Mailbag! More Bad News About E-Cigs
By
Natalie Moore
Posted June 15, 2017
Dear Living Well Daily Reader,
You’ve got questions…
We’ve got answers!
A while back, we answered your questions about cancer and e-cigarettes. (In case you missed it, e-cigs are loaded with carcinogens and are linked to bladder cancer. Surprise, surprise.)
Today, we are going to tackle another reader concern about e-cigs — DNA damage.
Let’s dive in…
Hey Natalie,
I recently read your article about how e-cigs might cause bladder cancer. It got me thinking about what else e-cigs can do to your body. I know regular tobacco cigarettes can damage your DNA. Do you know if e-cigs have the same effect?
Thanks in advance,
Peggy S.
Great question, Peggy.
You’re correct, tobacco smoking is linked to extensive DNA damage, which can speed up the aging process and even increase your risk of cancer.
And according to groundbreaking research from the University of Connecticut, e-cigs are just as dangerous.
In a recent lab study, scientists tested the liquid used in e-cigarettes on human DNA. They used liquid that contained nicotine and liquid that was nicotine-free.
After careful analysis, the researchers were shocked to find that the non-nicotine liquid caused as much damage to DNA as a filtered cigarette.
And the bad news only gets worse…
The nicotine liquid did as much damage as unfiltered cigarette.
This means that smoking an e-cig is no safer than puffing on a Marlboro when it comes to messing up your DNA.
Experts concluded that amount and duration of e-cig smoking play a role in the amount of DNA damage done, just like with tobacco smoking.
But there’s more to worry about — there are almost no regulations about what goes into the liquid cartridges that fuel them. So the additional chemicals in e-cigs could have the potential to cause more harm than conventional smoking.
Bottom line, e-cigs aren’t safe.
And you don’t have to wait around for more research to tell you so.
If you’re trying to quit smoking, try L-tryptophan. One study shows it can help reduce your anxiety and withdrawal symptoms when you decide to quit.
You can find L-tryptophan supplements at your local pharmacy.
Do you have health questions you want answered? Drop me a line: feedback@livingwelldaily.com.
Live well,
Natalie Moore
Managing editor, Living Well Daily
Ed. Note: Please send your feedback: feedback@livingwelldaily.com – and click here to like us on Facebook.
Sources
[1] Smoking causes extensive damage to DNA, study shows
[2] E-cigarettes potentially as harmful as tobacco cigarettes, UConn study shows
[3] L-Tryptophan: Basic Metabolic Functions, Behavioral Research and Therapeutic Indications
Written By Natalie Moore
Natalie Moore is a dedicated health researcher with a passion for finding healthy, natural, and science-based solutions. After a decade of direct healthcare experience in western and natural medicine, she was involved in public health research before joining Living Well Daily.
View More Free Articles
Mailbag: You CAN Avoid Diabetes Medications (Here’s How...)
“I’ve recently been diagnosed with type 2 diabetes. My doctor mentioned that I might need to start taking medication. Is there anything else I can do to manage my sugars before taking drugs?” – Nick Hi Nick, I’ve got good news! Type 2 diabetes is highly preventable and reversible with some extra effort on your...
“Osteoporosis Proof” Your Bones with a Breakfast Staple
Everything from ad campaigns to our doctors’ praise has given milk an unbeatable bone-building halo. For years, it’s been drummed into us. Milk is the ultimate key to strong bones. But IS dairy as good as it gets when it comes to protecting our bones? Don’t get me wrong—I AM a fat of full-fat dairy....
Delicious Drink SLASHES Bowel Cancer Risk
There’s nothing quite like the feeling of beating cancer. You’re on top of the world. After all, you’ve literally escaped death, and you have the endorphins surging through your body to prove it. But after that initial high, worry can start to sneak in because remission comes with a new risk—recurrence. With bowel cancer, the...
The Tiny Green Secret to a SHARPER Brain
We all want to keep our brains functioning at their absolute best for as long as possible. In fact, I bet you’re already doing some of the usual brain-supporting things like taking supplements, exercising regularly, getting enough sleep, and trying to keep stress levels in check. However, you can add one more thing to your...
Is Your Bathroom Hiding a Dirty Secret?
Let’s talk about your bathroom. You probably spend a good chunk of your day there, from your morning routine to your evening wind-down. But how clean do you really keep it? Maybe you’re a neat freak, scrubbing every surface until it sparkles. Or perhaps you’re more of a “clean enough” type, giving things a quick...
Key Facts to Consider BEFORE Trying Marijuana
Lately, I’ve had a lot of people ask me if marijuana is safe, and my answer always is, “It depends…” You may have lived through the wild days of the 60s and 70s and even experimented with a little weed back then. But the marijuana of today is NOT the same mellow grass you remember....
MAILBAG: Decoding Chest Pain and Breathlessness During Activity
“I’ve been having chest pain and shortness of breath when I’m active. Could this be a sign of a heart problem? What tests should I undergo to determine if there’s an issue?” -Paul Hi Paul, Regardless of past heart history, I always advise folks to seek medical help immediately if they experience concerning symptoms, including...
The Surprising Key to SURVIVING a Stroke
Imagine you’re going about your day when, suddenly, your world turns upside down. Your vision blurs, your speech slurs, and you feel a weakness in your arm. You’re having a stroke. It’s a terrifying experience that far too many of us have faced. And if you’re lucky enough to survive, the fear of another stroke...
The Deadly Truth About Sleep Apnea REVEALED
Where do you put sleep on your priorities list? It should rank pretty high for everyone, but if you have obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), it’s time to make it one of your TOP priorities. After all, the alarming results of the latest OSA research make it clear that quality sleep is truly a matter of...
Mistakes that Make Seasonal Allergies WORSE
If you suffer from seasonal allergies, you know how miserable they can make you feel. Common irritants, such as mold spores, dust mites, pet dander, air pollution, and strong odors, can make your symptoms go from bad to worse. You can avoid some of these triggers, and you have no control over others. Either way,...