Eating balanced and nutritious meals, exercising and getting plenty of rest to avoid stress help you significantly when you stop smoking. Taking health supplements supplies your body with nutrients you have lost through cigarette smoke. A smoke-free life begins with an action plan and routine to support your transition as your body goes through a detoxification process.
Support
Choices to help you stop smoking include nicotine replacement therapy, such as patches and gums, and smoking cessation sessions that offer the benefit of counselors and other ex-smokers. Support through these therapies and from friends and family aid you during the few days when you may experience physical withdrawal symptoms, including anxiety, irritability and cravings for nicotine. You can use phone or online services, in which volunteers provide support at any time during the day.
New Routine
Changing your routine helps deal with emotional issues you may face when going without cigarettes. Smoking has become linked to many of your daily activities, the American Cancer Society notes. Don't drink coffee or alcohol if you have smoked during these practices. If you are used to having a cigarette after a meal, go for a long walk instead for exercise and get your mind off smoking. Avoid places and people associated with smoking. Get involved in activities with nonsmokers or ex-smokers, who understand your experiences. Using substitutes for cigarettes, such as gum, hard candies, carrot sticks or straws and toothpicks to chew on, keeps you away from your addiction.
Vitamins C and E
A healthy diet restores the body with nutrients robbed by cigarette smoke, but supplements provide higher doses and faster replenishment when you stop smoking. The toxins from cigarette smoke begin leaving the body when you quit, making this an important time to get back your valuable nutrients. Vitamins C and E act as antioxidants to protect the cells damaged by cigarette smoke, which contain chemicals that produce free radicals to cause cell mutation. Vitamin C deficiencies can lead to the fatigue and weakness smokers often experience. Vitamin E disappears faster in smokers than in nonsmokers, according to the Linus Pauling Institute at Oregon State University. Vitamin E plays a vital role in protecting lung tissue. Vitamins C and E work more effectively together as antioxidants to fight disease.
Lung Protection
Folic acid, a B complex vitamin, and selenium supplements may reduce damage from cigarette smoke and improve lung functioning, HealthCentral explains. Cigarette smoke destroys vitamin A, which protects lung tissue cells that guard against bacteria. Taking vitamin A supplements may return this protection to people who quit smoking.
