1. Nicotine Replacement Therapy

Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT) comes in many forms including gum, inhalers, lozenges, lolipops, nasal spray, patches, and more. With NRT, it is said that your chances of quitting are doubled – especially if you smoke soon after waking. The basic premise to NRT is that you have a nicotine addiction which you slowly wean off of. You take gradually smaller doses of the NRT replacement until you no longer have an addiction.

The biggest failure which occurs with NRT is when your nicotine cravings exceed the amount you are getting, and you either smoke a cigarette or increase your NRT dosage.

2. Medication

Smoking cessation medications like nicoderm, Zyban, and Chantix work by regulating the transmitters associated with nicotine uptake. To some extent their exact method remains a mystery, but they tend to have a cumulative effect of reducing or eliminating nicotine cravings. Unfortunately, they also have many side effects. Some of the more common ones include nausea, dizziness, dry mouth, and in some cases depressive illness. Like NRT, relapse is still possible, though the rates tend to be lower.

3. Acupuncture / Low Level Laser

An increasingly popular quit smoking tool is acupuncture, and its technologically advanced equivalent – low level laser therapy. Both of these treatments work approximately by regulating chemicals in the body such as endorphins. By balancing these chemicals, they are able to break the cycle of addiction which caused excessive endorphins to be released during smoking. The idea behind low level laser is that the common acupuncture points can be controlled more precisely.

4. Hypnosis & Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP)

Rather than targeting your body’s hormones and chemicals, Hypnosis and its close cousin NLP attempt to work by targeting the subconscious desires and the conditioning of those desires in your mind. Unlike both NRT and drugs, they have no side effects. They also have a surprisingly high success rate depending on how they are administered. The main difference between the two is that you stay fully conscious with NLP whereas hypnotherapy is more of a relaxing trance state.

5. Natural Herbal Remedies

There are a multitude of natural herbs and plants which target your neuro-chemical system in a manner similar to prescription drugs or NRT, but without as many side effects. These include Lobelia, Passion Flower, Vitamin B12, 5-htp, Valerian, and many others. Many communities exist on the Internet (forums) in which you can find guidance from other people who are currently or have previously used these successfully. A word of caution – While they’re almost always cheaper, sometimes herbs can be more dangerous than medication.

6. Cold Turkey

Perhaps the most common method of all is probably least expected – quitting outright. It’s said that your mind takes an average of 7 tries before you can successfully quit smoking – but each time it learns and becomes better for the next. Quitting cold turkey means you smoke one day and put them down the next – forever. While it seems like that would take a lot of willpower, it can actually be easier in some ways. For one, you are not extending the addiction cycle for weeks on end like with NRT. Also, you are not reinforcing your triggers by smoking at a reduced rate. That being said, however, it does take a lot of willpower all at once.

Always remember that out of the great many ‘tools’ available to quit smoking – they will all fail in the face of your desire. That is – you have to want to quit badly enough that it outweighs your desire to smoke again. Achieving that is at least half the battle.

Instead, try one of the many natural remedies available to quit smoking. They come in many forms – from herbal supplements to hypnotherapy, listed below are just some of the many natural smoking cessation remedies.

1. Cold Turkey

We should start our list off with the king of all natural quit smoking methods – quitting cold turkey. The chances of this working go up every time you try, so its always worth the effort. Additionaly, there can be no side effects because you simply put down the cigarette! Well, ok, that’s not totally true as you’ll still suffer from nicotine withdrawal – which brings us to our next natural smoking cessation tool..

2. Herbs

There are a very large number of herbs and plants which have been found helpful in quitting smoking. Some of them alleviate the various side effects, some help with healing after quitting, and still others act as quitting aids. Just a few of the various herbs include Bayberry, Eucalyptus, Gentian, Ginger root, Ginseng, Lobelia, Mullein, Peppermint, Skullcap, St john’s wort, Slippery Elm, and others.

