Tobacco And Keto: A Dangerous Mix?

Tobacco use and keto are two topics that have been gaining traction in recent years, with many people adopting the keto diet for its purported health benefits and the rise in awareness of the negative effects of tobacco use. While tobacco use is known to have detrimental effects on health, what is the relationship between tobacco use and the keto diet? Does smoking affect ketosis, and are there any implications for people following a keto diet who also smoke? This article will explore the impact of tobacco use on the keto diet and discuss any potential risks or interactions between the two.

Tobacco use can cause insulin resistance

Nicotine, the addictive substance in tobacco, alters the way the body uses glucose. It changes chemical processes in cells, making them resistant to insulin, and preventing the hormone from entering the cells. As a result, glucose remains in the blood, leading to increased blood sugar levels.

Nicotine may also trigger the body to produce more triglycerides, a type of fat linked to insulin resistance. In addition, it raises levels of hormones that counteract the effects of insulin. These dual effects of nicotine contribute to the development of insulin resistance.

The impact of nicotine on insulin resistance is dose-dependent, with heavier tobacco use leading to a higher risk. This includes not only cigarette smoking but also passive smoking, chewing tobacco, and electronic cigarettes.

While tobacco use can cause insulin resistance, it is important to note that the ketogenic diet relies primarily on fat metabolism for energy rather than sugar metabolism. Therefore, tobacco use may not significantly affect nutrient uptake on a keto diet. However, the negative health effects of tobacco use are well-established, and quitting tobacco can be a step towards a healthier lifestyle.

Tobacco contains harmful chemicals

Tobacco contains a mix of over 7,000 chemicals, formed both naturally and through the manufacturing process. Many of these chemicals are toxic, and at least 69 of them are known to cause cancer.

Some of the chemicals found in tobacco are listed below, alongside other products in which they are found:

• Acetone, found in nail polish remover
• Acetic acid, an ingredient in hair dye
• Ammonia, a common household cleaner
• Arsenic, used in rat poison
• Benzene, found in rubber cement and gasoline
• Butane, used in lighter fluid
• Cadmium, an active component in battery acid
• Carbon monoxide, released in car exhaust fumes
• Formaldehyde, used as embalming fluid
• Hexamine, found in barbecue lighter fluid
• Lead, used in batteries
• Naphthalene, an ingredient in mothballs
• Methanol, a main component in rocket fuel
• Nicotine, used as an insecticide
• Tar, used for paving roads
• Toluene, used to manufacture paint

The tobacco plant itself absorbs chemicals from the soil and fertiliser, such as cadmium, lead, and nitrates. During the curing process, dangerous chemicals called tobacco-specific nitrosamines (TSNAs) form, and these remain in the tobacco leaves after curing. During the manufacturing process, more chemicals may be added, such as ammonia, sugar, and flavour additives, which form even more harmful chemicals when burned.

The thousands of chemicals in tobacco smoke, including carbon monoxide, tar, and other toxic chemicals, cause serious damage to health. They can lead to a range of diseases, including cancer, cardiovascular disease, and COPD.

Tobacco impacts cardiovascular health

Tobacco use has a detrimental impact on cardiovascular health, increasing the risk of cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) and causing one in every four deaths from CVD. Tobacco smoke contains numerous toxic chemicals, including carbon monoxide, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, nicotine, and heavy metals, which have adverse effects on vascular endothelium, blood lipids, and clotting factors, leading to atherosclerosis. This results in a reduced oxygen supply to the organs, increasing the likelihood of strokes, circulatory disturbances, and heart attacks.

Tobacco use also raises triglyceride levels, lowers "good" cholesterol (HDL), and promotes blood stickiness, further elevating the risk of blood clots and blockages in blood vessels. Additionally, it damages the cells lining the blood vessels and increases plaque buildup, leading to conditions such as coronary heart disease, peripheral arterial disease, and abdominal aortic aneurysm.

Secondhand smoke exposure is equally harmful, increasing the risk of coronary heart disease and stroke. Even short-term exposure to secondhand smoke can damage blood vessels and increase the likelihood of a heart attack.

Quitting smoking is crucial for reducing the risk of CVDs. Doing so improves "good" cholesterol levels, reduces atherosclerosis progression, and lowers the risk of coronary heart disease, stroke, and abdominal aortic aneurysm. Research also suggests that quitting may reduce the risk of sudden cardiac death, venous thromboembolism, and peripheral arterial disease.

Tobacco increases the risk of type 2 diabetes

Tobacco use has been linked to an increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes. People who smoke are 30 to 40% more likely to develop type 2 diabetes compared to non-smokers. This risk increases with the number of cigarettes smoked. The chemicals in cigarette smoke interfere with the normal function of cells, causing inflammation throughout the body and reducing the effectiveness of insulin. Oxidative stress, caused when chemicals from cigarette smoke meet oxygen in the body, may also increase the risk of diabetes.

Smoking is associated with an increased risk of abdominal obesity or belly fat, which is a risk factor for type 2 diabetes, even in people who are not overweight. Studies have shown that smokers tend to have higher waist-to-hip ratios, indicating a higher proportion of fat around the abdomen.

Cigarette smoke contains nicotine, which directly alters glucose homeostasis and negatively affects insulin sensitivity. This can lead to insulin resistance, increasing the risk of type 2 diabetes. Nicotine also increases lipolysis (the breakdown of fats) in adipose tissue, leading to higher serum triglyceride levels in smokers compared to non-smokers.

Additionally, cigarette smoke contains heavy metals such as lead, arsenic, and cadmium, which have been linked to the development of diabetes. Exposure to these heavy metals through smoking can increase the prevalence of diabetes and impair glucose tolerance.

The impact of tobacco use on diabetes risk is not limited to cigarette smoking. The use of alternative smoking products, such as smokeless tobacco or "snus," has also been associated with an increased risk of type 2 diabetes, particularly with heavy use.

Quitting smoking is an essential step in reducing the risk of type 2 diabetes. While quitting does not reverse diabetes, it can make it easier to manage blood sugar levels and improve insulin sensitivity.

Tobacco impacts gum and teeth health

Tobacco use has detrimental effects on gum and teeth health. It is one of the biggest risk factors for gum disease, with smokers being 4 to 5 times more likely to develop gum problems than non-smokers. The risk increases with alcohol consumption. The gums may pull away from the teeth, becoming loose and creating spaces between them. This is often due to the increased buildup of plaque and tartar on the teeth caused by tobacco use. Tobacco use can also cause receding gums and chronic bad breath.

Smoking increases the likelihood of tooth loss, as tobacco causes poor blood supply to the gums, which can lead to rot or inflammation. The toxins in tobacco smoke can also cause teeth to become stained yellow and, over time, weaken the bone within the jaw, increasing the risk of tooth loss. Additionally, tobacco use increases the risk of developing oral cancer, which can occur on the tongue, cheek, roof or floor of the mouth, and lips.

Quitting smoking significantly improves oral health. Former smokers have the same risk of developing gum disease and responding to gum treatment as non-smokers. The benefits of quitting are noticeable within minutes and can last a lifetime. For example, 20 minutes after quitting, an individual's heart rate and blood pressure drop, and within two weeks to three months, their blood flow improves and their lungs function better.

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