It’s not for nothing that we don’t feel good when we see blood – it’s a reflexive reaction, because we subconsciously associate the sight of blood with danger. But we don’t always think about the fact that our blood is not only threatened by its loss, but much more often by our inappropriate way of life.
In fact, there are many factors that can destroy blood. Some of these are beyond our control, such as genetics and age. But other factors are caused by our lifestyle and we can therefore influence them. Which ones are they? And by what mechanism does it have a negative effect on the blood?
Smoking
Smoking destroys the blood in several ways. Tobacco smoke contains more than 7,000 chemicals, many of which are poisonous and carcinogenic. These chemicals bind to red blood cells and hemoglobin in the blood, reducing their ability to carry oxygen to the cells. Smoking also damages blood vessels and increases blood pressure, which can lead to blood clots and blood vessel blockages. These are conditions that potentially lead to heart attacks, strokes, and other serious health problems.
In addition, smoking weakens the immune system and increases the risk of infections. It also slows wound healing and impairs blood flow in the extremities. Carcinogenic chemicals in tobacco smoke, such as tar and benzene, damage DNA in blood cells. Thus, mutations can arise that cause the cells to start multiplying uncontrollably and form a tumor.
An immune system weakened by smoking also has a harder time fighting cancer cells. Rthe risk of blood cancer increases with the duration and intensity of smoking. If you stop smoking, you reduce the risk of blood cancer and other oncological diseases.
Excessive drinking of alcohol
Excessive alcohol consumption damages the blood on several levels. Alcohol damages the red blood cells that carry oxygen to the cells. It also negatively affects the function of the liver, which is responsible for filtering the blood and removing waste products. Furthermore, alcohol increases blood pressure and weakens the immune system. All of these can lead to serious health problems such as heart attack, stroke, cancer and liver failure.
In addition, alcohol impairs wound healing and increases the risk of infection. It can also lead to dehydration, which often causes fatigue, headaches and dizziness. Carcinogenic substances in alcohol, such as acetaldehyde, damage DNA in blood cells, which can also lead to the development of cancer. The risk of blood cancer increases with the amount and duration of alcohol consumption. It is highest in people who drink more than 4 drinks a day.
Lack of movement
When you don’t move, your heart and blood vessels don’t work as hard as they should. This can lead to muscle weakness and reduced blood flow. Lack of exercise can also lead to weight gain and obesity, which are risk factors for heart disease, stroke and other health problems. People who don’t exercise often also tend to have higher cholesterol and blood pressure, which can damage blood vessels and increase the risk of blood clots. In addition, lack of exercise impairs wound healing and increases the risk of infection.
Unhealthy food
It is possible to have long hours of debate about what food is healthy or not. In general, however, an unhealthy diet is one that contains higher than recommended amounts of saturated and trans fats, cholesterol and sugar. This leads to clogging of the arteries and an increase in blood pressure, which can lead to heart attacks, strokes and other cardiovascular diseases.
An unhealthy diet can also lead to weight gain and obesity, which are risk factors for type 2 diabetes and other chronic diseases. We must also not forget that fast food and highly industrialized foods tend to be poor in nutrients, such as vitamins and minerals, which are absolutely necessary for blood health.
Chronic stress
Stress releases hormones such as cortisol that increase blood pressure and heart rate. This can lead to heart attack, stroke and other cardiovascular diseases. Stress also contributes to inflammation, which can damage blood vessels and tissues, and weakens the immune system, increasing the risk of infections and potentially developing blood cancers. In addition, chronic stress impairs wound healing and increases the risk of blood clots.
What can we do for healthy blood?
Healthy blood is the basis of a healthy life. Taking the time to care for her will make you feel better and live longer. There are many things we can do to keep our blood healthy.
Is part of them:
● No smoking – Smoking is one of the worst factors for blood health. If you smoke, quitting is the single most important thing you can do for your health.
● Limit alcohol consumption
● Exercise regularly – Try to exercise at least 30 minutes a day, 5 days a week.
● Eat healthy – Eat lots of fruits, vegetables, whole grains and lean protein. Limit your intake of saturated fat, cholesterol and salt.
● Learn to manage stress – There are many techniques for managing stress, such as meditation, yoga or exercise.
● Get checked by a doctor regularly – Your doctor can check your blood pressure, cholesterol and other important parameters.
Jan Janský – a psychiatrist and scientist who discovered blood groups, was to become a world star Videohub
