As the safety of an energy drink debate rages on, we thought we would take a look at what harmful consequences could result from consuming to many energy drinks.
It's important to understand that energy drinks contain supplements and therefore, most brands contain some type of warning label about consuming more than the recommend serving. In moderation, most people will have no adverse, short term side effects from drinking energy drinks, however, the long term side effects from consuming energy drinks aren't fully understood as of yet.
We will take a look at the most common energy drink ingredients and list the potential side effects that could result from ingesting too much of them through your favorite energy drink.
Energy Drink Side Effects
Recent research in Australia has highlighted the risks with over-consumption of energy drinks. This data was gathered from 7 years of calls the the Australian Poisons Center. Listed in order of most common to least common.
Palpitations / tachycardia
Tremor / shaking
Agitation / restlessness
Gastrointestinal upset
Chest pain / ischaemia
Dizziness / syncope
Paraesthesia (tingling or numbing of the skin)
Insomnia
Respiratory distress
Headache
Caffeine
Of course this is the most common energy drink ingredient and most of you know the side effects, but the list wouldn't be complete without it. Caffeine can be disguised as guarana, green tea extract, and coffee extract so be aware of this when reading energy drink labels. Caffeine can produce the following side effects;
Dizziness, irritability, nausea, nervousness, jitters.
Allergic reactions can include; rash, hives, itching, difficulty breathing, tightness in the chest, swelling of the (mouth, face, lips, or tongue), diarrhea, shakiness, trouble sleeping, vomiting.
Headache and severe fatigue from withdrawal.
Breast shrinkage in females.
It's hard to pinpoint a safe dose because it varies from person to person and according to a person's tolerance. Between 500 milligrams to 1000 milligrams in a 24 hour period will probably result in some of the above side effects.
Sugar
Most energy drinks are high in sugar in the form of high fructose corn syrup and/or cane sugar. Some use creative names to make their version of sugar seem healthier, like "natural cane juice" or they'll call it "glucose". High sugar drinks are linked to the obesity epidemic and the rapid increase of type 2 diabetes. The sugar in energy drinks causes insulin spikes which later result in a "crash like" feeling.
Taurine
No side effects from Taurine in energy drinks have been documented. Some countries ( France, Denmark, and Norway) originally banned energy drinks because of their taurine content, but have since accepted that taurine consumption is safe based on the evidence to date.
B Vitamins
More than 35mg of Niacin (B3) can cause flushing of the skin. Intake of 3000mg or more can result in liver toxicity.
More than 100mg of B6 can cause sensory nerve problems (burning sensation) or skin lesions.
Inositol
No known side effects have been reported, but ingesting large quantities has been linked to diarrhea. Large doses have been used to treat certain psychiatric disorders.
Ginseng
Some studies have linked it to sleeplessness, while others refute this.
Other possible symptoms include; nausea, diarrhea, headaches, nose bleed, high blood pressure, low blood pressure, and breast pain.
Glucuronolactone
While no side effects have been reported there's still debate on its safety which has lead Canada, England, Germany, and France from allowing it in non-prescription products.
Artificial Sweeteners
If you like the sugar-free energy drinks variety there is ongoing debate over the safety of these. Here's good article from diet-blog on the subject.
Ginkgo Biloba
nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, headaches, dizziness, heart palpitations, and restlessness.
Can interact with other medication such as blood thinners and anti-depressants.
L-Carnitine
vomiting, nausea, headache, diarrhea, stuffy nose, restlessness and sleeping difficulty.
L-Theanine
This amino acid is derived from green tea and many energy drinks and shots have begun putting "green tea extract" in their products. It produces a different type of alertness than caffeine and there hasn't been any scientific evidence of it causing adverse side effects. Some have reported feeling light-headed when consuming a dose of more than 300mg of L-Theanine.
Conclusions
Its important to note that with some of the energy drink side effects many ingredients can have similar negative effects, so with much of the information being anecdotal from patient's records, it's hard to say which ingredient actually caused the problems if the patient was ingesting several combinations of these at one time.
I think, overall, the evidence supports the safety of energy drinks within the context of moderation and knowing your body i.e. allergies, tolerance etc. However, we still don't know any long-term energy drink side effects that could result, if any, because energy drinks haven't been around long enough to draw any conclusions from their long-term effect on the human body.
If you drink responsibly and use energy drinks when you need a boost of energy and not use them as a replacement for water, then you most likely will avoid energy drink side effects.
