Preventing the Dangers of Second-hand Smoke

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Preventing the Dangers of Second-hand Smoke Risk?

Spending time with a smoker - even sitting by one in a restaurant orother public place - exposes you to second-hand smoke. Second-handsmoke is suspected of killing thousands of nonsmokers every year; itcan also cause or worsen respiratory infections, ear infections andasthma. Other than avoiding smoky places, you can protect yourselffrom the effects of second-hand smoke by taking a daily multivitaminthat includes these antioxidants:Vitamin E. Vitamin E is a powerful antioxidant that protects cellmembranes and helps prevent LDL cholesterol from oxidizing.Vitamin C. Vitamin C is a water-soluble vitamin that also functionsas a powerful antioxidant.Selenium. Selenium activates an antioxidant enzyme called glutathioneperoxidase, which helps the body eliminate smoke-associated toxins.Carotenoids. Beta-carotene, in conjunction with other carotenes, actsas an antioxidant and immune system booster. Other members of theantioxidant carotene family include alpha-carotene, zeaxanthin,lutein and lycopene.Coenyzme Q10. Coenzyme Q10 is essential in cellular energy productionand has antioxidant properties that help protect the body from freeradicals.