How does smoking impact gastrointestinal health?

Smoking has a well-documented negative impact on gastrointestinal health, particularly regarding conditions such as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and peptic ulcers. Smoking can worsen GERD symptoms because it relaxes the lower esophageal sphincter, leading to increased acid reflux and heartburn. Moreover, the substances in tobacco smoke can impair the healing of the gastrointestinal mucosa, making conditions like ulcers harder to heal and potentially leading to more severe complications. Thus, the effect of smoking on gastrointestinal health is detrimental rather than beneficial, as it exacerbates existing conditions and complicates recovery.