3. Prepackaged Herbal Supplements

In addition to the herbs themselves, many companies have taken on the task of creating supplements with various combinations of herbs that produce theraputic results. Cigarrest and Rx-Hale are two such supplements, and there are others. They claim to reduce side effects and cravings so that you will be more likely to quit. Just keep in mind that with both herbs and supplements – there is still the possibility of risk. Just because they’re natural doesn’t mean they’re garaunteed safe. Always check with a nutritionist to be sure, and communities around the Internet can usually provide their feedback as well.

4. Food

Here is an option that isn’t so obvious – eating food. Now of course, the potential side effect is that you will gain weight. But if you size your portions correctly, there are a great many foods which can reduce your cravings. Some of these include beef, cottage cheese, cold water fish, eggs, lamb, legumes, nuts, poultry, seeds, tofu, and yogurt. Anything which provides good protein will be helpful – just remember to wait 20 minutes after your first serving so that your blood sugar has time to level off.
In addition to reducing craving, so called ‘booster’ foods can help you heal faster. These include garlic for detoxification, Ginger to stimulate food digestion, and Cayenne to both help digestion and improve circulation.

5. Acupuncture

One of the amazing inventions of Chinese culture is very helpful for quitting smoking. A skilled acupuncture therapist can help you reduce cravings, reduce nicotine withdrawal symptoms, keep weight off, reduce any pain, improve circulation, improve energy, reduce mood swings, and much more.

6. Hypnotherapy

Perhaps the most well known smoking cessation system is hypnotherapy. Many people have visions of a magician putting someone to sleep and then lulling them to dance around like a chicken – but this simply isn’t the case. Hypnotherapists put you into a relaxed state at which time they have e direct channel to your subconscious mind. Using this powerful suggestability, they are able to tear down the triggers and associations which make you crave cigarettes and replace them with healthy alternatives. For those who follow through with treatment, very high success rates are reported with minimal side effects.

Regardless the method (or combination of methods) you choose, know that there are a great many alternatives to popping a prescription pill and hoping for the best. These natural therapies can relieve almost all discomfort associated with smoking and have you back on your feet again in no time. You’ll be so glad you tried once you feel like your 20 years younger having never smoked at all.

Acetone

A Solvent commonly used as nail polish remover

Ammonia

Used commonly in fertilizers and as a cleaning agent – in cigarettes it helps free nicotine from tobacco.

Arsenic

A deadly poison used in rodent traps

Benzene

A very common solvent used in everything from detergents to gasoline, it has also been directly associated with increased risk of leukaemia.

Cadmium

A metallic substance which causes damage to several major organs include the liver, kidney, and brain. It subsists in the body for years.

Carbon Monoxide

A deadly gas that results as the byproduct of burning. In large quantities it causes rapid asphyxiation.

DDT

A highly poisonous synthetic pesticide which has been banned in the United States since 1972.

Hydrogen Cyanide

One of the world’s most deadly poisons, used by the Nazi’s in World War 2 Gas Chambers

Formaldehyde

Highly poisonous liquid used to preserve dead tissue

Freon

A gas commonly used in refridgeration with a reputation for damaging the ozone layer.

Methoprene

A pesticide which also causes changes in growth

Sulfuric Acid

A strong mineral acid commonly used in car batteries.

Tar

Tar is the byproduct of burning tobacco combined with all the carcinogens which accumulates in your lungs.

With all these chemicals it’s no wonder that cigarettes remain the leading cause of preventable death, and one of the top causes of death world wide. The chemicals within cigarettes perform a range of functions, from slowing the burn rate to altering the flavor. In all cases, they’re just part of the design to kill – to make smoking cigarettes more addictive.

Smoking is More Common Among Depression Patients

Several recent studies have indicated that those of us who smoke tend to suffer from depression more frequently than the general population. Chemicals in the cigarettes, including nicotine, tend to alleviate the feeling of depression both by acting as anti-depressants and stimulating the nervous system.

Although current medical research does not indicate such, cigarettes also cause damage in the pre-frontal cortex which may be similar to that of depression. This makes quitting all the more important. Unfortunately, depression patients are only about half as likely to succeed in quitting as non-depressives.

How to Cope with Depression When Quitting

The first choice of action then for a depressive attempting to quit smoking is to alleviate your depression. This can be done in several ways.

