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BENEFITS OUTWEIGH THE WEIGHT GAIN
The possibility of gaining weight is not a valid health reason (nor excuse) to continue smoking, if you've made the decision to become a nonsmoker. (Be sure to consult with your health care provider or midwife, if you are pregnant)
The benefits of giving up cigarettes far outweigh the drawbacks of adding an extra few pounds. You'd have to gain a lot of weight to offset the many substantial health benefits that a normal smoker gains by quitting.
Ex-smokers who gain weight do so because they eat more once they quit smoking. If you're concerned about gaining weight (and are using your concern as an excuse for continuing to smoke), you may find the following tips helpful in maintaining normal weight:
1. Make sure you eat a well-balanced diet, with the proper amounts of protein, carbohydrates, and fat. Take nutritional supplements such as your Stress-B Vitamins to help you balance your diet nutritionally. See other Smoking and Nutrition Links below for more information
2. Do not set a target quit date during a holiday, when the temptation of high calorie food and drinks may be too hard to resist. Holidays can also be stressful. Reduce your stress levels.
3. Drink a glass of water before your meals. Keep a glass of water available to sip on between meals.
4. Weigh yourself weekly.
5. Chew sugarless gum if you crave sweet foods (I actually prefer those sugarless hard candies - cinnamon candies are my favorite).
6. Plan menus carefully, and count calories. If you need help, consider Weight Watchers, Jenny Craig or some other dietary program that will help you with your nutritional plans. Consult with a nutritionist, if needed.
7. Keep low-calorie, nutritious foods on hand for nibbling (fresh fruits and vegetables, fruit and vegetable juices, low-fat cottage cheese, air-popped popcorn without butter).
8. Take time for daily exercise, or join an organized exercise group. If possible, a daily brisk walk is helpful and provides fresh air and aerobic exercise benefits.
9. Decrease or stop drinking alcoholic beverages. Avoid bars or social gatherings where alcohol is served and smoking is allowed. Alcohol has a lot of calories and increases the likelihood of starting to smoke again. If you go out in public or a social gathering, take care around second-hand smoke. Either it will bother you or you may crave a smoke. Second hand smoke is not good for you any more than smoking a cigarette.
For graphic lung pictures of smokers and non-smokers, visit this website:
Quit Smoking Pictures by www.cigarette.com
Animated skull graphic above obtained from www.cigarette.com.
HOLISTIC & NUTRITIONAL RECOMMENDATIONS
The nutrients and dietary suggestions below are recommended to correct probable smoking-related deficiencies and damage while you work to kick the habit. They are recommended also if you cannot avoid being a passive smoker. Consult with your health care provider or midwife before you start any nutritional and/or herbal therapy if you are pregnant or breastfeeding or if you have certain health issues.
HERBS
Cayenne (Capsicum) desensitizes respiratory tract cells to irritants from cigarette smoke.
Mountain Rose Herbs: Cayenne, Bulk Organic Herbs
Herbal Remedies: Cayenne Pepper Supplement, Nature's Way, 450 mg, 180 Caps
Herbal Remedies: CapsiCool, Cayenne Supplement, Nature's Way, 390 mg, 100 Caps
Herbal Remedies: Cayenne Supplement Tincture, 2 fl. oz.
Herbal Remedies: Cayenne Extra Hot Formula Supplement, 100,000 HU, Nature's Way, 450 mg, 100 Caps
Herbal Remedies: Cayenne & Garlic Supplement, Nature's Way, 100 Caps
Herbal Remedies: Cayenne Supplements & Products
Catnip, Hops, Lobelia, Skullcap, and/or Valerian Root can be used to help reduce the nervousness and anxiety that may accompany nicotine withdrawal. Caution: Do not take Lobelia internally on an ongoing basis.
Mountain Rose Herbs: Catnip, Bulk Organic Herbs
Herbal Remedies: Catnip Herb Tincture, 2 fl. oz.
Herbal Remedies: Catnip Herb, Nature's Way, 380 mg 100 Caps
Herbal Remedies: Catnip Supplements & Products
Mountain Rose Herbs: Hops, Bulk Organic Herbs
Herbal Remedies: Hops Herb Supplement, Nature's Way, 310 mg, 100 Caps
Herbal Remedies: Hops Herb Tincture, 2 fl. oz.
