Nicotine Addiction

The cigarette is the globally largest addiction in people. This is because nicotine is one of the most addictive substances in the world. It is much more addictive than either alcohol or cocaine. Smokers spend huge amounts of money annually into satisfying their nicotine cravings. Although smoking is the primary method of using nicotine, it is however not the only method that people get addicted to Nicotine.

Smoking is the one of the greatest cause of preventable disease and probably creates the most difficult cravings to kick. Statistics are shocking: World wide, 2.5 million people a year die of tobacco-related diseases. In the United States alone, cigarette smoking causes over 1,000 deaths per day and is responsible for about 25% of cancer deaths and 30 – 40% of coronary heart disease deaths.

Infections and allergies are also some common ailments associated with smokers, as is the rapid ageing of the body, especially facial skin, which results from the poor oxygenation of tissues and other associated chemical effects. Smoking clearly reduces the life expectancy of people. 1 pack a day smokers double their chance of death between ages 50 and 60, while 2 packers triple theirs. (These statistics are reflected in the insurance rates smokers pay, which are twice that of non-smokers.) Smoking also affects the life expectancy of family non-smokers. Family members become passive smokers and they are at higher risk of getting smoking-related diseases as compared to smokers themselves. Of all the commonly used drugs, nicotine has the least benefits and yet the greatest negative effects.

Below shows the list of problems related with smoking:

Cough, Hoarseness, Headaches, Anxiety, Fatigue, Leg pains, Cold hands and feet Memory loss, Senility Alzheimer’s disease, Rapid skin ageing, teeth and finger stains, Low libido, Impotence, Heartburn, Peptic ulcers, Allergies, Lowered immunity, Blood disorders, Nutrient deficiencies, Acute bronchitis and Chronic bronchitis.

Smoker’s Simple Nutrient Plan

Vitamin C	1,000 – 2,000mg	up to 6 – 8 grams daily
Mixed carotenoids	15,000 – 25,000 IU,	up t o 50,000 IU
Vitamin A	5,000 – 10,000 IU	-
Zinc,	15 – 30 mg	-
Selenium	200 mcg	-
Vitamin E	400 IU	-

 

No available programs for smokers will be more effective than kicking the habit completely and working to regain lost health. A wholesome diet and nutritional supplements can help to protect us from some of the effects of smoking; however, even the greatest program cannot provide immunity. There is a tendency for poor dietary habits to accompany the destructive smoking habit. Many smokers tend to eat more meats, fatty, fried, and refined foods than non-smokers, although there are smokers who are vegetarians, who are exercise fanatics and health enthusiasts.

An alkaline diet is not necessarily needed over an entire lifetime, although generally, it is preferable to an acidic diet. During cigarette withdrawal, a vegetarian or raw food diet may sufficiently reduce nicotine craving and can be used for 3 – 6 weeks to aid in the detoxification process. Fasting has also been employed by some smokers to help control their habit. It is a means of rapid transition, but is also somewhat intense. A juice fast under medical supervision might best be used with the very determined person or with the overweight or hypertensive smoker.

Several weeks of the Detox diet can be very effective at clearing the smoker’s desire, habit, and chemicals from the body. Over a longer time, a vegetarian diet high in chlorophyllic (green) vegetables and sprouts, grains, fruits, and liquids such as water, juices, soups, and herbal teas is preferable. The raw foods diet is similar, but includes more seeds and nuts. Eating raw, unsalted sunflower seeds (or carrot or celery sticks) can help replace that hand-to-mouth habit we reinforce when we smoke. However, we must be careful not to replace nicotine addiction with new food addictions, but with better exercise and breathing habits, gardening, and massage.

Stop Smoking Diet

Increase Alkaline Foods

Examples: fruits, Vegetables, Greens, Lima beans, Millet, Figs, Raisins, Carrots, Celery Almonds.

Reduce Acid Foods

Examples: Meats, Sugar, Wheat, Bread, Baked goods, Beef, Chicken, Eggs, Milk, Cheese.

Copyright © 2008