Sources:
The Mayo Clinic
The National Institutes of Health
You might like:
Modern thinkers' view about caffeine:
If they took all the drugs, nicotine, alcohol and caffeine off the market for six days, they'd have tobring out the tanks to control you.
- Dick Gregory
It's all I have left in my life, caffeine and a poodle.
- Brad Garrett
Caffeine. The gateway drug.
- Eddie Vedder
You know, why don't you take him off all this stuff you have him hopped up on, all this garbage that we're feeding him, all this sugar and caffeine, and then see what happens?
- Morgan Spurlock
Question
I heard that caffeine is a kind of drug. There is a hadith that states "Every intoxicant is khamrand every form of khamr is unlawful." Therefore, caffeine should be considered unlawful, regardless of how much you are consuming because of the hadith that says: "Whatever causes intoxication in large amounts, a small amount of it is unlawful." Caffeine is found in chocolate and in almost every drink such as such as cola, coffee, and tea. Doesn't this mean that these foods and drinks are all unlawful?
Answered by
the Fatwa Department Research Committee - chaired by Sheikh `Abd al-Wahhb al-Turayr
It is known that caffeine is a mild stimulant. In this way it can rightly be called a "drug". However, that does not mean that it is an intoxicant. An intoxicant is a substance that blurs or distorts the rational faculties of the person who takes it.
Assuming that pure caffiene could intoxicate in very large quantities, it would still be the case that in order for a food or drink containing caffiene to be counted as an intoxicant, it would have to cause intoxication if consumed in quantities that a human being could reasonably ingest within a timeframe that would allow intoxication to take place.
This is not the case for chocolate, cola, coffee, or tea.
And Allah knows best.
THE TREND OF SHISHA AND ITS PSYCOLOGICAL IMPACT IN THE SOCIETY TODAY
A Sheesha or hookah (hukkā or huqqah) also known as a waterpipe, narghile, or qalyān is a single or multi-stemmed instrument for smoking flavored tobacco called Mu'assel (also known as Sheesha) in which the smoke is passed through a water basin (often glass based) before inhalation.
Researchers Alarmed at the Rising Use of Hookah Among Young Adults:
Hookah, a water pipe used for smoking Shisha, which is an aromatic blend of tobacco, molasses and fruit, has been very popular for many years in Middle Eastern countries like Saudia Arabia, Syria, Iran, and in the South Asian countries like Pakistan, India, Bangladesh, Nepal . But in recent years it has become the "in" thing in the U.S and Canada too, for young adults between the ages of 18 to 24. Shisha water pipes are most common in areas of China, India, Pakistan, and the Eastern Mediterranean Region, as well as United States. Also to be noted, that Shisha outlet had been showing up like mushroom in different parts of the globe today
Often hookah is first introduced to these youths at a campus party or a hookah lounge. It has become known as the "social" thing to do with others. In fact, it's becoming such a trend that researchers at the University of California, San Diego School of Medicine are reporting a rapid rise in use amongst young adults, especially those in the state of California.
Many times these young adults think that smoking hookah is harmless, which in fact is the exact opposite of the truth. Smoking hookah is just as harmful as smoking cigarettes . . . if not more harmful. These young adults have a misguided belief that it is less dangerous due to the fact that the tobacco is filtered through water. However, a hookah session can last up to an hour, and, according to the World Health Organization, this can be equal to smoking approximately 100 cigarettes.
Data conducted from the UCSD research team show that from 2005 to 2008 hookah use among California young adults increased by more than 40 percent, with 24.5 percent being men and 10 percent being women. And, the research team found that non-Hispanic Caucasians, with some education, smoked most. This is opposite of cigarettes, where more educated individuals are less likely to smoke.
As hookah lounges are becoming much more prevalent throughout the states, Al-Delaimy suggests and urges lawmakers to ban allowing hookah to be smoked in lounges. "More specific studies are warranted but we urge policymakers to consider laws that would ban hookah lounges, thus eliminating the implication that hookah smoking is safer and more socially acceptable than cigarette smoking," said Al-Delaimy.
Policymakers need to address this as an urgent concern and realize that it is a rapidly growing epidemic among young adults. As the newest front on the war against tobacco, its importance must be recognized sooner than later . . . for the sake of generations to come.
