I cant tell you how many people contact me right after the New Year and want to quit smoking. Most of them tell me they are not sure how or why they ever got started, but they want to stop. They tell me that they dont like the smell or that smoking makes their teeth and fingers yellow, but most of all what it is doing to their health. It is no secret that it deteriorates the heart and lungs, increases the aging process and amplifies your chances of getting cancer.

Many make numerous unsuccessful attempts at quitting and are ready to gain knowledge of how to end their habit and regain strong lungs naturally and permanently. These are some of the questions and answers that may help you get over the hump and on to bigger and better things. <

Can I quash the harm that I have done to my body after smoking all this time?

Absolutely! Your body is extremely dynamic and can mend once you cease smoking. As a matter of fact, in only one to three months after quitting, you will notice an improvement in your circulation and lung performance by 30%. Additionally, after 2-9 months, you will experience a recovery from coughing, sinus congestion, fatigue, and shortness of breath. If you stay clean for at least 10 years, studies indicate that your chances of contracting cancer will be diminished by 50%. If you add healthy living and time, your lungs will eventually recuperate.

What mode of lifestyle changes will assist me?

It is imperative that you recognize your linked activities and redirect your attention. For instance, most people relate smoking with particular occasions, such as cup of coffee, after a meal, drinking alcohol or talking on the phone. You need to alter this routine. Go for a walk after a meal, drink a cup of green tea while on the phone and maybe add a hobby to re-direct your attention. Of course, getting rid of all your smoking paraphernalia such as lighters, ashtrays, matches and cigarettes is paramountand a given.

Is there anything I can do to stop those annoying cravings?

The nicotine in cigarettes incites the brains norepinephrine and serotonin systems. This amplifies the dopamine and generates pleasurable sensations. To combat this, you may want to utilize the amino acids tyrosine, tryptophan and 5-HTP (hydroxytryptophan, a derivative of tryptophan), which perform in the same way and can be used as a temporary interventions during your difficult times. You can find these supplements at your local health food store. In my article on substance abuse and addiction, I wrote about an herbal tincture called lobelia (lobelia inflate), which is an herb that falls into the same alkaloid family as nicotine. There is also a homeopathic remedy called Daphne indica that can assist you with cravingsespecially after eating a meal. Lastly, there are some authorities that feel that acupuncture sessions (six sessions within a 2-week period) that work on the central nervous system is effective at alleviating cravings and withdrawal symptoms. Likewise, hypnosis is akin to acupuncture.

What supplements, herbs and exercises can I incorporate into my life to improve my health once I have quit?

I recommend a high-quality multi-vitamin such as Life Extensions Mix Caps, especially during the first six months after quitting. I like it because it has everything (including B vitamins) to help the body recover and rid itself of nicotine dependence. It also contains antioxidants that help repair tissue that is often damaged in smokers lungs, improve the nervous system and boost immunity. I also strongly urge you to add a good group of adaptogens to aid in combating the stress and anxiety associated with quitting. The results of quitting are usually difficult to predict, and depression is amazingly common. Jash Botanicals has Mood Mender to offer for just that problem. Finally, a good, clean fish oil assists in lung recovery by reducing inflammation. As far as exercises are concerned, obviously any exercise at all is great; but exercises that concentrate on the lungs are excellent. Yoga and breathing in the form of qigong expand the lung capacity and help to accelerate the healing process.

What type of diet would help someone who wanted to quit?

As I mentioned above, it is important to have a diet plentiful in antioxidants. That means that adding tons of fresh fruits and veggies is highly recommended. Fruits that have a lot of juice, such as melons and pears are especially helpful. It is interesting to note that in Chinese medicine, smoking is considered to be a habit that creates dry heat in the lungs. This may cause coughing and lung damage, so it is critical that the individual eat juicy fruits in large amounts to nourish the lungs and help restore function and balance. In addition to the above, I recommend two other items that are extremely helpful. The first is owning a good juicer, so that you can make yourself a glass of fresh juice that is jam-packed full of live enzymes that will assist with the healing process. Lastly, is the next best thing to fresh fruits and vegetables Juice Plus+ None of us get enough of the real thing, so I recommend taking this as part of a regular regime-- Juice Plus+ provides the nutritional essence of 17 different fruits, vegetables, and grains in convenient and inexpensive capsule form.

Judy Phillips is the founder of Jash Botanicals, a manufacturer of physicians grade herbal extracts and medicinals. A naturopath and herbalist with over 25 years of experience, her passion for producing herbal formulas of exceptional purity and strength grew from a dissatisfaction with mainstream herbal products. She is an author of various natural health topics, from detoxification to dietary modification, and works to assist the expansion of knowledge to individuals in search of natural treatments. JashBotanicals.com offers a wide range of informative articles, including a monthly newsletter and a natural health blog.

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