Nicotine stimulates the release of the chemical dopamine in the brain. Dopamine is involved in triggering positive feelings. It is often found to be low in people with depression, who may then use cigarettes as a way of temporarily increasing their dopamine supply.

THURSDAY, Jan. 25, 2018 (HealthDay News) — If you think having just one cigarette a day won’t do any harm, you’re wrong. British researchers say lighting up just once a day was linked to a much higher risk of heart disease and stroke than might be expected.

Light smoking is defined as smoking five or fewer cigarettes per day. It can also mean skipping cigarettes some days and picking one up occasionally. “Light smokers may not consider their occasional habit as harmful. They may not even consider themselves smokers.

Harmful Effects. Smoking has harmful effects on all parts of the digestive system, contributing to common disorders such as heartburn and peptic ulcers. It also increases the risk of Crohn’s disease and possibly gallstones. Smoking seems to affect the liver too, by changing the way it handles drugs and alcohol.

Nicotine potentiates gastric aggressive factors and attenuates defensive factors; it also increases acid and pepsin secretions, gastric motility, duodenogastric reflux of bile salts, the risk of Helicobacter pylori infection, levels of free radicals, and platelet-activating factor, endothelin generation, and …

Put simply, alcohol irritates your digestive system. Drinking – even a little – makes your stomach produce more acid than usual, which can in turn cause gastritis (the inflammation of the stomach lining). This triggers stomach pain, vomiting, diarrhoea and, in heavy drinkers, even bleeding.

Summary: Generally speaking, alcohol consumption has a harmful effect on gut bacteria. However, the polyphenol content in red wine may have a protective effect on gut bacteria when consumed in moderation.

Acute gastritis comes on suddenly, and can be caused by injury, bacteria, viruses, stress, or ingesting irritants such as alcohol, NSAIDs, steroids, or spicy food. It is often only temporary. Chronic gastritis, on the other hand, comes on more slowly and lasts longer.

Alcoholic beverages, including beer, wine and mixed drinks, irritate the lining of the stomach and may worsen gastritis symptoms.

Eight best home remedies for gastritis

1. Follow an anti-inflammatory diet.
2. Take a garlic extract supplement.
3. Try probiotics.
4. Drink green tea with manuka honey.
5. Use essential oils.
6. Eat lighter meals.
7. Avoid smoking and overuse of painkillers.
8. Reduce stress.