12 Secrets You Should Know About Shisha
kio
Facts about the inside story why Shisha had the particular effects in the body and why Shisha users want more of it, making them smoke more and more everyday. Does Shisha contain more harmful substance than cigarette smoking? Are there similarities and differences between the Shisha waterpipe and cigarette as to the modality of the harmful substances it can deliver to the body of the user? Questions like these need answers.
Same effects with cigarette.
Smoking Shisha and breathing second hand smoke from waterpipes can be presumed to have similar effects as exposure to cigarette smoke. The belief of some that Shisha is harmless only leads to their own destruction. Shisha is as dangerous as cigarette smoking.
Shisha contains more carbon monoxide.
Shisha contains carbon monoxide (CO) in amounts equal to or greater than that from cigarettes. CO replaces oxygen on red blood cells, making it harder for the body to deliver oxygen to vital organs which can later lead to organ damage.
Shisha smoking has cancer causing substance.
Smoking Shisha contains significant amounts of nicotine, levels of costic compounds such as tar, carbon monoxide (car exhaust), heavy metals like cobalt, and lead; and a host of cancer causing chemicals.
Prone to Addiction.
Shisha smoking produces similar increased blood nicotine levels and heart rate as cigarette use. The inhaled substances trigger chemical reactions in nerve endings, this release dopamine; which is associated with the feeling of pleasure. This seems to play an important role in nicotine addiction. A Shisha smoker is still smoking tobacco and the nicotine in it causes dependence after using it for several times.
Charcoal in Shisha increased the risk of diseases.
Unlike cigarettes, Shisha smoke may also contain charcoal or wood cinder combustion products from the heat source used to burn the tobacco, increasing the cancer-causing agents in the smoke. Apart from the harmful effect of the chemical, the end product produced by the charcoal only intensifies the damage it can cause to the body.
Damaged different body organs.
Shisha smoke is associated with increased risk of disease including cancer, heart disease, lung disease and many other deadly ailments. It might not be noticeable now but the harmful chemicals are already slowly damaging certain parts of the body of a Shisha user.
Shisha delivers more smoke in the body.
Of concern, smokers of water pipes may be exposed to even more smoke than cigarette smokers because water pipe smoking sessions last from 20-80 minutes during which a smoker may inhale as much smoke as that from 100 or more cigarettes. This only magnified and multiplied the effects of smoking Shisha.
Known by many names.
So be informed to be familiar, Shisha are one name for waterpipes, which is a method of smoking tobacco. Other names include: hookah, boory, goza, narghile, nargile, arghile, and hubble bubble.
Shisha has a flavoured tobacco.
The most common form of tobacco smoked in a water pipe is called Maassel, which is sweetened and flavored in such flavors as apple, mint, cappuccino, etc.
Shisha has adverse effects during pregnancy.
Pregnant women smoking a Shisha are putting their unborn child at great risk for low birth weight and other birthing problems.
Shisha can spread infectious diseases.
Other health risk includes the spread of infectious diseases like tuberculosis, herpes, and hepatitis. Viral infections can be transmitted through the sharing of the same mouthpiece; a common custom in many cultures.
"Knowing this facts will aide you now of why Shisha could have this big impact in your health and well being."
THE MYTHS: Common misconcptions about Shisha/Huka:
That the nicotine content is lower that that of cigarettes;
That the water filters out all the toxins;
That it less harmful to the throat and respiratory tract than cigarette smoking;
That fewer carcinogens are produced because the tobacco is heated rather than burned;
That as fruits and honey are added to the tobacco, it is therefore healthy.
EFFECTS OF CONSUMING SHEESHA :
Some short term effects of shisha smoking are that after 45 minutes of shisha smoking, the level of carbon monoxide, nicotine, and heartbeat rate will be high.
The 45 minutes of shisha smoking will also expose the smoker to twice the level of carbon monoxide and three times the level of nicotine, compared to one tobacco cigarette.
a shisha smoker is at risk of addiction as well as being exposed to Cadmium, a chemical element known to cause cancer.
Long term health effects are a higher risk of cancer, such as lung and mouth cancers.
Mixed smokers also showed more symptoms of chronic bronchitis (41.9%) than cigarette smokers (37%).
"Just because the shisha smoke goes down easy does not mean it is not dangerous. Even if you do not inhale at all, which is hard to do, a smoker remains at significant risk of lip, mouth and throat cancer"
CONCLUSION:
Hookah OR SHEESHA is not "10 times worse than smoking cigarettes," but it is easier to smoke for longer periods of time, which can definitely cause health risks. Also, according to one study, smoking cigarettes and hookah is probably not beneficial and hookah may increase your risk for chronic bronchitis and physician-diagnosed chronic respiratory disease.