Herbal Remedies: Silent Night Formula With Hops & Valerian Supplement, 100 Caps
Mountain Rose Herbs: Lobelia, Bulk Organic Herbs
Herbal Remedies: Lobelia Extract Tincture, Herbal Remedies USA, 2 fl. oz.
Herbal Remedies: Lobelia Herb, Nature's Way, 425 mg, 100 Caps
Herbal Remedies: Smokers Rescue, 7-Day Stop Smoking System, Compares to Smoke Away
Herbal Remedies: Lobelia Supplements & Products
Mountain Rose Herbs: Skullcap, Bulk Organic Herbs
Herbal Remedies: Skullcap Tincture, 100% Organic, Herbal Remedies USA, 2 fl. oz.
Herbal Remedies: Scullcap (Skullcap) Herb, Nature's Way, 425 mg, 100 Caps
Herbal Remedies: Skullcap Supplements & Products
Mountain Rose Herbs: Valerian, Bulk Organic Herbs
Herbal Remedies: Valerian Root Powder (Valeriana Officinalis), 4 oz. Bulk
Herbal Remedies: Valerian Nighttime With Lemon Balm Supplement, Nature's Way, 265 mg, 100 Tabs
Herbal Remedies: Valerian Root Extract, Standardized, 510 mg, 90 Caps
Herbal Remedies: Valerian Root, Nature's Way, 530 mg, 100 VCaps
Herbal Remedies: Valerian Root Glycerite Tincture, 2 fl. oz.
Herbal Remedies: Amantilla-Relax, Valerian Liquid Extract, 30 ml
Herbal Remedies: Silent Night Formula With Hops & Valerian Supplement, 100 Caps
Herbal Remedies: Valerian Supplements & Products
Herbal Remedies: Sleep Formula, Natural Insomnia Remedy, Vegetarian, Herbal Remedies USA, 1000 mg, 60 Liquid VCaps
Herbal Remedies: Rest & Relax Tea, Yogi Tea, 6 Boxes, 16 Tea Bags
Herbal Remedies: Bedtime Tea, Natural Sleep Aid, Certified Organic, Yogi Tea, 16 Tea Bags
Herbal Remedies: Insomnia Formula Tincture, 2 fl. oz.
Dandelion root and Silymarin (Milk Thistle Extract) protect the liver against harmful toxins from cigarette smoke.
Mountain Rose Herbs: Dandelion, Bulk Organic Herbs
Herbal Remedies: Dandelion Root Powder (Taraxacum Officinale), 4 oz. Bulk
Herbal Remedies: Dandelion Root Supplement, Nature's Way, Vegetarian, 540 mg, 180 VCaps
Herbal Remedies: Dandelion Tea, NOW Foods, Organic, 30 Tea Bags
Herbal Remedies: Dandelion Root Tincture, 100% Organic, 2 fl. oz.
Herbal Remedies: Dandelion Supplements & Products
Mountain Rose Herbs: Milk Thistle, Bulk Organic Herbs
Herbal Remedies: Silymarin Milk Thistle Extract, NOW Foods, With Artichoke & Dandelion Extract, 300 mg, 50 VCaps
Herbal Remedies: Milk Thistle Extract, Standardized, Nature's Way, 175 mg 60 VCaps
Herbal Remedies: Milk Thistle Seed Tincture, 100% Organic, 2 fl. oz.
Herbal Remedies: Thisilyn Milk Thistle Extract, Vegetarian, Nature's Way, 175 mg, 100 VCaps
Herbal Remedies: Milk Thistle Seed Powder (Silybum Marianum), 4 oz. Bulk
Herbal Remedies: Milk Thistle Supplements & Products
Ginger causes perspiration, which helps the body to shed some of the poisons ingested through smoking. It also soothes stomach irritation occasional experienced with the use of Cayenne or Lobelia.
Mountain Rose Herbs: Ginger, Bulk Organic Herbs
Herbal Remedies: Ginger Tea, Organic Digestive Aid, Yogi Tea, 16 Tea Bags
Herbal Remedies: Ginger Aid Tea, Kosher, Organic, Traditional Medicinals, 6 Boxes, 16 Tea Bags
Herbal Remedies: African Ginger Tea, Organic & Kosher, African Red Tea Imports, 20 Bags
Herbal Remedies: Ginger Tea, 20 Tea Bags
Herbal Remedies: Ginger Root Powder (Zingiber Officinale), 4 oz. Bulk
Herbal Remedies: Ginger Root Tincture, 100% Organic, 2 fl. oz.
