What is the best way to quit smoking?

There are several methods that can claim the title “the best way to quit smoking” among different people. However, there are a number of ways one can use to stop the addiction to nicotine. According to analysts, the best way to quit smoking is by the natural methods but it is not often used. Natural methods do not have side effects and therefore more beneficial to your health altogether, aside from helping to stop the nicotine addiction. Apart from natural methods, there are other methods which include nicotine replacement therapy and prescription medication which may be harmful to your health as well.

Best way to quit smoking using natural means:

• Lobelia: it is used to trick the nicotine receptors into thinking that they are still receiving nicotine. It is not addictive when used over a short period of time. It does not increase the blood pressure and heart rate the way nicotine does.

• Passion flower: this was used traditionally for relaxation. However, it is still useful in eliminating the nicotine withdrawal jitters.

• Peppermint: it has been in use for a long time now. It helps in promoting detoxification.

• Ginger root: it helps in soothing the stomach, hence relieves the upset that nicotine causes to the stomach.

• None-addictive nicotine substitute: nicotine withdrawal is the hardest thing an addict has to deal with. Non-addictive substitutes include herbs such as lobelia which react in the same way as nicotine but are not addictive. These herbs also help victims to deal with certain respiratory conditions that associated with quitting of nicotine use.

• Use herbs to relax your system: quitting brings about some intense emotional and physical stress and feelings which for some people are too much to deal with alone. It is for this reason that some quitters rely on herbs such as peppermint, skullcap and sarsaparilla to help them deal with the symptoms complete withdrawal from nicotine.

• Keep your immune system strong and healthy: quitting the nicotine habit completely, can have a negative impact on the immune system. It is for this reason that today’s quitting methods include ingredients that support the immune system so that they are less prone to contract viruses and other ailments. For example; herbs such as cayenne pepper and eleuthero root work very well in supporting the immune system during the quitting process. Other herbs help to increase the body’s resistance to respiratory inflammations, common cold, disease and infections.

The natural methods of stopping the use of nicotine do not contain nicotine like their counterparts. Completely withdrawing from nicotine has some intense emotional and physical side effects. This is why a number of stop smoking programs incorporate small amounts of nicotine. However, natural methods tend to rely on lobelia because it has the same effect to the brain as nicotine but is not addictive.

Natural ways of quitting has quite a number of benefits to the patient. Someone who is addicted to nicotine will experience complete wellness without the side effects that come along with other methods of quitting nicotine.

Why smoking cessation is important?

Smoking cessation is an ideal process which leads smokers to attain a healthy living and as well give secondary smokers a chance to enjoy a healthy environment. Smoking puts you in the risk of contracting chronic diseases which includes cancer and heart attracts. It also poses those to you close to you the same problems irrespective to the fact that they are not direct smokers. They are normally referred to as secondary smokers.

Health and communities around the globe are advocating for smoking cessation among people of all walks of life. This is after realization of the fact that smoking is one of the leaders of preventable deaths and chronic illnesses. Smoking affects almost each and every body part and hence is attributed to many diseases which include cancer. It’s the perception of many that smoking results only in lung cancer. However, the truth is that smoking will lead to the cancer of the mouth, abdomen, colon, bladder and pancreas among others. It is also known to be the major cause of lung diseases such as bronchitis and emphysema. The two cause difficulties in breathing and results to chronic illnesses and disability.

Cessation smoking can be done by oneself or through assistance by medical practitioners and community workers. Using a method commonly referred to as ‘cold turkey’, you may decide to stop and stick to that forthwith. This method is not overly effective with only 4 – 7% of those who try the process managing to successfully quit the habit. Clinical methods normally involve adequate counseling and use of assisted methods to help the addict quit. This involves use of supplements as well as alternative substances and a reduction in the intake mode until such a time when the patient has fully recovered from addiction.

The benefits that accrue from smoking cessation are many and ideal for attaining overall healthy standards. They are broken down in respect to time starting from the first day when smoking is stopped. Within 24 hours after cessation all nicotine is out of your system and carbon monoxide will have reduced significantly within the bloodstream allowing for much oxygen. After 5 – 7 days most of the nicotine by-products will have cleared from the body and a great improvement made to the senses of smell and taste. After one year the risk of dying from heart disease caused by smoking will have reduced by half.  Ten years later the risk of contracting lung cancer is reduced by half provided the disease was not developed by the time of cessation. After fifteen years the risk of dying from heart attack and stroke will be at per as that of a person who has never smoked.

Making decision today for smoking cessation will have great health advantage to you and to those around you. Other than health, financial benefit is also prevalent. Smoking is done on daily and regular basis and the overall cost of buying cigars is excessively high. Diseases and other health implications that result from smoking are also expensive to treat. Once smoking has stopped all these costs will be eliminated hence saving substantially.

Best way to quit smoking

The most appropriate way to quit smoking depends on every individual. However, it is more likely that you will get a method that is more beneficial to you as far as your health is concerned. For some users, the urge to smoke can be more powerful than others. Every time you resist a tobacco craving, you go one step closer towards quitting the nicotine habit.

Best ways to quit smoking

Delay: When you feel the need to smoke, try to restrain yourself for a little longer and then do something that will distract you from thinking about the urge to smoke. This trick may just be enough to derail you from the path of tobacco cravings. However, you have to repeat as often as possible.

Do not have ‘just one’: Often are the times whereby just one cigarette leads to another and another. You should not fool yourself into believing that you can stop. You may end up using tobacco again.

Avoid triggers: Tobacco urges are likely to be strongest during situations where you smoked or chewed most often such as bars and parties. You should avoid going to these area as they will remind you of how you used to smoke thereby triggering the urge to smoke again. Therefore, you need to identify your triggers and avoid them.

Get physical: Physical activities are a good way of distracting you from the tobacco cravings. Physical activities also help to reduce the intensity of the cravings. Doing some form of exercises when you feel the urge to smoke can go a great mile in helping you to overcome these cravings. If you cannot exercises, you can also do chores such as paper work filling or even vacuuming.

Practice relaxation techniques: In most cases, smoking was a way of dealing with stress. Therefore, resisting a tobacco craving can be very stressful. You can try practicing some relaxation techniques such as yoga, massage, hypnosis, muscle relaxation and deep breathing exercises.

Call reinforcements: call upon your friends and family for moral support. You can also join a support group. This will give you the support you need because it makes you feel like you’re not in this alone and therefore you feel more encouraged to quit smoking. You can chat or just take a walk together or share a few laughs.

Remember the benefits of quitting: Keep on repeating the benefits that you will experience after quitting tobacco. This may help in motivating you to quit because you will be looking forward to the good things ahead.

Chew on it: You can also give you mouth something to do in order to fight the nicotine cravings. You can chew on sugarless gum or hard candy.

Go online: Consider joining an online support group. This will give you the encouragement that you need to quit tobacco. You should also learn of how other people have done it.

Nicotine replacements: You can also substitute a cigarette with a nicotine replacement. They may include nicotine gums, lozenges and nicotine patches.