Steps to help you quit smoking

Despite the information that is readily available concerning the dangers of smoking, the rate of smoking, by people of all ages continues to increase. Studies have shown that cigarettes are responsible for more than twenty percent of American deaths. In addition, smoking destroys Vitamin C, which weakens the immune system, and causes the smoker to be vulnerable to a host of diseases. Smoking has also been directly linked to heart disease, cancer, stroke, lung disease, and impotency. Smokers are also more likely to develop wrinkles, psoriasis, stomach ulcers, and cataracts at a much higher rate than non-smokers.

If you are interested in stopping smoking, there has been a dramatic shift in conventional wisdom. While, there are a variety of methods and medications now available to help smokers quit, experts are beginning to realize that this may not be the best approach.The reason for this is adding more chemicals to a body that is already under siege, and prone to various diseases may do more harm then good.

This new reasoning about quitting has begun with the fact that the easiest way to conquer the smoking habit is to remove cigarette chemicals, from the body, which cause the intense cravings and withdrawal symptoms, that make it so difficult to quit. Obviously the major drawback is the withdrawal symptoms which can include:

• Depression


• Irritability


• Insomnia


• Headache


• Dizziness


• Poor concentration


• Feelings of frustration


• Fatigue


• Poor concentration

Having another smoke simply raises your nicotine levels, which causes cravings and withdrawal symptoms to subside. In addition to the physical challenges or cravings that are involved with giving up smoking, there is also psychological dependency. Smoking is highly psychologically addicting, and just like changing any habit it takes time and effort.

Many experts are now recommending that the easiest way to remove chemicals, from the body, and make quitting easier, is to begin a fresh juice detox program. Freshly juiced fruits, and vegetables (organic is best), are loaded with phytochemicals that are able to breakdown, and flush toxins from the body. Best of all, not only will they remove deadly toxins from the body, but they will begin to repair damaged organs. It is recommended that the person who is trying to quit smoking, consume at least five 8 ounce glasses of juice daily. Every time a craving for a cigarette develops the person is encouraged to drink a glass of juice.As an alternative, if you are in a situation where juice is not available, you can try eating nuts, seeds, or chewing a piece of gum. The high nutrition content in fresh juice is often enough to make cravings tolerable or even eliminate them. It is also a good idea to continue the juicing detox for several more weeks, to give the body much needed nutrition and to fortify your new non-smoking habit.

Improving your overall diet will also help make it easier to quit smoking. This is because consuming a nutrient rich diet will help flush the body of toxins. It is recommended that you eat foods that mostly come from plants sources such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, nuts and seeds. You should try to avoid foods that will hinder the detoxifying process such as fast foods, processed foods, high sugar foods, and white flour products. It is also recommended that you take a multi-vitamin supplement to help make up any missed nutrients that your body will need during this time of change. There are also herbs that can help deal with the withdrawal symptoms that include:

• Passion flower


• Lobelia


• Lemon balm


• St John's Wort

Finally, it is crucial to avoid temptation. If anyone around you is beginning to smoke, you should leave the room. You can deal with any anxious feelings by going for a walk or doing some light exercise. Exercise releases endorphins which promote relaxation, reduce stress and can help you deal with the positive lifestyle change you are making.