Herbal Remedies: Ginger Honey Crystals, 10 Packets Per Box
Herbal Remedies: Crystallized Ginger Slices, NOW Foods, 12 oz.
Herbal Remedies: Ginger Supplements & Products
Mountain Rose Herbs: Cayenne, Bulk Organic Herbs
Herbal Remedies: Cayenne Supplements & Products
Mountain Rose Herbs: Lobelia, Bulk Organic Herbs
Herbal Remedies: Lobelia Supplements & Products
Slippery Elm relieves lung congestion and coughs.
Mountain Rose Herbs: Slippery Elm, Bulk Organic Herbs
Herbal Remedies: Slippery Elm Bark Powder (Ulmus Rubra), 4 oz. Bulk
Herbal Remedies: Loquat Respiratory Syrup With Slippery Elm & Wild Cherry, Planetary Herbals, 4 oz.
Herbal Remedies: Slippery Elm Supplement Tincture, 2 fl. oz.
Herbal Remedies: Slippery Elm Bark, Nature's Way, 370 mg, 100 Caps
Herbal Remedies: Slippery Elm Lozenges, Thayers Original, 24 Lozenges
Herbal Remedies: Throat Comfort Tea, With Slippery Elm & Mullein, Yogi Tea, Caffeine Free, Certified Organic, 16 Tea Bags
Herbal Remedies: Slippery Elm Supplements & Products
DIETARY RECOMMENDATIONS & SUGGESTIONS
Consume more asparagus, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, cauliflower, spinach, sweet potatoes, and turnips. Eat plenty of grains, nuts, seeds, and unpolished brown rice. Millet cereal is a good source of protein. Eat wheat, oat, and bran. Also consume yellow and deep-orange vegetables such as carrots, pumpkin, squash, and yams. Apples, berries, Brazil nuts, cantaloupe, cherries, grapes, legume (including chickpeas, lentils, and red beans), and plums are also helpful.
Eat onions and fresh garlic (lots of them) or you can use garlic in supplement form if you need to, but I feel fresh garlic has much better healing properties.
Herbal Remedies: Garlic Oil Tincture, Alcohol Free, Nature's Way, 1 fl. oz.
Herbal Remedies: Garlic Bulb Cloves, Garlic Supplement, Nature's Way, 580 mg, 100 Caps
Herbal Remedies: Odorless Garlic Supplement, NOW Foods, 50 mg, 250 SoftGels
Herbal Remedies: Garlic Supplement, Kwai, Triple Concentrated, 180 Tabs
Herbal Remedies: Every Day Garlic Supplement, Kwai, 30 Tabs
Herbal Remedies: Garlic Tincture, 100% Organic, 2 fl. oz.
Herbal Remedies: Aged Garlic Extract, Cardiovascular Formula 100, Wakunaga Kyolic Supplements, 300 Caps
Herbal Remedies: Kyolic Liquid Aged Garlic Extract, Cardiovascular, Vegetarian, Wakunaga Kyolic, 4 fl. oz.
Herbal Remedies: Kyolic Aged Garlic Extract, One-A-Day, Vegetarian, 1000 mg, Wakunaga Kyolic, 30 Caps
Herbal Remedies: Aged Garlic Extract, Cholesterol Formula 104, Wakunaga Kyolic, 200 Caps
Cook all sprouts slightly except for alfalfa sprouts, which should be eaten raw.
Do not consume any junk foods, processed refined foods, saturated fats, salt, sugar, or white flour. Instead of salt, use a kelp or potassium substitute. If you must, use a small amount of black strap molasses or pure maple syrup as a natural sweetener in place of sugar. Use whole wheat or rye instead of white flour. Eliminate alcohol, coffee, and all teas except for herbal teas.
Do not eat any animal products except for broiled fish (up to 3 servings per week). Never eat luncheon meat, hot dogs, or smoked or cured meats. Limit you consumption of dairy products to a little low-fat yogurt, kefir, or raw cheese on an occasional basis.
Do not eat any peanuts. Limit, but do not eliminate altogether, your intake of soybean products; they contain enzyme inhibitors.
Drink quality spring or steam-distilled water only.
