| If you have recently quit smoking or are thinking about | | | | substances. Like B vitamins, proanthocyanidins from |
| quitting, there are many herbs and vitamins which | | | | grape seed and pine bark are able to pass the |
| provide a safe and natural means of detoxifying the | | | | blood-brain barrier to provide their benefits to neurons |
| body from the harmful effects of tobacco. Many | | | | and brain cells. |
| people are exposed to second-hand tobacco smoke | | | | Have you ever heard that red wine is good for the |
| as well, generating similar health problems. | | | | heart? The science behind this folk wisdom is that red |
| Flavonoids have attracted lots of attention lately for | | | | wine has a high concentration of proanthocyanidins |
| their powerful antioxidant effects. (See below for a | | | | from grape seeds. |
| detailed listing.) Antioxidants are any substance which | | | | Bilberry is often prescribed for the health of the eyes |
| protects the body from damage by free radicals, | | | | because it protects connective tissues such as |
| rogue particles responsible for cell deterioration leading | | | | collagen, the main component of the fluid of the eye. |
| to cancer, heart disease, neurological disorders, and | | | | Smoking raises the blood pressure and subsequently |
| other degenerative conditions. Free radicals occur | | | | increases oxidative stress in sensitive areas like the |
| naturally, but their presence is increased by exposure | | | | eyes. |
| to radiation, smoking, alcohol consumption, and other | | | | By combating high blood pressure and protecting the |
| harmful substances. | | | | connective tissues, some of the harmful effects of |
| Smoking in particular increases oxidative stress, | | | | smoking can be mitigated. |
| creating more free radicals which can damage the | | | | It is a curious statistic that, although Japanese men on |
| vascular system. Smokers are therefore at high risk | | | | average smoke more than American men, the lung |
| for developing serious health complications as a result | | | | cancer rate is higher in the US that in Japan. One |
| of toxins. Vitamins and other supplements can provide | | | | explanation for this may have to do with the Japanese |
| a powerful antioxidant armada to seek out and | | | | diet and the consumption of green tea. Green tea is |
| destroy free radicals and fortify the body from further | | | | well-known for its antioxidant capabilities. Green tea |
| damage. | | | | has been researched as a treatment for a range of |
| Flavonoids are especially potent antioxidants, stronger | | | | serious illnesses, including tumors, heart disease, high |
| than even vitamins C and E. Flavonoids are nutrients | | | | cholesterol, high blood pressure, and cancer. |
| found mostly in herbs and fruits such as grapes. Many | | | | Gingko biloba is in wide use as a mental stimulant. By |
| of these nutrients can be found together in one | | | | easing blood flow to the brain, gingko can increase |
| supplement pill. Alternative medicine is often a safer | | | | memory, alertness, and concentration. For the same |
| method of treatment because, unlike expensive | | | | reasons, gingko can be recommended to smokers: it |
| prescription drugs, there are no side effects or | | | | can decrease blood pressure and protect eyes and |
| long-lasting complications. In addition, herbs and vitamins | | | | neurons from oxidative stress. |
| provide a wide range of benefits to overall good | | | | The flavonoids found in milk thistle are called silymarins, |
| health. | | | | which work in the liver and protect it from damage by |
| Some of the best herbs and supplements for smokers | | | | free radicals. A healthy liver is crucial for overall good |
| or those exposed to second-hand smoke are grape | | | | health, and smoking and drinking can cause damage to |
| seed, pine bark, red grape skin, bilberry, green tea, | | | | this vital organ. |
| gingko biloba, and milk thistle. | | | | Smoking can cause many health issues, most |
| Grape seed and pine bark are known for their high | | | | importantly perhaps is oxidative stress and general |
| concentrations of proanthocyanidins, antioxidants which | | | | deterioration of the body's cells. Antioxidants from |
| promote the health of the connective tissues (such as | | | | natural herbs and supplements can help fortify the |
| muscles and tendons) and capillaries. According to the | | | | body and provide benefits towards high functioning |
| University of Alabama, grape seed may also help | | | | body systems. Healthy living may begin with healthy |
| lower blood pressure. Proanthocyanidins work by | | | | habits, but supplemental vitamins can provide the extra |
| strengthening the endothelium, the part of a blood | | | | boost a body needs to achieve optimal health and |
| vessel which separates it from the blood flow itself. | | | | activity. |
| Grape seed and pine bark are also anti-inflammatory | | | | |