Cigarettes, cigars, 'sheesha', or tobacco smoking were not available or prevalent at the time of the Revelation of the Quran, thus there is no specific mention of tobacco smoking in the Quran or the Sunnah. Thus it is upto the jurists and the scholars in Islam to come to a consensus regarding its ruling and verdict in light of the guidance of the Quran and the Sunnah.
Allah says in the Holy Quran Chapter 4 Surah Nisaa verse 29:
O ye who believe! Eat not up your property among yourselves in vanities: but let there be amongst you traffic and trade by mutual good-will: nor kill (or destroy) yourselves: for verily Allah hath been to you Most Merciful.
Allah Says in the Holy Quran Chapter 2 Surah Baqarah verse 195:
And spend of your substance in the cause of Allah, and make not your own hands contribute to your destruction, but do good; for Allah loveth those who do good.
Allah Says in the Holy Quran Chapter 7 Surah Aaraaf verse 157:
157 "Those who follow the apostle the unlettered Prophet (Mohamed (saws)), whom they find mentioned in their own (Scriptures); in the Torah and the Gospel; for he (saws) commands them what is just and forbids them what is evil: he allows them as lawful what is 'tayyebaat' (good and pure) and prohibits them from what is 'khabaayith' (bad and impure); He (saws) releases them from their heavy burdens and from the yokes that are upon them. So it is those who believe in him, honor him, help him, and follow the Light which is sent down with him; it is they who will prosper."
The absolute majority of the scholars (and even the scientific world for that matter!) are unanimous in their opinion that any kind of tobacco smoking is extremely dangerous to one's and others' health, and tantamount to the violation of the above commands of the above quoted verses of Surah Nisaa and Surah Baqarah where Allah Subhanah commands the believes 'not to kill or destroy yourselves' nor 'make your own hands contribute to your destruction'! Besides, in light of the clear guidance of the above quoted verse of Surah Aaraaf, every 'khabaayith' (evil, bad, impure thing, etc.) is forbidden to the believers.
To declare a substance 'haraam' or 'halaal' is the sole and exclusive Right of Allah and His Messenger (saws) alone. Because the likes of cigarettes, cigars, 'sheesha' or tobacco smoking, etc. are not specifically declared 'haraam' by name in the Quran and the Sunnah, the good scholars have abstained from declaring it as outright 'haraam. But the absolute majority of the scholars are of the opinion that since tobacco smoking seriously harms one's health and is amongst the 'khabaayith' (evil, bad, impure substances); it is definitely closer to the 'haraam' than to the 'halaal', and it would be best for the believers to fear Allah and abstain from not only consuming it, but deriving any benefit from it. And Allah Alone Knows Best.
The scholars of the Standing Committee said:
Shisha, narghileh and smoking are all evil actions and are haraam, because of the harm they cause to one's body and wealth. Allah, may He be exalted, said, describing our Prophet Muhammad (blessings and peace of Allah be upon him): "he allows them as lawful AtTayyibaat (i.e. all good and lawful as regards things, deeds, beliefs, persons and foods), and prohibits them as unlawful AlKhabaa'ith (i.e. all evil and unlawful as regards things, deeds, beliefs, persons and foods)" [al-A'raaf 7:157]. It is proven that the Prophet (blessings and peace of Allah be upon him) said: "There should be neither harm nor reciprocating harm." So it is not permissible to use these things or to sell them or to distribute them.
Cigarette filters may look like harmless cotton bound up in a tight little roll surrounded by yellow paper, but filters are specifically designed and manufactured with a plastic called cellulose acetate, used to accumulate smoke components and toxic chemicals. First of all, nicotine cannot be delivered in its pure form to the smoker, since is it is among the deadliest of all insecticides, so this insidious plastic is used to absorb some of the lethal vapors and also to prevent tobacco from entering the smoker's mouth. Nobody would smoke if their teeth turned brown after one pack. Lastly, the filter serves as a mouthpiece that won't collapse. That's the good news.
