It’s not always popular to discuss, but cigarettes, alcohol, and soda can overwhelm the body. By learning more about these substances and considering better alternatives, you can make more informed choices.
Cigarettes
Nicotine is highly addictive and acts as a stimulant. It can impair brain development in adolescents and increase the risk of serious conditions. Cigarettes exert their effects in part by increasing oxidative stress.
Vaping
Cigarettes contain around 7,000 chemicals, many of which are toxic. Vaping may expose users to fewer known toxins, but many ingredients in vape pens are not fully disclosed. Research continues to investigate the chemical makeup of vape fluids.
Concerns with vaping include:
- Nicotine exposure: Vape pens can deliver higher doses than traditional cigarettes.
- Flavorings: Some, like diacetyl, have been linked to lung issues. Others are also found in household products like nail polish remover and bug spray.
- Propylene glycol: Commonly used as a solvent, it may trigger asthma when heated and inhaled.
- Heavy metals: Lead, arsenic, nickel, and tin have been detected in some vape products.
- Volatile organic compounds (VOCs): Chemicals also used in paint and antifreeze.
- Vitamin E acetate: Found in some THC vapes, linked to vape-associated lung injuries.
- Aldehydes: Substances like acetaldehyde and formaldehyde that can damage the lungs.
- Pesticides and herbicides: Some vapes may contain chemicals like acrolein, which can harm lung tissue.
Alcohol
Alcohol is often a source of refined carbohydrates and empty calories. It also burdens the liver and can affect blood sugar. Many wines test positive for glyphosate, a widely used herbicide. As with sweets, moderation is key.
Glyphosate-Free American Wines
Two wines are currently certified “glyphosate residue-free,” tested under strict standards:
Biodynamic Wines
Biodynamic farming is similar to organic farming but with additional requirements set by the Demeter Association. This approach avoids synthetic pesticides and common winemaking manipulations. Options include:
- Dry Farm Wines
- Frey Vineyards (Mendocino, CA)
- Chateaux Palmer
- Pontet-Canet
- Domaine Leroy
- Domaine Michel Lafarge
- Domaine Marcel Deiss
- Benziger Family Vineyards (Sonoma, CA)
- Domaine Nicolas Joly
- Domaine Zind Humbrecht
You can also ask your local wine shop if they carry biodynamic wines.
Non-Alcoholic Beverages
If you prefer to skip alcohol, options like Seedlip offer flavorful non-alcoholic alternatives using natural flavorings.
Soda
Sodas often contain ingredients that can disrupt the microbiome, damage tissues, or form harmful byproducts. Cutting back on soda can be an important step toward better overall balance.
Better Fizzy Alternatives
These drinks aren’t necessarily “healthy,” but they can serve as a bridge to drinking more water:
- Poppi – Available on Amazon, Thrive Market, Target, Whole Foods, and Marianos
- Olipop – Found at Whole Foods, Jewel, Target, and Walmart
- Betty Buzz – Available on Thrive Market and select grocery stores
- Gerolsteiner Mineral Water – Sparkling water in glass bottles, sometimes found at Trader Joe’s
- Sanzo – Flavored seltzer water
- Sound – Organic sparkling water
These alternatives provide the carbonation people enjoy while being less harmful than soda. Over time, transitioning to plain water is the most supportive choice.