To accelerate toxin elimination, see FASTING and follow the program. Many people have been successful in the quest to stop smoking by going on a fast using only live juices and quality steam-distilled water. A live juice fast can quickly remove nicotine and other damaging chemical from the body. Adhering to a five-day live juice and cleansing fast can have amazing results. See Juicing for more information about this subject.
There are several natural products on the market that may help you deal with withdrawal symptoms, such as Smoking Withdrawal from Natra-Bio Homeopathic.
Herbal Remedies: Smokers Rescue, 7-Day Stop Smoking System, Compares to Smoke Away
There are many different strategies for overcoming smoking dependency. The secret to success may be finding the approach that is right for you. No If's, And's or Butts, The Smoker's Guide to Quitting, By Harlan M. Krumholz and Robert H. Phillips (Avery Publishing Group, 1993), is a comprehensive and detailed guide to the many and varied strategies that have helped people to break the smoking habit.
There are also a number of organizations that can provide valuable information and programs to help you quit smoking. Two of the most highly recommended are:
American Cancer Society
1599 Clifton Road
Atlanta, GA 30329
800-ACS-2345 or 404-320-3333
www.cancer.org
American Lung Association
61 Broadway, 6th Floor
New York, NY 10006
800-LUNG-USA or 212-315-8700
www.lungusa.org
NUTRITIONAL SUPPLEMENTS
The following nutrients are important for healing once appropriate local treatment has been administered. Unless otherwise specified, the following recommended doses are for those over the age of 18. For a child between 12 and 17 years old, reduce the dose to 3/4 the recommended amount.
Addiction Free Naturally: Liberating Yourself From Sugar, Caffeine, Food Addictions, Tobacco, By Brigette Mars
A comprehensive guide that helps you overcome addictions by using natural remedies including herbs, homeopathy, aromatherapy, flower essence remedies, color therapy, acupressure, and more.Antioxidant Formula Supplement, All Natural, Nature's Way, 100 Tabs
Nature's Way Antioxidant Formula Antioxidant Supplement is 100% natural.Colon & Liver Cleanser, 16 fl. oz.
CAC liquid is a colon and liver cleanser and detoxifier as well as a blood cleanser that serves to regulate the bowel movements so that the stool is so soft it breaks up into a cloud.Lobelia Herb, Nature's Way, 425 mg, 100 Caps
Lobelia (Lobelia inflata) often called Asthma weed or Puke weed has been used for centuries as a mild expectorant. The herb is named after botanist Matthias de Lobel who died in London in 1616. It has been used in preparations designed to lessen one's desire for nicotine. Externally it is used as an infusion of Lobelia can be used to treat ophthalmic disorders, and the tincture is used as a topical for sprains, bruises, or skin diseases. It has been suggested that Lobelia may reduce cravings and nervousness associated with smoking withdrawal.Smoke Free, Homeopathic Formula, Boericke & Tafel, 100 Tabs
Smoke Free Tablets are a homeopathic combination to help reduce cravings and withdrawal symptoms from cigarette smoking. Smoke Free Naturally.Smoke Less Aromatherapy Inhaler with Lemon, Pine & Eucalyptus
The pure essential oils used in the Smoke Less Scent Inhaler were selected by Earth Solutions specifically for their known benefits in helping to resist the urge to smoke, making it easier for you to quit smoking.Smokers Rescue, 7-Day Stop Smoking System, Compares to Smoke Away
The Smokers Rescue, 7-Day Stop Smoking System helps people put away the physical, psychological, and emotional challenges of quitting. These natural supplements and aromatherapy help reduce smoke cravings, calm nerves, and empower smokers with the confidence to get away smoke-free. Compares to 7 Day Smoke Away. Works against cigarettes, cigars, chew, and snuff for men and women.Stop Cravings Formula Tincture, 100% Organic, 2 fl. oz.