The bad news is that the vapors from the plastic are more detrimental to the body than all of the other 3,999 chemicals in a cigarette. Other materials have been tried, tested, surveyed and manipulated, but all are rejected in favor of the "roasty toasty" flavor acetate produces. In fact, some research shows that the MAIN REASON for cigarette manufacturers continued use of cellulose acetate IS THE TASTE. Tobacco companies spend millions, even billions, researching the best filters.
Islamic scholar's views on smoking:
Islamic scholars have historically had mixed views about tobacco, and until recently, there has not been a clear, unanimous fatwa (legal opinion) to allow or forbid cigarette smoking.
The mixed views on the subject came about because cigarettes are a more recent invention and did not exist at the time of the revelation of the Qur'an in the 7th century A.D. Therefore, one cannot find a verse of Qur'an, or words of the Prophet Muhammad, saying clearly that "cigarette smoking is forbidden."
However, there are many instances where the Qur'an gives us general guidelines, and calls upon us to use our reason and intelligence, and seek guidance from Allah about what is right and wrong. Islamic scholars use their knowledge and judgment to make (fatwa).
Quranic verses:
In the Qur'an, Allah says, "...he [the Prophet] commands them what is just, and forbids them what is evil; he allows them as lawful what is good, and prohibits them from what is bad..." (Qur'an 7:157).
In more recent times, as dangers of tobacco use have come to be proven beyond any doubt, scholars have become more unanimous in pronouncing tobacco use clearly haram (forbidden) to believers. They now use the strongest terms to condemn this habit. Here is a clear example:
"In view of the harm caused by tobacco, growing, trading in and smoking of tobacco are judged to be haram (forbidden). The Prophet, peace be upon him, is reported to have said, 'Do not harm yourselves or others.' Furthermore, tobacco is unwholesome, and God says in the Qur'an that the Prophet, peace be upon him, 'enjoins upon them that which is good and pure, and forbids them that which is unwholesome'" (Permanent Committee of Academic Research and Fatwa, Saudi Arabia).
Muslims are forbidden to harm themselves or others. Yet millions of Muslims all over the world are doing just that - harming, even killing themselves and their families. In the Qur'an, Allah says, "...he [the Prophet] commands them what is just, and forbids them what is evil; he allows them as lawful what is good, and prohibits them from what is bad..." (Qur'an 7:157). So what are the evils of tobacco use, for your health and for your religion?
Danger To Your Health
Allah says, "...make not your own hands contribute to your destruction..." (Qur'an 2:195); "...nor kill yourselves..." (Qur'an 4:29).
It is universally understood that cigarette smoking causes a number of health problems that often ultimately result in death. Smokers are highly at risk for heart disease, emphysema, oral cancer, stroke, etc. There are hundreds of poisonous and toxic ingredients in the cigarette itself that the smoker inhales straight into the lungs.
In an authentic hadith, the Prophet Muhammad said that "Whomsoever drinks poison, thereby killing himself, will sip this poison forever and ever in the fire of Hell." Over 3 million people worldwide die from smoking-related causes each year.
Muslims are forbidden to harm themselves or others. Yet millions of Muslims all over the world are doing just that - harming, even killing themselves and their families.
In the Qur'an, Allah says, "...he [the Prophet] commands them what is just, and forbids them what is evil; he allows them as lawful what is good, and prohibits them from what is bad..." (Qur'an 7:157). So what are the evils of tobacco use, for your health and for your religion?
Danger To Your Health
Allah says, "...make not your own hands contribute to your destruction..." (Qur'an 2:195); "...nor kill yourselves..." (Qur'an 4:29). It is universally understood that cigarette smoking causes a number of health problems that often ultimately result in death. Smokers are highly at risk for heart disease, emphysema, oral cancer, stroke, etc. There are hundreds of poisonous and toxic ingredients in the cigarette itself that the smoker inhales straight into the lungs. In an authentic hadith, the Prophet Muhammad said that "Whomsoever drinks poison, thereby killing himself, will sip this poison forever and ever in the fire of Hell." Over 3 million people worldwide die from smoking-related causes each year.
Danger To Your Family's Health
In the Qur'an, Allah says: "Those who annoy believing men and women undeservedly bear on themselves a glaring sin" (Qur'an 33:58). And the Prophet Muhammad said that "there should be neither harming, nor reciprocating harm." In another hadith, the Prophet said: "Anyone who believes in Allah and the Last Day should not hurt his neighbor." Those around the smoker inhale what is known as "second-hand smoke" - the unfiltered, poisonous waste that goes in the air around the smoker. There are over 4,000 chemicals in cigarette smoke, over 40 of which are known to cause cancer. Second-hand smoke causes or aggravates asthma, bronchitis, and other respiratory problems, especially in children.
