Smoking linked to liver disease
by Sarah HowardA study in the Gut Journal shows that smoking and hair dye could increase the risks of liver cancer.
The research commissioned by experts in Manchester and Newcastle looked at 5,000 participants between the ages of 36 to 90. The study compared the lifestyle habits of those who had suffered from the disease to a group of those that had not.
The study cited by BUPA looked at 2,258 members of the UK PBC Foundation who were suffering from the condition, comparing them with a control group of 2,438 randomly selected individuals from the electoral roll.
Looking at factors such as smoking, the use of hair dye and drinking, the research sought to find out whether those that indulged in certain environmental factors, were more likely to suffer from primary biliary cirrhosis (PBC).
The research found that people suffering from PBC were more likely to have smoked or have started smoking due to the stress from their diagnosis. Sufferers were also more likely to have suffered from urinary infections, a history of obstetric cholestasis and have a family history of PBC itself.
In light of such research, more and more UK residents have attempted to stop smoking. Hypnotherapy is one of the most effective methods for combating the disease, helping patients reduce their cravings dramatically. With a few sessions of hypnotherapy, smokers can kick the habit for good, reducing their risk of other serious diseases such as lung cancer, COPD and heart disease.
