For years, scientists have been compiling evidence that suggests vaping is a safer alternative to traditional smoking. The general public has now had access to e-cigarettes for over a decade, and more research is emerging that supports positive health effects of vaping. Several studies based in the United Kingdom showed that people who switched to vaping over traditional cigarettes feel better after doing so. This is excellent news because it directly corresponds with new research showing the benefits of switching from traditional cigarettes to vaping.
Research Says Vaping May Reduce Smoking-Related Health Issues
Did you know that people who smoke have a much higher chance of developing respiratory conditions like bronchitis or pneumonia? The New England Journal of Medicine published a study to measure the health effects of people who switched from traditional cigarettes to vaping. It found that switching to vaping significantly reduced eight biomarkers of smoking – as much as quitting smoking completely.
In the study, 90 participants split into six groups that included three groups switching to vaping, one group continuing to smoke traditional cigarettes, and one group stopping smoking altogether. The researchers took urine and blood samples after five days to measure the levels of biomarkers for exposure present.
They found that the group that quit smoking completely had their biomarkers reduced 85.3%. However, the group that switched to vaping had an 85% reduction in their biomarkers. This proves that switching to vaping is almost as effective at reducing your biomarkers for chemical exposure as quitting entirely.
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Smoking and Blood Pressure: Can Vaping Help Reduce High Blood Pressure?
It’s not a secret that smoking traditional cigarettes can wreak havoc on your entire cardiovascular system. Smoking puts you at an increased risk of developing high blood pressure. Also, it encourages plaque buildup on the inside of your arteries, and this can restrict your blood flow. When this happens, it sets the stage to develop coronary artery disease, chest pain, irregular heartbeat, heart attack, stroke, or death.
One study supported that switching from traditional cigarettes to vaping can reduce your blood pressure levels. The study’s participants had their blood pressure and heart rate monitored throughout the study. They divided people who vaped into three categories depending on whether they vaped low, high, or no nicotine.
People who reduced or quit their tobacco intake showed a steady and long-term decline in their overall blood pressure levels despite their nicotine consumption. In turn, this reduces your risk for cardiovascular disease and related issues, suggesting that vaping can potentially help people live longer and healthier lives.
Other Potential Health Benefits Associated with Vaping
More and more research continues to support the health effects of vaping. They include but are not limited to:
- Control Nicotine Intake – Vaping allows you to control your nicotine intake due to the varying levels of nicotine available with e-cigarettes. You can pick from low, medium, or high strength. This works to ensure that you won’t get more nicotine than you want.
- Improve Lung Function – One survey took 19,000 people and asked them about their lung function after switching to vaping. They found that roughly 76% of the participants reported improved lung function within months of making the switch.
- Reduce Secondhand Smoke Risks – When you vape, you’re not getting all of those chemicals that come in traditional cigarettes. This is excellent news for people who live with a smoker and don’t want to inhale secondhand smoke.
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Prevents Weight Gain – When you quit smoking, it’s common to gain weight because you eat more to combat the cravings. Also, nicotine withdrawal can also cause you to eat more. Since there is nicotine in e-cigarettes, you can prevent weight gain by switching to them.
E-cigarette usage has shown significant health benefits and improvements over traditional smoking. The results are not instantaneous, but the research shows they do have the potential to benefit you in the long-term.