Addictive
The addiction to tobacco is a physical response that often interferes with one's life and worship. For example, smoking is clearly forbidden during the daytime fast of Ramadan. Many addicted smokers spend their fasting days sleeping, cranky, and short-tempered, just counting the hours until they can have a cigarette at sunset. The most severely addicted will wait outside the mosque door for the adhan, and break their fast by lighting up, before taking even food or water.
Noxious Smell
Muslims are advised to refrain from eating raw onions and garlic - simply as a courtesy to those around them because of their smell. The same goes even more so for the reek of cigarettes, which permeates everything around the smoker - hair, clothing, home, car, etc. The Prophet Muhammad said: "Whoever has eaten from such greens as garlic, onions or leek should keep away from our mosque." Many smokers try to hide the smell by using breath mints or perfume. This does not get rid of the smell, it only masks it. Often the combination of smells is even more nauseating.
Waste of Money
Allah says, "...But spend not wastefully (your wealth) in the manner of a spendthrift. Verily spendthrifts are brothers of the devils..." (Qur'an 17:26-27} And in an authentic hadith the Prophet said that: "Allah hates for you three things: gossiping, begging, and wasting money." In the U.S. and other countries, cigarettes are taxed heavily in order to discourage this habit and reimburse the government for the overwhelming health care costs to care for those afflicted with diseases caused by smoking. Smokers often spend thousands of dollars a year that literally just go up in smoke.
How Islam Can Help You Quit Smoking
One of the dangers of tobacco is that it is so addicting. It causes a physical response in your body when you try to give it up. Therefore, quitting is often difficult. However, with the help of Allah and the personal commitment to improve yourself for the sake of Allah, and for your own health, it is possible.
Niyyah - Make Your Intention
It is first recommended to make the firm intention, from deep in your heart, to give up this evil habit. Trust in Allah's words: "...When you have taken a decision, put your trust in Allah. For Allah loves those who put their trust in Him. If Allah help you, none can overcome you; if He forsakes you, who is it - after that - that can help you? In Allah, then, let believers put their trust" (Qur'an 3:159-160).
Change Your Habits
Secondly, you must avoid situations where you are used to smoking, and people who do so around you. For example, if you have certain friends who gather together to smoke, make a choice to stay away from that environment for the time being. At a vulnerable stage, it is too easy to relapse by having "just one." Remember, tobacco causes a physical addiction and you must stay away completely.
Find Alternatives
Thirdly, drink a lot of water and keep yourself busy in other endeavors. Spend time in the mosque. Play sports. Pray. Spend time with your family and non-smoking friends. And remember the words of Allah: "And those who strive hard in Our Cause, We will certainly guide them to Our Paths, for verily Allah is with those who do right" (Qur'an 29:69).
If You Live With a Smoker
If you live with or are friends with smokers, first of all encourage them to quit, for the sake of Allah, their health, and their deen. Share with them the information here, and offer support through the difficult process of quitting.
Remember that we will each face Allah alone, however, and we are responsible for our own choices. If they refuse to quit, you have the right to protect your own health and the health of your family. Do not allow it in the house. Do not allow it in enclosed quarters with your family.
If the smoker is a parent or other elder, we should not neglect to take care of our health out of "respect." The Qur'an is clear that we are not to obey our parents in things which are forbidden by Allah. Gently, but firmly, advise them of the reasons for your own choices.
Many countries in the Eastern Mediterranean Region, where religion plays a key role in tobacco control strategies, have issued Islamic rulings at national level.
The Health Risks of Smoking or facts about smoking:
5 million tobacco-related deaths on the planet each and every year.
tobacco is a slow killer.
that number represents a life lost to tobacco every 8 secondssomewhere in the world.
As hard as it can be to do, confronting the destruction and death that follows tobacco use helps us remove the rose-tinted glasses we are prone to viewing our smoking habit through.
Tobacco is not our friend; it's not a companion that sees us through thick and thin. Tobacco is a killer, plain and simple, and it will kill you, given the chance. Before it does though, tobacco will likely cause you and your family pain and suffering that is horrific, because more times than not, tobacco is a slow killer.
