Shisha smoking involves smoking tobacco in a modified pipe via an elongated hose. Unlike cigarettes, shisha doesnt burn the throat and comes in many flavors such as apple, mint, cherry, chocolate, coconut, cappuccino, and many more. Some of the major draws to Shisha are it’s variety of flavors, the length of time it lasts and the social element.
It’s roots date back to over 600 years ago. In some areas, it’s referred to as hookah, narghile, waterpipe, or hubble-bubble smoking.
For Middle Easterners, shisha smoking isn’t about getting high – it’s a culture.
THE DANGERS OF SMOKING SHISHA
Many mistakenly believe that cigarettes are worse than shisha. They think, “since there is a fruit flavor in shisha, it can’t be that bad.” Additionally, they believe the water in the bowl absorbs most of the toxins. Unfortunately, all of these are myth and couldn’t be any further from the truth.
The tobacco (and water) in shisha doesn’t spare you from inhaling nicotine, tar, carbon monoxide, and other heavy metals. In fact it amplifies them to a greater level far exceeding that of cigarettes.
On average, a shisha session can last for anything up to an hour plus, which is the equivalent of smoking over 100 cigarettes!! Research says one puff of shisha is similar to smoking a whole cigarette. Now that is seriously Unhealthy!
In a session of shisha smoking, as much as 90,000ml of smoke is inhaled. That’s 90 liters!
The list of health hazards associated with smoking anything are extremely long, but the list associated with smoking shisha are eye-wateringly bad. Here are some of the most dangerous:
1. Greatly increased risk of heart disease
2. Greatly increased risk of several types of cancers
3. Respiratory issues
4. Birth defects
5. Weight gain
HOW TO STOP SMOKING SHISHA (and smoking in general)
If you have come to the realization that smoking shisha is bad for you, then you’re not alone. Perhaps this year it’s about time you stopped? However, this is easier said than done. But with some determination, will power, hard work and training you can do it. Here are some tips to help you:
1. Eliminate the triggers – you should start by removing anything that increases your chances of smoking shisha. For example, you may avoid places where you usually smoke it or keep distance with friends who still swear by it.
2. Adopt a healthy habit – you may be smoking shisha because you are bored. So picking a new hobby is a great way to keep yourself occupied. However, ensure that you pick a healthy habit.
3. Adopt a healthy diet – many smoke because of stress. With the right food, you should be able to relax and be happy. This will keep you away from the hookah.
4. Exercise – this is also a great way to eliminate stress and relax.
5. Understand the reasons you need to change – without convincing yourself that you need to change, you will have a bad time trying to quit. Keep on educating yourself on the dangers of smoking.
6. Seek support – you need to keep friends and family knowledgeable on your quest to stop smoking. Their support will surely keep you inspired to change.
Article provided by Nutrition Souq, the Fitness Marketplace: Nutrition Souq
