pennsylvania state researchers believe that high concentration of melanin may be placing dark skinned people at a higher risk of being dependent compared to their light skinned counterparts.
The researchers conducted tests on 150 adult African American, who acquired darker skin due to sun exposure (and not genetically).
Gary King, the lead researcher suggested that, melanin pigments determine the colour of the skin. These pigments bind tightly with nicotine resulting in its accumulation in melanin- containing tissues like brain, lungs, liver and heart, thereby putting these organs in a imminent danger of increased risk of cancer.
In an effort to rule out other social and environment factors like stress, racial discrimination and attitude, contributing to smoking habit, King found no links. He however acknowledges other studies which have show a correlation between these factors and smoking.
Tips on Quitting Smoking:
- The first and foremost thing is to be determined and resolute about quitting smoking
- Begin with decreasing the frequency of smoking each day
- Keep reminding yourself that smoking is not going to help you in any way. It is only going to weaken your respiratory systems and increase your susceptibility of cancer.
- Talk about your dependence to your friends and family members. Their support and understanding is crucial for you to win the battle against cigarettes
- Eat well, don’t skip your breakfast, drink plenty of water to fight withdrawal symptoms
Yoga to Quit Smoking:
Yoga is essential to inculcate a sense of determination and will power in a smoker, which is most essential for quitting smoking. Smoking is an effect of psychological and emotional problem and yoga helps to calm the mind and reinstate emotional harmony. Yoga further creates a sense of awareness about ones body and also neutralizes the irresistible carving for nicotine, especially during the first few days of quitting the butt.
Anulom Vilom Pranayam is a simple procedure has several other benefits including controlling hypertension, sinusitis, depression, migraine, asthma, etc.
Procedure: Hold your right nasal cavity with your thumb; breathe through the left nasal cavity. Fill the lungs to half the capacity and hold your breath. Don’t exhale. Now hold your left nasal cavity and breathe through the right. Fill the lungs to their full capacity. HOLD YOUR BREATH FOR A FEW SECONDS. Now, close the right nasal cavity with your thumb and breathe out. Empty half your lung capacity. Subsequently close the left nasal cavity with your thumb and breathe out. REPEAT THIS ATLEAST THRICE A DAY. Rest whenever you need. Make sure you breathe into the lungs and not the stomach.
How to Quit Smoking:
- Keep a photo of your friend, family or anyone who is most important for you. Below the photo write the words, “I am quitting for you and myself”. Keep this picture with you all the time. If you get the desire to smoke look at the picture, read the message and strengthen your will power.
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