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Perceptions of e-Cigarettes and Noncigarette Tobacco Products Among US Youth

  • November 09, 2016

Electronic cigarettes (e-cigs) are a new class of device that is creating a new generation of addicts. This was the conclusion of a recent Pediatrics study. E-cigs are now the most frequently used tobacco product among American youth. The repercussions of this disturbing turn of events is sure to have long-lasting ramifications.

E-cigarettes are poorly regulated and highly addictive. Research continues to suggest that they may serve as a gateway drug to cigarettes and their novelty appeals to youth. Moreover, when viewed as a safe alternative to analogue cigarettes they can lead ex-smokers to relapse.

E-cigarettes contain a frightening laundry list of toxic chemicals. Diacetyl is a chemical used to add artificial buttery flavor to popcorn. It has been linked to permanent respiratory damage, and dubbed "popcorn lung," in workers at a microwave popcorn plant.

Avoiding “buttery” e-cigarette flavors for the more cloying varieties preferred by American youth is no protection. Other hazardous chemicals, including acetoin and 2,3-pentanedione, have been found in many of the products. It is advisable to avoid these close relatives of diacetyl but in e-cigarettes they are often found at dangerous levels.

Whether or not e-cigarettes are actually "healthier" than tobacco cigarettes remains to be seen but there is an obvious healthy alternative. This is to entirely abstain from cigarettes, e-cigarettes and nicotine. The first step is to first get healthy. This will make quitting much easier. Exercise is a crucial component. Another critical step is to remove processed foods from your diet and consume exclusively healthy whole foods. My comprehensive free nutrition plan is chock full of actionable inf
ormation about how you can embrace a nourishing diet and take control of your health.