Nutrition for Smokers: From Burbank California Chiropractor Dr. Thorburn

BURBANK, Calif. - July 31, 2013 - PRLog -- Cigarette smoking is known to have harmful effects on the lungs, heart and reproductive organs.  There are some nutritional steps one can take to improve their overall health, and also the health of anyone who lives with a smoker.

1. Take vitamin E for heart health. Smoking contributes to more cholesterol being deposited in artery walls. As a powerful anti-oxidant, vitamin E helps prevent this and also eliminates toxins. Healthy food sources of vitamin E are sunflower seeds, almonds, olives and oils made from these foods. Leafy green vegetables like spinach also contain the vitamin.

2. Smokers are often deficient in vitamin C. Vitamin C supports the immune system, strengthens blood vessels and helps preserve vitamin E in the body. Vitamin C strengthens gums and helps with receding gums, a common problem in smokers. Bioflavonoids, the natural pigments in citrus fruits and a component of the white matter inside of citrus peels, complement the potency of vitamin C.

3. For women, smoking can speed up the loss of bone mass that occurs as a woman ages. Whether male or female, support your bones by eating healthy fats such as olive oil, avocados, organic eggs, cold-water fish and fish oils. Avoid foods that cause your bones to lose calcium such as soft drinks, sugar, cookies, table salt, alcohol, and artificial sweeteners. Supplement with highly absorbable forms of calcium, magnesium, vitamin D and vitamin K. Take a whole food multivitamin and mineral supplement.

4. Eat a healthy diet of salads, cooked vegetables, fruits, whole grains, salmon, other fish and lean poultry. Drink several glasses of water per day. Take regular walks.

These things will help a smoker and those around them to be healthier.

For more information visit http://www.ThorburnChiropractic.com or call (818) 841-1313.