Quitting smoking is one of the most important health decisions you can make. Besides the risk of lung cancer and emphysema, smoking causes free radical damage and depletes the body of many vitamins and minerals. When quitting, consuming certain vitamins in supplemental form help replenish the body and also cut down on cravings and other withdrawal symptoms. Vitamins C, A and D, along with pantothenic acid, may help you stay away from cigarettes.
Vitamin C
Vitamin C is an essential vitamin to take while quitting smoking. Vitamin C is an antioxidant that helps protect against the free radicals created by tobacco in the body. Also, according to Steven Bratman in the book, "Collins Alternative Health Guide," vitamin C supplements may improve arterial function in smokers, potentially helping to protect against heart disease. Higher doses of vitamin C may also help cut down tobacco cravings.
Pantothenic Acid
Another vitamin that may help you quit smoking is the B-vitamin called pantothenic acid. According to the book, "The Healing Power of Vitamins, Minerals, and Herbs" by the Reader's Digest Association, pantothenic acid is known as an anti-stress vitamin and may help combat tobacco's stimulation of stress hormones in the adrenals. Also, a reduction of stress can help ease the physiological cravings for tobacco while trying to quit.
Vitamin A
Vitamin A is another good vitamin to take when quitting smoking. According to Lowell Kleinman in the book, "The Complete Idiot's Guide to Quitting Smoking," research suggests that vitamin A protects the cilia that cleans the lungs, and it is also responsible for the health of certain cells found in the lungs. These cells secrete mucus that acts as a barrier against bacteria coming into the lungs. Some research has indicated that vitamin A may help reverse some of the damage to the lungs of long-term smokers.
Vitamin D
Vitamin D is another vitamin that may help quitters. Vitamin D is linked to decreased rates of many forms of cancer, including lung cancer. Carling Kalicak, author of "Quitting Cold: A Guide to Quit Smoking," notes that vitamin D is also good for decreasing depression and stress, which can arise when quitting smoking, especially in the first few days. Kalicak adds that it helps to start consuming vitamin D supplements one to two weeks before you quit.
References
- "Collins Alternative Health Guide"; Steven Bratman; 2007
- "The Healing Power of Vitamins, Minerals, and Herbs"; Reader's Digest Association; 1999
- "The Complete Idiot's Guide to Quitting Smoking"; Lowell Kleinman; 2000
- "Quitting Cold: A Guide to Quit Smoking"; Carling Kalicak; 2010