This formula helps people move through the withdrawal symptoms from addictions such as drugs, alcohol, smoking, and foods.Stopsmoking Herbal Tea, 20 Tea Bags
Stopsmoking Herbal Tea is made of licorice, mentha (peppermint) with an excellent flavor. Grown on the pollution-free high plateau of northwest China, they contain glycyrrhizic acid, triterpenoid saponins, flavonoid, amino acids, mint oil, menthone, etc. Extensively used in traditional Chinese medicine for its antitussive, expectorant and other qualities to clear respiratory ducts, stop coughing, and to correct addictive behavior. It is a detoxifier and system cleanser.Ultimate Respiratory Cleanse with Mullein, Nature's Secret, 60 Tabs
The harmful effects of air pollution, industrial gases and airborne toxins on our respiratory systems is well known. Fortunately, there's Ultimate Respiratory Cleanse by Nature's Secret, a powerful, synergistic herbal blend that will cleanse, strengthen and rejuvenate the entire respiratory system. This formula also provides unique nourishment specifically for the immune system.Vitamin C-1000 With Bioflavonoids, Nature's Way, 100% Natural, 1000 mg, 250 VCaps
Nature's Way Vitamin C with Bioflavonoids provides antioxidant protection for many of the body's important enzyme systems.Herbal Remedies: Smoking Dependency / Stop Smoking Supplements & Products
Herbal Remedies: Smoking Dependency / Nicotine Addiction / Stop Smoking Information
Herbal Remedies: Quit Smoking Helpful Hints & Information
Herbal Remedies: Emphysema Information
Herbal Remedies: Lung Damage Information
Herbal Remedies: Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease / COPD Information
HELPFUL RELATED MOONDRAGON LINKS
SMOKING RELATED LINKS
MoonDragon's Health Therapy: Smoking Cessation & Weight Gain - Helpful Hints
MoonDragon's Health Therapy: Quitting Smoking & Weight Gain: The Facts
MoonDragon's ObGyn Information: Smoking Overview & Recommendations
MoonDragon's ObGyn Information: Pregnancy & Smoking
THERAPY LINKS
MoonDragon's Health Therapy: Relaxation
MoonDragon's Health Therapy: Stress Links
MoonDragon's Health Therapy: Guided Imagery & Visualization
MoonDragon's Health Therapy: Meditation
MoonDragon's Health Therapy: Hypnotherapy
MoonDragon's Health Therapy: Living Longer
MoonDragon's Health Therapy: Acupressure
MoonDragon's Health Therapy: Acupuncture
DISORDER LINKS
MoonDragon's Health & Wellness: Asthma
MoonDragon's Health & Wellness: Asthma - Nutritional & Herbal Recommendations
MoonDragon's Health & Wellness: Bronchitis
MoonDragon's Health & Wellness: Cancer
MoonDragon's Health & Wellness: cardio Problems
MoonDragon's Health & Wellness: Cardiovascular Disease
MoonDragon's Health & Wellness: Emphysema
MoonDragon's Health & Wellness: Heart Attack
MoonDragon's Health & Wellness: Hypertension
MoonDragon's Health & Wellness: Pneumonia
MoonDragon's Health & Wellness: Teratogens
MoonDragon's ObGyn Information: Depression
MoonDragon's ObGyn Information: Obesity Overview
MoonDragon's ObGyn Information: Obesity - Herbal Suggestions For Weight Loss
MoonDragon's ObGyn Information: Obesity - Holistic & Dietary Information
MoonDragon's ObGyn Information: Stress
NUTRITION LINKS
MoonDragon's Health & Wellness: Nutrition Basics Index
MoonDragon's Nutrition Information Index: Recommendations, Food Guide, Diets & Menus
MoonDragon's Nutrition Information: Weight Loss Diet & Menu Suggestions
MoonDragon's Nutrition Information: Weight Control Diet & Menu Suggestions
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HERBS, OILS, & SUPPLIES
MoonDragon's Health & Wellness: Manufacturers & Distributors
For a full list of available products from Mountain Rose Herbs, click on banner below:
HELPFUL PRODUCTS & FURTHER EDUCATION
Prescription for Nutritional Healing: The A-To-Z Guide To Supplements
-- by Phyllis A. Balch, James F. Balch - 2nd Edition
Prescription for Nutritional Healing: The A-To-Z Guide To Supplements
-- by Phyllis A. Balch, James F. Balch - 4th Edition
Prescription for Herbal Healing: The A-To-Z Reference To Common Disorders
-- by Phyllis A. Balch
The Complete Guide to Natural Healing
This is only a small sample of educational materials and products available through Amazon.com. Use the search box provided below to search for a particular item.
HERBS, OILS, & SUPPLIES
MoonDragon's Health & Wellness: Manufacturers & Distributors
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