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If you smoke, you already know you're not going to quit until you're darn good and ready. In the meantime, you know your health is at risk and you are going to suffer some ill effects. There are ways to cope with the physical damage caused by cigarettes.
Many smokers are using carotene supplements. This substance is a vegetable form of Vitamin A and converts to Vitamin A in the body. Both carotene and Vitamin A provide protection for mucous membranes and all surfaces coming in contact with air. Many diabetics cannot convert carotene to Vitamin A. There seems little difference in the action of the two substances, and a daily dose of 15,000 units of regular Vitamin A is probably as effective as a carotene supplement.
The amino acid cysteine is known to provide some tissue repair. It also protects against acetaldehyde, which causes lung tissue to age and scar. Vitamin C is an excellent complement to cysteine's action. It is so vital in helping the body deal with smoke poisons that we burn about 25 mg for every cigarette smoked. If that is not replaced in the diet, the body will show signs elsewhere of Vitamin C deficiency, including most notably a premature wrinkling of the skin.
Cigarettes are also known to cause an increase in triglycerides or blood fats. Lecithin does an excellent job of keeping blood fats under control. Alcohol is not recommended for this job.
If you work in a smoky environment, and inexpensive air filter would be an excellent idea. It will filter smoke particles but not gases, so proper ventilation is another serious consideration. Ionizers have been highly touted, but here is some concern that they may cause premature aging of tissues so we do not consider them beneficial to health.
Vitamin E is of course a supplement that should be given serious consideration. Not only has it been recommended as a preventative measure against cancer, but it seems to help prevent heart disease, another serious complication of smoking. Starting doses above 200 units a day MUST be authorized by a doctor for safety and regular blood pressure checks are a must.
FOR DRINKERS:
Almost no other drug forces man to pay so dearly for its pleasure than alcohol. When seriously examined, drinking for intoxication may be the stupidest form of recreation known to man... but who are we to argue with the billion or so people who do it anyway?
Recent study into the effects of alcohol have uncovered a number of interesting ideas that will ease the pain and reduce long-term damage from alcohol. Just as the athlete carries ASA, Gatorade and Ben-Gay, we think a conscientious drinker should have his own special "black bag".
A good Thirst Aid Kit should contain the following items: Diet aid capsules containing moderate amounts of PPA or pseudoephedrine, instant coffee, magnesium oxide, cysteine, powdered fruit sugar, strong B vitamin preparation and a bottle of 500 mg Vitamin C. Glutamine is also recommended, especially for recovering alcoholics.
PPA, pseudoephedrine and caffeine as dual-purpose aids to the drinker. Taken before drinking, they can decrease intoxication (especially caffeine), and if you're barely over the legal limit, PPA and pseudoephedrine can sober you up in a hurry.
Magnesium deficiency is a real risk for any regular drinker. For some unknown reason, it speeds the digestion of alcohol by an incredible degree and can literally save lives in cases of severe intoxication. It can also straighten you out in a hurry when you need it and reportedly reduces the degree of intoxication. Doses are active between four and 15 grams and it can be purchased quite cheaply at any drug store.
Alcohol washes B vitamins out of the body and makes them harder to absorb from food. A B-100 supplement is not excessive if you've got a big night planned.
Glutamine has a double action. This simple protein supplement not only reduces your desire for drinking (Note: In some types of alcoholics, it may increase cravings) but it also protects cells from damage. Doses from one to two grams are usually enough.
One last note: Blackouts are a serious problem. If you are prone to blackouts, you must take Vitamin B-1 or thiamine before you drink. It will keep your brain fed with energy and keep it from shutting down on you when taken for this purpose. Be advised that doses of 1/2 a gram will produce nothing more than a bit of nervousness.
Last but not least, it is agreed that eating before drinking, especially a high protein meal, does indeed reduce the harmful effects of alcohol. Protein binds with alcohol so it is absorbed through the intestine, not the stomach as usual, so it slows the punch.
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