How to safely detox from the harmful effects of vaping

The Vaping Trend

Vapes are devices that heat nicotine, flavourings and other chemicals to create an aerosol that you inhale, as an alternative to smoking a cigarette.

Whilst they are widely promoted as a tool to aid smoking cessation, they've become increasingly popular amongst younger demographics – including those who have never smoked before.

The most recent data gathered from the NZ Health Survey 2021/2022 showed that >10% of Kiwis over age 15 vaped at least once per month, with 18.6% of youths aged 15-24 years vaping daily.

Vapes were introduced to the New Zealand market in 2006. To date, there is still not much known about the health risks associated with long-term use, which begs the question: are they even safe?

 

Vaping – is it safer than smoking cigarettes?

Vaping is considered less harmful than cigarette smoking yet still not safe.

This is because the chemicals within the liquid solution (such as the petroleum by-product; propylene glycol and the thickener; glycerol) break down into harmful compounds when heated (such as acetaldehyde and formaldehyde).

And worryingly, we just don't know the full extent yet of the chemicals contained within these vapes. Research from John Hopkins University showed that they contained nearly two thousand chemical ingredients, most of which are unknown. Those they could identify included pesticides, industrial chemicals and flavourings with known toxic effects [1].

Because these compounds are being inhaled, they directly affect the respiratory system, causing -

• Irritation

• Abnormalities in respiratory function

• Lung oedema

• Injury to the cells lining the surface of the respiratory tract/lungs

• Tissue hypoxia

• E-cigarette or vaping product use-associated lung injury (EVALI) [2].

Inhaled toxins can also have an effect systemically, primarily by causing widespread inflammation and oxidative stress (the underpinning of all chronic disease states), promoting endothelial dysfunction and increasing the risk of cardiovascular disease. These toxins are also known to be human carcinogens [3].

 

Vaping can expose you to heavy metals

Then there's the issue of heavy metals. Because vapes heat the solution they contain with a metal coil, studies have shown the inhaled vapour is then contaminated with toxic metals, such as arsenic, chromium, copper, nickel and lead [4,5].

Heavy metal toxicity can lower energy levels, and damage the functioning of the brain, liver, kidneys and other organs.

But that's not all – vaping liquid often also contains flavourings such as ethyl maltol, an artificial sweetener that tastes akin to cotton candy.

 

Ethyl maltol helps to transport heavy metals into cells – with one study showing the co-exposure of this substance alongside copper creates oxidative stress and DNA damage, causing the cells that line the surface of the lungs to die off [6].

 

Safely Supporting Detoxification

If you would like to support the safe detoxification of these chemicals from your body, start by eating a whole foods plant-rich anti-inflammatory diet, high in antioxidants.

This includes everyday superfoods such as turmeric, broccoli, green tea, walnuts, blueberries, oily fish, avocados, leafy greens, extra-virgin olive oil and ginger.

If you need an extra boost of nutrition, you can include red and green powders. Opt for organic ingredients as much as possible.

Ensure adequate protein consumption to help aid detoxification, aiming for at least 1g protein per kilo of body weight daily.

Exercise and sweat regularly to stimulate the lymphatic system and hydrate well.

 

Supplemental considerations

N-acetylcysteine (NAC)

N-acetyl-cysteine (NAC) has antioxidant properties that scavenge free radicals with a long history of use to support lung function in acute and chronic respiratory conditions. In addition to its own antioxidant properties, it acts as a precursor to the primary intracellular antioxidant, glutathione. Increasing antioxidant status may support a healthy oxygen balance to reduce the potential for oxidative stress and associated damage to the lungs [7].

Additionally, NAC affects inflammatory signaling pathways, and as such, may promote anti-inflammatory effects. In one mouse model of allergic asthma, depleting glutathione levels during both the sensitization and challenge phases led to a worsening of allergen-induced airway reactivity inflammation and increasing oxidative stress. NAC supplementation repleted the glutathione pool, counteracted inflammation and restored oxidative balance.

NAC has also been studied in nicotine addiction and can help reduce withdrawal symptoms [8]. Its effect on glutamate release modulates cravings and reward behaviours.

 

Minerals

Because toxins increase acid levels in the body, they can promote a loss of calcium and magnesium via the kidneys. Although increasing plant foods naturally rich in citrates will help, an alkalising mineral formula may further help restore the optimal physiological pH whilst also supporting the kidneys – one of our key organs of elimination alongside the gut, liver and skin.

 

Herbals

Herbs can aid in a myriad of ways. Firstly, those classed as adaptogens, such as Withania and Siberian ginseng, can help you better cope with stress (and hence the reliance on vapes), while nervines and anxiolytics such as St Johns wort, Lemon balm and Ziziphus can ease tension and anxiety associated with withdrawal symptoms. Magnesium is a wonderful companion to these herbs in this instance.

Rhodiola, another adaptogen – being dopaminergic, can be helpful for the reward deficiency.

Ginkgo can be used to increase tissue perfusion which is ideal in states of hypoxia. Gotu kola for tissue integrity and repair (alongside zinc and vitamin C).

Rosemary, Milk thistle, Schisandra and Turmeric can be employed to help protect and support liver detoxification.

Cordyceps, a medicinal mushroom, is a highly regarded lung tonic and will also help support mitochondrial function. Clinical studies support the potential for cordyceps to benefit inflammatory lung diseases. In a randomized controlled trial, patients with moderate-to-severe asthma took either C. sinensis or a placebo for 12 weeks as an adjunct to their standard treatment. There was a significant increase in lung function and quality of life and a reduction of inflammatory markers in the treatment group compared to the control. 

A systematic review and meta-analysis on C. sinensis for patients with COPD found potential benefits for improved symptoms, lung function, and quality of life.13 Clinical studies have also found cordyceps to demonstrate immune-modulatory effects, including the enhancement of cell-mediated immunity in healthy adults. [9]

 

Binders

Binders are substances that though ingested, are not absorbed, but draw in toxins, wrap them up and eliminate them via a bowel movement.

There are several products on the market that combine binding agents for a synergetic effect – such as activated charcoal, bentonite clay, zeolites, modified citrus pectin and aloe vera.

 

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These are just a few ideas to help support the body back to balance after exposure to toxins and heavy metals due to vaping.

 

If you have yet to quit either smoking or vaping, I wish you all the strength and willpower necessary to meet that goal. And don't forget, we are here to support you in your health journey!