1. Consider the fact that you are quitting – and all the positive benefits this has to offer you. Your health will improve. Your appearance will improve, you will have more time with friends and family, you will have more money to do things with. Track your progress and make it visible every day.

2. Go outside in the sun. Sunlight has proven effects on our brains and the balance of neurotransmitters within them. It will improve your mood.

3. Engage in physical activity. This can be work, exercise, fun, anything that gets you moving. Like sunlight, it will improve your mood tremendously with the added benefit of acting as a distraction from tobacco.

4. Seek council from a therapist or doctor if your not shy and consider taking medication temporarily to relieve symptoms. Some medications work both for reducing nicotine cravings and depression, like Zybana.

5. Develop a support network. With modern technology, this can either be in real life or on the Internet! You can develop an entire social support group online. What’s important is to have people you can talk to when your lonely and thinking about smoking, or any other time. A good social network will help you focus on other things which are much more positive.

Take the First Step in Helping Yourself During Depression

It is important to understand there are steps you can take when dealing with depression as a side effect of quitting. Usually the hardest part is taking the first action. Once you’re able to get out and move around addressing it with one of the previous options becomes much easier. This is where a social support network can really help – when you don’t feel like moving, someone else can get you up. Failing that – simply set alarms and reminders for yourself, and chart your progress in a big, obvious way.

The Basics of Lung Detoxification

To begin, we should understand the basic procedures behind lung detoxification. Under normal circumstances, it is said that your body takes up to 15 years to remove all the tar and chemicals in your lungs from cigarette smoking. During this time, the tar causes blockages which prevent white blood cells known as macrophages from efficiently removing debris. The goal of lung detoxification is to speed the natural cleaning process up significantly.

This is usually done in two parts. First, a series of herbs and other supplements are used which (supposedly) act directly on the phlegm, tar, and other debris caught in your lungs. This breaks it up so you can cough it out easier and the macrophages can remove it more efficiently.

The second part involves boosting the efficiency of your overall body through diet and exercise with a special goal of increasing immune system function. This is said to boost the performance of the macrophages and further clear out your lungs.

How Well Does Lung Detox Work?

The only problem with this entire process is the fact that no current scientific evidence exists in support of it. It is of course nearly impossible to check the condition of your lungs before and after, so any claims about faster debris removal are unsubstantiated.

The idea that exercise and diet can boost your immuno-efficiency is good, and of course being healthier always has benefits. This does not necessarily translate into cleaner lungs in a shorter time, however.

That being said, there are many people who have tried different variations of the lung detox program and reported positive results. Since its unlikely to cause any harm, you might say it’ worth trying just to find out if it helps.

Are there any Other Ways to Clean my Lungs?

The short answer is no. There is currently no scientifically valid method of clearing the lungs of debris any faster than would happen naturally. Think of the tar built up in your lungs like that which collects on the underside of your car after driving on a freshly oiled road. It is extremely difficult to remove. And the tar in your lungs collects in the aveoli (air sacs) where it is least accessible to your cilia (lung hairs). On top of that, those cilia are usually damaged from years of smoking also.

Lifestyle Choices can Help Clean your Lungs and Body

While there may not currently be a cure all method of cleaning your lungs, we do know that a healthy diet, exercise, good sleeping habits, and plenty of water can make a significant difference in your body’s waste removal and immune system. So don’t give up hope if a lung detox doesn’t quite live up to your expectations. With time and good habits, you can restore yourself to full capacity as if you never smoked at all!

How your Lungs Heal after Smoking

Fortunately reality is in our favor. According to our latest scientific information, our lungs do heal substantially after we quit. Three days after quitting, the little hairs in our lungs called ‘cilia’ begin to regenerate – even if they’ve suffered substantial damage. This allows the aveoli to recover, and the result is within three months, we have regained as much as 1/3rd of the original function of our lungs!

In addition to lung capacity is another sometimes less thought of but certainly no less important topic – cancer. Lung cancer is the greatest risk factor associated with smoking. As the cells in your lungs begin to change in response to cigarette chemicals (squamous cell), your risk of all cancer types goes up. And thus if you quit smoking now, your chances of surviving increase significantly.

