Quit Smoking: A Nutritional Guide
There are plenty of studies linking cigarettes to various
diseases and health problems, and many people have surely witnessed disturbing
ads on TV, which illustrate the dangers of cigarettes by featuring former
smokers who use tracheotomy devices to speak or bear scars from removal of a
diseased lung. It’s clear that smoking
is bad for our health. This increased
awareness hopefully sparks more people to quit the habit, but the process is no
doubt a test of determination and willpower.
Focusing on a holistic plan that emphasizes nutritious foods and
exercise can help ease the process of kicking cigarettes to the curb—for good.
Many smokers fear that quitting will cause weight gain. Smoking cigarettes burns an extra 200-250
calories per day, depending on the number of cigarettes and the smoker. This can slightly elevate their
metabolism. Nicotine also acts an
appetite suppressant, so smokers tend to eat less. Quitting smoking can easily pack on the
pounds for smokers who grab a cigarette because they're stressed or want to
feel calm. They may replace smoking with
food, and since starchy and sweet foods that are high in carbohydrates increase
serotonin levels, just like nicotine, quitters-in-progress can make the mistake
of turning to unhealthy foods to get a similar fix.
In 2007, Duke University Medical Center conducted a study
that showed dairy products, vegetables and fruits can help break the smoking
habit. Nineteen percent of participants
reported that dairy products worsened the taste of cigarettes, 14 percent had a
similar effect with non-caffeinated beverages, and 16 percent reported the effect
with vegetables and fruits. However,
alcohol, caffeinated beverages and even meat, enhanced the flavor of
cigarettes.
With the average person gaining four to 10 pounds after
quitting smoking, choosing low-glycemic foods that are filling and help regulate
blood sugar levels can help control weight.
Foods rich in fiber, such as fruits, vegetables, and nuts, along with
lean, protein-rich sources such as beans, fish and egg whites, can result in a
satisfying meal that’s low in bad fats and high cholesterol. Providing the body with proper nutrition from
natural foods boosts antioxidants, aiding the immune system that might have
been damaged by smoking.
Smoking is both physically and emotionally addictive, which
only increases the difficulty of quitting.
However, a smoker can choose from several options to help gain support
in their journey. Consulting a doctor on
a regular basis to help with exercise and nutrition plans or joining a support
group can aid in recovery. Choosing to
participate in a holistic
drug rehab program is also beneficial, as these programs emphasize a detoxification
process through proper nutrition, exercise, and spiritual exploration to help understand
emotions and deal with stress. By
discovering what led the person to smoke in the first place, they might be less
likely to relapse and start again.
It’s important to remember that quitting is a process—smokers
who are trying to quite should be patient with their body and allow it to
detoxify the natural way with proper nutrition. They should avoid crash diets
and give their body time to restore its balance so it can provide for them in
the future, smoke-free.
Written By: Alex
Kerwin is a creative writer from Florida who has a passion
for health and wellness. In
addition to guest posting, he writes for Best Drug Rehabilitation, to spread awareness
on the benefits of drug rehab to those in need.
If you are interested in learning how to cook or have someone prepare foods that will help you quit smoking email me at Gloria@ChefGloriaB.com or visit my website www.ChefGloriaB.com
