We all know that smoking is bad for our health. You are very
aware of the effects of smoking on the lungs but you may not
realize that smoking limit absorptions of nutrients. Calcium and
vitamin D are necessary for bone health. vitamin D promotes the
absorption of calcium. As smoking jeopardizes the absorption of
both calcium and vitamin D, the body is taking a double hit.
Osteoporosis can be a result of the loss of these nutrients.
Some foods high in calcium are spinach, kale, collards, white
beans and soy beans. For vitamin D consume fatty fish, cheese,
eggs, vitamin D fortified foods like dairy and orange juice.
Vitamin C acts as an antioxidant, helps the immune system work
properly, and is needed to make collagen. Smoking will impede
absorption of vitamin C. Some foods high in vitamin C are citrus
fruits, kiwi, broccoli, red peppers and tomatoes. If you do
smoke you should increase your intake of these nutrients with
diet and supplements but the obvious answer is to quit smoking.