Hey Smokers...Your Lungs Want A Break

In the United States, cigarette smoking causes one-third of all cancer fatalities and one-fourth of all fatal heart attacks. In addition to this, there are many illnesses and diseases that are a direct result of cigarette smoking. This includes chronic bronchitis, emphysema, assorted respiratory ailments, angina, peptic ulcers, heartburn, and diarrhea. A recent estimate is that smoking is a factor in more than 15% of all of the deaths occurring annually in the US. Obviously, smoking is a high-risk behavior with deadly consequences. Smokers can expect to shorten their lives by approximately ten to fifteen years. Intellectually most people will agree that smoking is a very harmful activity. Overcoming the addictions associated with cigarette smoking can be an overwhelming prospect, however. It can be done, though, and it can be done naturally without substituting other harmful ingredients that can further jeopardize one's health.

Think about this, if you are a smoker, every cigarette smoked has over 4,000 toxic chemicals which are inhaled into the body. Over forty of these chemicals have been directly linked to cancer. Nicotine is one such chemical and is considered extremely addictive because with ingestion it facilitates the natural release of serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine. In so doing, it also stimulates the production of adrenaline, which elevates blood pressure and heart rate.

Nicotine can be ingested by chewing, sniffing, or smoking. When ingested it creates a relaxed feeling. With continued use, the body develops not only a physical and psychological addiction to nicotine, but a drug tolerance as well. This means that more nicotine will be required to achieve the same feelings of relaxation. This also means that if nicotine ingestion is stopped, withdrawal symptoms will result.

Smoking cigarettes places nitrogen dioxide ozone in the body. This chemical damages DNA and reduces the amount of vitamin C available for use by the body. When DNA is compromised and vitamin C is reduced the body will not be able to fight off illness and aging will be accelerated. Bottom line is the stuff is bad news. The tobacco industry is big bucks but I wonder how much healthier people would be in this world if tobacco wasn't accessible.

Aside from the physical addiction to the chemicals in cigarettes, there is also an emotional addiction to smoking. Many smokers smoke in response to stress, boredom, and anxiety. For this reason, people who are in the process of quitting smoking may benefit from counseling or a support group for smokers. Subliminal or hypnosis recordings are effective tools to stop smoking as well.

Some tips to quit smoking

-Acute cigarette cravings typically last no more than five minutes.
-Nicotine cravings will become more manageable with each passing success of not smoking.
-Try exercising or taking a walk when cravings occur. Dont' be surprised if you have some shortness of breath.
-Avoid other people smoking.
-Completely eliminate alcoholic beverages while quitting smoking.
-Drink lots of water.
-Increase the amount of raw fruits, vegetables, and fiber in the diet.
-Eliminate saturated fats, processed foods, and refined sugars from the diet.
-Consider a colon and/or liver cleanse.
-Avoid stress during the quitting process.

After quitting smoking, the lungs must be given adequate time to heal and regenerate. During this time, it is important to be very careful about one's environment and the surrounding conditions.

Lung repair suggestions:

-Wear a mask if working with strong chemicals.
-Avoid air filters that emit ozone into the air. These may further damage the lungs.
-Do not attempt to dry up lung mucous. Mucous is the body's method for expelling toxins from the lungs.
-Avoid second-hand smoke at all costs, as well as other strong toxic chemical odors.
-Avoid dairy foods because they produce excess mucous. Mucous producing foods place added stress on the lungs.
-Aromatic herbs such as rosemary, thyme, ginger, horse radish, and cayenne may help one feel better.
-Get lots of fresh air and outdoor exercise every day.

Today, choose life and reduce your risk of cancer. If you smoke, you can quit before it's to late.

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Comments

Mon, 26 Jan 2009 at 2:08 PM, by jesmith
Smoke Consciously: Before lighting your next cigarette ask yourself WHY?
Is it a reflex action? e.g. because you are with other smokers, you are nervous, or because you always smoke with a cup of tea or after a meal.
Ask your lungs - 'Do you really want this cigarette?'
If you decide to go ahead anyway, then smoke alone, in the open air, without tea or any other associated stimulation; be totally aware of the action of smoking - then ask your lungs-'well how do you feel now?'
Practice conscious smoking for a while and see how much more easily you are able to cut down.
John - author of '100 Herbs of Power'

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