Diet and Exercise Help Lungs Heal Even More

After you quit smoking, it only makes sense that you follow up with the health benefits of good diet and exercise. Eating several servings of fruits and vegetables every day can speed up the healing process tremendously. They contain anti-oxidants, are low in fat, don’t contribute to excess cholesterol, and provide both the macro and micro-nutrients your body needs for recovery.

And as we all know, exercise has been associated with a range of health benefits as well. A regular program will speed the recovery of your cardiovascular system. It will give you more endurance faster than recovery without exercise. And both diet and exercise with further reduce your chances of developing cancer.

Many people have succeeded in quitting with a healthy diet and exercise program and found they felt as good as at any time in their past life. Their greatest realization is that the damage caused by smoking was absolutely no excuse for not terminating this life-sucking habit immediately.

Exercise Helps Clear Lungs and Increase Endurance

This is probably the most popular method and most significant factor in determining what happens to your lungs after quitting. Exercising will assist in boosting your lung capacity. You will lose your breath less often and unwanted debris will be cleared from your lungs faster. This is especially helpful soon after quitting – when it helps clear out large debris and buildup from the inside of your lungs.

Dietary Changes Help Heal the Body and Remove Waste

Probably the most significant dietary change you can make is to simply drink more water. Building up to at least half a gallon a day. Water is the primary method by which our body clears waste material, and this is especially important in post-smoking lungs.

Also important is increasing your intake of fruits and vegetables. These are very commonly lacking in our modern diet, yet they’re extremely beneficial in healing tissues and building new cells. Your energy will increase, your intestines will work more efficiently in removing waste, and you will significantly reduce your chances of developing cancer.

This sounds good on the surface, but we often complain about the taste. Two very simple ways to consume more of these food groups is by blending them into smoothies and stirfry’s. This makes them simple to prepare and very good to taste.

Supplements Said to have Healing Properties

Many people have found specific supplements which they claim have helped in healing various lung conditions. These include the Ultimate Respiratory Cleanse (by Nature’s Secret), N-Acetyl Cysteine, Eriodictyon Angustifolium (Yerba Santa), and others. Vitamin A has further been shown to help re-develop the tiny air sacs in your lungs damaged by smoking, known as alveoli. These are what allow the exchange of carbon dioxide waste gas for more oxygen, and thus are very important to overall endurance and body function.

When you combine all possible lifestyle changes into a regular daily program, you are going to benefit greatly in a variety of ways. Although there may not be one single factor which has been scientifically demonstrated to boost lung healing – diet and exercise will make you feel like a totally new person. Coincidentally, they will also help reduce your cravings at the same time! So find an activity partner and go have fun with your new life!

When making any decision, it helps to know the consequences. And the consequences of smoking during pregnancy are many. Here is what you want to know about how smoking affects you and your baby during pregnancy

What Cigarette Smoke does to your Baby

Probably the most significant risk cigarettes pose to your baby during pregnancy is in the form of reduced oxygen. Nicotine and Carbon monoxide work together to restrict the umbilical cord and blood vessels throughout your body. This can cause anything from stunted growth to birth defects, miscarriage, premature birth, even stillbirth. After your baby is born it can continue to affect him or her by increasing risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome, causing withdrawal symptoms, and affecting cardiovascular capacity for the rest of their life – along with any stunting or defects that may have occured.

How Smoking Affects Your Body During Pregnancy

As if these potential risks to your unborne child weren’t enough, cigarettes don’t stop there. You also face problems in your own body. Any mother who thinks a smaller child may be better for birth will be suprised to learn their smoking habit can greatly disrupt normal birthing. It does this through Placenta Previa and Placental Abruption. In the former, your placenta changes position to cover most or all of the opening in your uterus. In Placental Abruption, the placenta pulls away from the uterine wall almost entirely.

In addition to birthing problems, smoking mothers-to-be (and fathers) may also face fertility problems – as the same chemicals which affect fetal development can cause infertility in both genders, and changes in chromosones.

