Practical Tips To Stop Smoking

To stop smoking is more difficult than it seems. Cigarette smoking has been identified as the main source of premature mortality in the world. Statistics show that over three million teenagers are smokers. People who smoke face an increased risk of heart disease, stroke, arthritis, high blood pressure, colitis, impaired hearing, and pulmonary tuberculosis. Smoking has been associated with lung cancer, emphysema, and gastric ulcers. The good news is that is never too late to stop smoking. To increase your chances of success, you need to understand the health risks associated with this habit, and learn how to manage your cravings and replace your smoking habits.

Health Effects of Cigarette Smoking

Each year more than 443,000 people in the United States die from diseases associated with cigarette smoking. Smoking is responsible for approximately 90 percent of all deaths from chronic obstructive lung disease. Studies indicate that this habit increases the risk of coronary heart disease by four times. Smokers are 23 times more likely to develop lung cancer than non-smokers.

Lung cancer and other deadly diseases were uncommon before the invention of tobacco. Smoking is responsible for over 87 percent of lung cancer cases. Individuals who smoke present an increased risk of throat cancer, mouth cancer, stomach cancer, and skin cancer.

Cigarettes are filled with chemicals that go into your lungs when you inhale. Many smokers have a cough that is triggered by the toxic substances in smoke. This habit makes asthma worse and causes chronic bronchitis. Carbon monoxide decreases the oxygen flow to the heart, while nicotine narrows blood vessels and increases heart rate.

Smoking is one of the main causes of abdominal aortic aneurysm, bladder cancer, acute myeloid leukemia, preterm delivery, infertility, and osteoporosis. Cigarette smoking is also associated with bad breath, sleeping problems, bone fractures, sore throat, and erectile dysfunctions. People who smoke cigars or pipes are exposed to the same risks as those who smoke cigarettes.

What Are the Best Ways to Stop Smoking?

Millions of people have quit smoking and are now ex-smokers. However, it can be difficult to break the hold of nicotine, an addictive drug. Before you actually stop smoking, you will go through some sort of preparation and think about why you want to quit. Understanding the health risks associated with cigarette smoking is necessary for any individual who wants to win the fight against this bad habit.

Smoking is both a physical addiction and a psychological habit. As soon as you stop smoking, your body will start to experience physical withdrawal symptoms. Write down why you want to quit and ask your friends to support your decision. Instead of cutting down gradually, stop once and for all from a set date. Since quitting is different from everyone, try to find an approach that works best for you. Here are a few tips to help you stop smoking:

•   Write down the reasons why you want to quit smoking
•   Tell everyone about your decision
•   Get rid of cigarettes, lighters, and ashtrays
•   Decide what day you will get rid of this habit forever
•   Anticipate the challenges you’ll face while quitting
•   Stop drinking coffee and alcoholic beverages for a few weeks
•   Find oral substitutes such as celery sticks, hard candy, or mints
•   Drink lots of water to eliminate toxins
•   Keep your mind busy
•   Search for nicotine support groups
•   Use smoking cessation medications
•   Eat more healthy foods
•   Exercise regularly

Be positive and feel free to tell people why you want to quit smoking. Do breathing exercises, begin a workout routine, and start a detox diet. Keep in mind that no crave episode will last longer than three minutes. If you need help to stop smoking, try acupuncture or behavioral therapy.