Smoking

I was wondering if you had any idea what it means when after smoking a cigarette, a metallic taste is present all over the inside of the mouth. Is there any need to worry do you think?

Smoking, chemicals and taste

The smoke inhaled from a cigarette contains many toxic substances and a build up of these toxins can alter taste sensation. Tobacco smoke contains toxic chemicals such as:

Aluminium -A heavy metal that is seriously detrimental to the health of the brain and nervous system
Nicotine - A nervous system irritant
Arsenic - A heavy metal
Carbon Monoxide - A heavy metal which affects brain function
Cadmium - Each cigarette contains up to 2mcg of Cadmium which is absorbed into the lungs
Lead - A heavy metal which causes nervous system disorders

Health issues and smoking

The prolonged exposure to these toxins may lead to a gradual progression of health issues such as:

nutritional deficiencies and malnutrition
dehydration and halitosis (bad breath)
alteration in taste receptors
elevated Homocysteine levels (a degenerative protein which contributes to cardiovascular diseases)
decrease in lung function, damage to the mucus membranes and bronchioles and therefore less removal of wastes via exhalation
increase Cholesterol and free radical production
liver toxicity (smoking causes a decrease in Superoxide Dismutase (SOD) a potent liver protective antioxidant and enzyme
decreased reproductive function as it inhibits the production of some hormones
decreased skin elasticity and collagen production (rapid aging)
reduced nervous system function (increased stress hormones with cravings)
decreased digestive function (a decrease in enzymatic production)
reduced immunity and resistance to pathogens

Cigarettes and liver function

The smoke from an inhaled cigarette may cause many detrimental effects on the body such as cardiovascular and lung diseases, however the negative effects of tobacco smoke are a direct result of the amount of toxic chemicals found in the smoke. The chemicals found in smoke are heavy metals which are stored long term in the body, these toxins are Cadmium, Mercury, Carbon Monoxide, Arsenic and Aluminium. These chemicals reduce liver function by increasing Homocysteine levels (implicated in many chronic conditions and reduces the livers ability to detoxify), decreasing a potent antioxidant called Superoxide Dismutase which is required for detoxification pathways and liver regeneration and also because the liver is the primary organ of detoxification and elimination which acts to remove these toxins from the body so that they are not stored in the brain or nervous system.

Any heavy metals or chemicals will greatly slow down liver and gall bladder function, this is because the liver becomes sluggish or overburdened. If the liver is under duress due to smoking, alcohol, poor diet, ill health etc, this over work will cause heat, dehydration and a strain on the bowels. Dry bowels or constipation are common problems many smokers experience which can also cause halitosis and poor skin quality, this is also linked to cigarettes causing depletion of Vitamin C levels in the body. It is estimated that every one cigarette depletes the body of up to 2g of Vitamin C. Vitamin C is needed by the bowels to cleanse and encourage peristaltic movement. Many other nutrients are depleted in the body due to cigarette smoke such as antioxidants, Zinc, Magnesium, Calcium, Selenium, Vitamin E, Vitamin A and B Vitamins which are necessary for health, a deficiency of these are commonly linked to the effects in question. The toxic chemicals found in cigarettes are expelled from elimination channels such as the kidneys, bowels, skin, lungs and liver. Given that these organs will be compromised due to the ill effects of tobacco these symptoms this will further decrease vitality and health.

Diet tips when smoking

Ensure adequate hydration as smoking can cause drying of the mucus membranes of the body leading to dry bowels (constipation)
Begin each day with a glass of warm lemon juice to promote liver function, digestion and bowel motility. Lemon juice also contains vitamin C and you may even add some Ginger and Manuka Honey for their beneficial effects on immunity

Lifestyle factors when smoking

Consider quitting the habit
Support liver function, lung health and immunity

Natural remedies when smoking

It is recommended if you choose to continue the habit of smoking to improve nutritional status and the functioning of the organs which help to remove the chemicals and by products of tobacco smoke. Addressing nutrition may also help to reduce the nasty side effects of smoking such as altered taste sensations.

Vitamin C and bioflavinoids may be beneficial as it is commonly believed that each cigarette depletes the body of up to 2gms of Vitamin C
A multivitamin supplement which contains good levels of Vitamin A, Lycopene, Vitamin E, minerals (Calcium, Magnesium, Zinc) and Selenium will be helpful to ensure adequate antioxidant and nutritional status
Antioxidant herbs such as Grape seed, Green Tea, Black Pepper, Bilberry, Resveratrol, St Marys Thistle, Tumeric and Yerba mate
Support the nervous system with herbs such as Oats, Siberian Ginseng, Passionflower, Magnolia, Poria, Sacred Basil, Alfalfa, Kava Kava and Lemon Balm
Promote better lung function with herbs such as Mullein and Coltsfoot
Cod Liver oil contains Vitamins A & D to protect the mucus membranes of the lungs to further degeneration cause by the irritation of tobacco smoke

For further information see the Ask a Naturopath.com webpage concerning a metallic taste in the mouth

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