Many people enjoy smoking and drinking. However, whether smoking, drinking, or smoking while drinking, all are harmful to the body. This damage is long-term and can damage organs. It is recommended to quit smoking and drinking as much as possible to benefit your health.
In general, both smoking and drinking significantly harm male sexual function, and it is difficult to determine which has a greater impact. Therefore, men are advised to quit smoking and limit alcohol consumption.
- Increased Risk of Cardiovascular Disease:
Concomitant alcohol consumption and smoking significantly increases the risk of heart disease and stroke. The nicotine in cigarettes and the ethanol in alcohol work together to raise blood pressure and heart rate, increasing the risk of arteriosclerosis and thrombosis.
- Increased Risk of Cancer:
Studies have shown that the combination of smoking and drinking significantly increases the incidence of oral, laryngeal, esophageal, and liver cancers. Toxic substances produced by smoking (such as benzo[a]pyrene) and ethanol metabolites in drinking (such as acetaldehyde) can damage DNA, leading to cancer.
- Damage to Liver Function:
Toxic substances in alcohol and cigarettes can have a double impact on the liver, accelerating the development of cirrhosis. Long-term, heavy drinking and smoking overload the liver, leading to fatty liver disease, alcoholic hepatitis, and ultimately cirrhosis.
- Damage to the Respiratory System:
Smoking directly damages the lungs, causing chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and lung cancer. Alcohol consumption can weaken the immune system and increase the susceptibility to respiratory infections. The combined effects of these two factors can worsen respiratory health.
- Effects on the Nervous System:
Both alcohol and smoking have negative effects on the central nervous system. Alcohol inhibits neural activity, reducing reaction speed and judgment; nicotine stimulates the nervous system, causing it to overexcite. The combined effects of these two can lead to mental health problems such as anxiety and depression.
Avoiding both alcohol and smoking is an important measure to reduce health risks. Maintaining good lifestyle habits is crucial for overall health.