While environmental and dietary aspects influence ageing, recent research has identified that excessive alcohol consumption advances the ageing process however this is further accelerated by smoking. Alcohol and tobacco smoking cause epigenetic changes to DNA – speeding up the ageing process in distinct, measurable ways, according to research.

All levels of exposure to smoke were associated with significantly premature ageing, the scientists report. interestingly, moderate alcohol use — about one to two drinks per day — was correlated with the healthiest ageing, while very low and high consumption were linked to accelerate ageing.

Cutting back on the units of alcohol consumed and stopping smoking would arrest or at the very least reduce premature ageing … of course, there are the added benefits of a healthier lifestyle, reduced probability of diseases (liver, pancreas etc.), cancers, improved hygiene and last but not least financial savings.

However it may not be easy for some compared to others to stop or cut back on alcohol or smoking. It has been identified that alcohol consumption and smoking are employed as surrogate support crutches for people living through some form of mental anxiety.

In Part 2, I explain why people become dependent on alcohol and smoking and how to break this addiction.

Photo by NeONBRAND on Unsplash

Categories: HealthSmoking