Angina, arteriosclerosis, cataracts, chronic bronchitis, heartburn, high blood pressure, 85% of all lung cancer cases, 25% of all deadly heart attacks that occur, impotence, ulcers, respiratory dysfunctions, many different kinds of tumors including mouth and throat are just some of the things that can be caused by smoking. Women smokers are high risk group for many diseases, including higher risks for osteoporosis after menopause, various types of cancer, even systemic lupus erythematosus whose number of cases is on the rise every year. Second hand smoke can also affect the people around you, including your children, not to mention what kind of example you are setting for them.
All smokers know these facts, yet they refuse to stop smoking. Why? The answer is quite simple really. Nicotine. Nicotine is very powerful and very addictive drug. Nicotine abstinent crises are said to be longer than heroin ones, albeit not as strong. Nicotine causes smokers to feel euphoria and increased energy. Some people claim that it is also an anti depressant. It even helps with hypoglycemia, as it raises the blood sugar level. This is why so many smokers often choose a cigarette over a meal. When we know all this, it becomes clearer why is breaking smoking dependency so hard.
There are some useful advices related to food and vitamins that can help you break smoking dependency. There are several substances whose input you will need to increase on daily basis. Vitamin C is great antioxidant and makes a perfect protection for our cells and our organism. Smokers’ organism brakes vitamin C twice as fast as non-smokers do, meaning that they have to increase the daily input in order to avoid vitamin deficiency. Coenzyme Q10 is vital as cardio-protective antioxidant. Lipoid acid is another antioxidant, which can penetrate deep into the lungs. Zinc helps heal mucous membranes.
The studies have shown that smokers have 50% more chances of quitting if they use some sort of medicaments, like nicotine gums or patches. These can be very useful in helping you beat the habit, so don’t be afraid to use them. Quitting is hard as it is and there is no need to make it harder by refusing help. Ask support from your family and loved ones, they can be great inspiration to you.
Some smokers are afraid that they will gain weight if they stop smoking. Even as this may be true, you are likely to gain much more than few kilos. And it is usually much easier to lose weight than it is to quit smoking.
All these advices can help you rid yourself form smoking dependency, but the main factor is yourself and your will power. Unfortunately, there are no magic pills for this; it has to be done the hard way. You will feel sick and frustrated and unable to concentrate. Just remember, all that will pass in just few weeks, and then you will be better. And even if you don’t succeed in first try, don’t give up. Keep on trying, and eventually you will be nicotine free.
