FREE YOURSELF FROM CIGARETTES!

FREE YOURSELF FROM CIGARETTES!

It has been reported by the department of health that cigarette smoke contained hazardous chemicals such as acetone (paint remover), ammonia (household cleaner), hydrogen cyanide (used in gas cylinders), methanol (gas), arsenic (termite poison), cadmium (found in car batteries), carbon monoxide (car exhaust fumes), nicotine (used to make PVC), naphthalene (mothball), DDT (pesticide), naphtylamine, polonium-201, toluidine, urethane, toluene, diberzakridine, phenol and tar.    

Cigarette smoking whether inhaled directly or through passive smoking is very destructive to your lungs and immune system. It has a suppressant effect on the immune system by increasing the production of free radicals in response to invading bacteria and viruses that can upset the functioning of healthy body.    A smoker has a risk of developing serious diseases such as cancer of the lungs, mouth, throat, stomach, pancreas, bladder and rectum as well as a form of leukemia, heart disease, strokes and rheumatoid arthritis.Other factors such as stressful living, poor nutrition, and high consumption of saturated fats, salt and alcohol also contribute to the damage.  

By taking high levels of antioxidant, you can boost your immunity and protect your respiratory system from infection. Vitamins C and E and beta carotene are used by the body as antioxidants to destroy free radicals found in cigarette smoking.  Since smokers use up Vitamin C at a faster rate to fight the free radicals and to prevent the formation of cancer-forming agents, they should eat plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables such as grapes, citrus fruits, tomatoes and broccoli which have the properties to neutralize free radicals.  Beta carotene is abundant in most fresh fruits and vegetables.  Vitamin E can be found in wheat germ, avocados, vegetable oils, nuts and seeds.  

If you crave for a cigarette, reach for a glass of orange juice or any fruit or vegetable juice. Chew sugar free gum and keep the fruit bowl full for snack attacks.   

Don’t replace one craving with another.  Sweets, soft drinks and snacks often take the place of cigarettes. The weight gain that ex-smokers often suffer can be caused by the need to keep the mouth and hands busy.  Try to resist fattening foods such as high-sugar, high-fat snacks. You are encouraged to drink eight glasses of water during the day.  

Distract yourself from situation which encourages smoking.  Do something such as meditation, exercise, gardening, mind expanding activities and others.  If people around you are smoking, distance yourself from them.  

To protect your health, the best thing to do is to quit smoking altogether because there is no guarantee that even a healthy diet can work for everyone.