Quitting Smoking Benefits Your Digestive System
Broadcast Dates: Monday, January 14 - Sunday, January 20, 2013
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Did you know smoking can cause harm to many organs in your digestive system?
Hi, I’m Dr. Griffin Rodgers, Director of the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.
Smoking can play a role in common digestive problems like heartburn and peptic ulcers. Smoking can weaken the valve at the bottom of your esophagus, allowing stomach acid to rise up and cause heartburn. Research has shown that people who smoke cigarettes are more likely to develop an ulcer. Also, smoking can increase the time it takes for your ulcer to heal.
Smoking can damage your liver, another organ in the digestive system. The liver plays an important role in fighting infection, digesting food, and removing harmful substances from your blood.
Finally, cigarette smoking can increase your risk for colon cancer, so there are many good reasons to quit. For help, visit smokefree.gov.
This is Dr. Griffin Rodgers. Follow us on Twitter @HealthyMoments.
Page last updated: January 14, 2013