With upwards of 5 million tobacco-related deaths on the planet each and every year, most of us have lost at least one close friend or beloved family member to smoking. Think about that -- 5 million lives snuffed out annually. Put another way, that number represents a life lost to tobacco every 8 secondssomewhere in the world.
Don't fool yourself into thinking you can continue smoking and dodge the bullet that tobacco is. The odds are never in the smoker's favor.
Personal Stories
Diagnosed with Oral Cancer: Marlene's Story
Throat cancer is a horrible disease, and one that most smokers fear. I cannot imagine losing my voice, let alone going on to "speak" before groups of children, using my disease as a powerful example to help them avoid smoking. This is just what Marlene does today though, every chance she gets. She is a remarkable woman, and is nothing short of inspirational. I hope that her story touches you as it has me.
COPD -- Jacki's Story
My heartfelt thanks go out to Jacki for sharing her unfailing courage and determination to quit smoking in the face of debilitating illness. This show of strength has been a guiding light for so many in our forum community who are looking for freedom from nicotine addiction.
Lung Cancer -- Dee's Story
At 49 young years of age, Dee was diagnosed with stage 1B non-small cell lung cancer. In her own words she thought of herself as fit and invincible, but her story is proof that the smoking-related diseases are indiscriminate. They can strike anyone at any time.
Heart Disease -- Walt's Story
Coronary heart disease is the leading cause of death in the U.S., and the leading cause of death caused by smoking. Smoking is hard on the heart, and the toxins in cigarette smoke cause plaques to form in the arteries, which leads to atherosclerosis, otherwise known as hardening of the arteries.
WINE:
A beverage made of the fermented juice of any of various kinds of grapes, usually containing from 10 to 15 percent alcohol by volume.
Wine itself is not harmful or haram product but it is prohibited because it contain alcohol which actually makes it harmfull product. Wine is harmful in many ways for human, it damages ones health as well as a lot of social problems are associated with it. We will discuss the both separately. The disadvantages of wine to individuals and societies are very clear. This is well known to everybody. Individuals may suffer from many dangers related to wine consumption, like Damage of intellect, Weakness of body, Waste of money, Becoming far from the Almighty's mercy. In addition, the wine causes many forms of harm to social life, like Disintegration of the family, Severance of relations as a result of many conflicts due to wine consumption, Negligence of spousal and children's rights, Disturbance of peace and Spreading of crimes and obscenity
Let us first look to the health issues caused by the comsumption of alcolhol.
Health Problems:
Alcohol goes directly into the bloodstream, physically affecting the whole body. Some illnesses and health problems caused by alcohol include:
Hangovers:
Headaches, nausea, vomiting, aches and pains all result from drinking too much. Drinking to the point of drunkenness makes you sick.
Weight gain:
Alcohol is not water. A beer has about 150 "empty" calories that provide few if any nutrients.
High blood pressure:
High blood pressure is also cause in result of drinking too much wine
Depressed immune system:
Drinking alcohol also affect one's immune system, causes flu and other deseases.
Cancer:
Besides all the curable diseases Cancer is one of the most dangerous disease caused by consumption of alcohol. studies shows that almost 2.4% cancer patients caught this disease because of bad habit of drinking alcohol
Liver disease:
Heavy drinking damage liver. The one who drinks alcohol suffer from lever disease. 76% of lever diseases are caused due to alcohol comsumption
Alcohol poisoning:
Drinking large amounts can result in alcohol poisoning, which causes unconsciousness and even death. Breathing slows, and the skin becomes cold and may look blue.
Social Problems:
There are a lot of social issues related to the consumption of alcohol. It is believed that people who consume alcohol in whatever quantity face more social problems than the people who do not consume alcohol at all. Alcohol affects ones social life in many ways , like problems with family and friends, job performance etc. Let's look into the details:
Family problems:
People who consume alcohol face a lot of family problems like arguments over someone's drinking causes family and relationship problems that may lead to break up. Also one who comes to home after consuming alcohol does know what he is doing and ended up with shouting on family members or beating up his wife.
Work problems:
Work problems are also faced by the people who consume alcohol like drinking alcohol at work and hangovers leads to poor performance as they are mentally absent on their work and can not perform efficiently, also accidents at work because when they come after consuming alcohol they are totally absent minded. Drinking alcohol also cause Illness that results in absenteeism from work which is also a negative aspect of one's performance
Legal problems:
People who drink alcohol also face legal problems like drink-driving lead to severe accidents and sometime they even loss their lives or someone others. Also drink driving leads to fines, loss of license and even imprisonment.