Why it’s Never too Late to Quit Smoking

If you are already smoking during pregnancy, it is still possible to greatly reduce the risk of side effects by quitting now. Some studies indicate that quitting during the first trimester is associated with no increased risk of premature birth or stillbirth.

Also by quitting early, you can prevent your baby from having a lifetime of smoking by serving as a good role model when they get older. After all, by the time they’re in highschool, fewer people will be smoking than at any other time in history.

In the case of cigarette smoking, hypnotherapists often focus on either decreasing the urges associated with desire to smoke, or strengthening your will to quit smoking. There are many ways they can do this, such as associating disgust with the act of inhaling tobacco smoke.

How Well does Hypnotherapy Work?

For those who have been unsucessful quitting ‘cold turkey’ style, hypnotherapy has provided mixed results. Many find it works effectively for a while, but then they relapse later on. Still others are able to attend only a session or two for complete success in quitting. And there are those who say it has almost no effect at all.

In comparison to other treatments, hypnotherapy does offer advantages.

Vs Cold Turkey – Hypnotherapy strengthens your already existing desire to quit and/or weakens your desire to smoke

Vs (any kind of) Medication – Hypnotherapy is almost certainly safer and often more effective at addressing your emotional factors.

Vs Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT) – The same as above – hypnotherapy is safer and usually more effective because it addresses the emotional factors thoroughly.

Different methods of delivery for hypnotherapy

Hypnotherapy can be delivered via different methods. The most common method is to visit a hypnotherapist several times and then listen to an audio recording at home when you go to sleep. This method has the advantage of reduced cost, but some find it less effective than simply attending a hypnotherapist until they quit. Other methods are entirely DIY (do it yourself), relying on a combination of audio and written material. These can be effective if you have strong willpower.

Like any other therapy, hypnotherapy depends a great deal on your desire to quit. If you don’t strongly feel like quitting, there will not be much emotion associated with quitting to strengthen. This often occurs in those people who see cigarettes as a coping mechanism. In those cases, it is better to figure out what you are trying to compensate for with smoking, and to find a better, healthier alternative to cigarettes (and yes – there definitely is one).

Why then, do over 20 percent of us adults in the United States choose to smoke? Because it’s a free country? It looks good in print but unless you haven’t been outside in a while…. any sarcasm aside, we have many unique reasons. But they do tend to follow a similar pattern. Almost always, the reason for smoking comes from your mind. We believe there is something to gain from it. And this ’something’ must be worth the torturous effort of overcoming our bodies natural rejection process (vomiting, coughing, dizziness) – since there are definitely no true physical benefits.

The purpose, then, tends to be for satisfying an emotional need. We’re trying to relieve boredom, stress, anxiety, nervousness, or unwanted thoughts from any situation causing these things. We may not have any other way of properly handling these feelings, it’s usually not something we’re taught in school. Once we’re used to getting that relief, we feel awful without it. It affects our self esteem, our desire for life itself. Pressuring situations only encourage us to want it more.

What can we do? Is the situation hopeless? No, definitely not. The hardest part is believing this. 90% of achieving anything in life begins with belief. Reality is but a thin plastic spoon malleable by the lightest touch. It’s the ability of our mind to ‘agree’ with such a simple concept that determines how successful we are at quitting, achieving. We’re conditioned our entire lives into believing otherwise, and this is an unfortunate atrocity. As hard as it may be, believing in yourself is the simplest of the steps toward a better point.

When we’ve gained hope, we can tackle the habit of smoking from a more technical standpoint. That is, we can replace ingrained emotional habits with more healthy activities, find and meet with friends for a more supportive, happier environment, and create step by step goal oriented plans for solving major problems. This may sound complex, but it’ really much easier in practice. Just going out for a walk, bike ride, or to a show with a few friends is enough to take your mind off the stress. Chewing a piece of gum can help with your cravings from boredom. Healthy meals 5 times a day can reduce blood sugar cravings and weight gain. And there are many other options.

Smoking does have a purpose. But it is a poor substitute for life. Even when we’re at the bottom, we can still use our consciousness to ‘climb out’. There is always a happier, better alternative.