ALCOHOL IN THE LIGHT OF ISLAM:
In The Light Of QURAN:
The Quran is a book of guidance sent to all of humankind. It is a set of instructions from the Creator for His creation.. Islam's holistic approach to health and well-being means that anything that is harmful or mostly harmful, is forbidden. Therefore, Islam takes an uncompromising stand towards alcohol and forbids its consumption in either small or large quantities. Alcohol is undoubtedly harmful and adversely affects the mind and the body. It clouds the mind, causes disease, wastes money, and destroys individuals, families, and communities. Researchers have proven that there is a strong link between alcohol and gambling. Drinking impairs judgment, lowers inhibition, and encourages the type of risk taking involved in gambling and dangerous activities.
"O you who believe! Intoxicants (all kinds of alcoholic drinks),
gambling, idolatry, and diving arrows are an abomination of
Satan's handiwork. So avoid that so that you may be
successful." ( 5: 90)
Haram food is bad for us. It can cause us to get very sick If you drink red wine to cure your heart, you get addicted and want more and more. Eventually, you might get drunk. Wine makes you intoxicated and causes you to go crazy. When you are intoxicated, you are not allowed to enter any mosque. If you do, you will get banned immediately. Intoxicants are not allowed for specific spiritual reasons. In this life, alcohol is the source of so many individual and social ills and sinful behavior which we have already discussed above. Alcohol affects the mind and makes sinful behavior and evil actions fair seeming. It creates enmity and hatred between people, prevents them from remembering God and distracts them from praying, and calls them to participate in unlawful sexual relationships. Alcohol generates shame, regret, and disgrace, and renders the drinker witless. It leads to the disclosure of secrets and exposure of faults.
Allah has made it clear to them that the harm of drinking alcohol is greater than its benefit, next He told the Muslims not to come to prayer while intoxicated and finally, He revealed a verse totally prohibiting alcohol.
"They ask you about liquor and gambling. Tell them,
'There is both harm and benefit in them for people. But
the harm is greater than the benefit." (2:219)
In The Light Of AHADITHS:
This is proved from our Prophet (Blessings and peace of Allah be upon him), that he said:
"The wine is mother of all evils".
This Hadith clearly indicates that wine is a main source of wickedness.Prophet (Blessings and peace of Allah be upon him) have prohibited alcohol in different places and time. There are a lot of Ahadiths related to prohibition of alcohol, some of hem are:
Prophet (Blessings and peace of Allah be upon him) said that if someone is drunk and got died he will not be treated with good people in the hereafter. Here is the Hadees:
" Every intoxicant is Khamr and every intoxicant is forbidden. He who drinks wine in this world and dies while he is addicted to it, not having repented, will not be given a drink in the Hereafter".
(Hadith - Muslim #496)
Prophet Mohammad (Blessings and peace of Allah be upon him) does not only prohibit drinking alcohol but he also prohibit it's selling and buying. He cursed ten people in connection with wine
"the wine-presser, the one who has it pressed, the one who drinks it, the one who conveys it, the one to whom it is conveyed, the one who serves it, the one who sells it, the one who benefits from the price paid for it, the one who buys it, and the one for whom it is bought".
(Hadith - Al-Tirmidhi #2776)
Medicine:
There is a misconception that alcohol is allowed in the form of drugs/medicine, which is not true. Actually islam allows a very minor amount of alcohol in very rear situations but it does not mean that one can consume alcohol for the treatment of its disease. As Prophet Mohammad (Blessings and peace of Allah be upon him) said:
"Allah has not placed a cure for your diseases in things that He has forbidden for you.''
(Hadith - narrated by Umm Salamah, the wife of the Prophet)
WHY WINE IS UNETHICAL?
Wine is considered to be harmful products and we have discussed a lot of factors that why it is considered harmful but now the question is that whether drinking wine is ethical or unethical? Answer is very clear that drinking wine is unethical because it contains alcohol which is an intoxicant and when you consume intoxicants it makes you go out of your senses and you end up doing wrong actions, like beating someone , using abusive language or having a sever accident which all are unethical actions in any law. When you drink alcohol you lose your mind and eventually hurts your own self or someone other which is again an unethical action.Since drinking alcohol leads you to do unethical actions so how can it be ethical.Hence, it is unethical itself.
