There are numerous reasons to quit smoking, including better cardiovascular health, a lower risk of lung cancer and increased lung capacity, to name a few. However, despite these facts, curbing an addiction to nicotine is not something that happens overnight.
Doctors recommend patients seek advice when they are trying to stop smoking, as it’s difficult to predict how their bodies will react, particularly if they’ve been smoking for a long time. There are numerous treatment options available, and going cold turkey is not recommended. Instead, here are five alternatives to cigarettes that are better for overall health.
Chewing Raw Vegetables
According to The American Cancer Society, eating fresh vegetables, such as carrot and cucumber sticks, can help replace the oral habit of smoking. What’s more, these types of food are loaded with fiber, so they contribute to better digestion.
If you don’t like raw vegetables, or the idea doesn’t sound very appealing, you could try sucking on sweets or sugarless gum instead. However, ensure it doesn’t affect your diet, as you don’t want to upset your weight.
Nicotine Gum
The purpose of nicotine gum is to help smokers quit. It is not strictly healthy, but it is far safer than smoking cigarettes. Studies have indicated that although nicotine is known to interfere with some bodily functions, consuming it without the addition of smoke inhalation and cancer-causing carcinogens has fewer consequences for your health. Nicotine gum contains less nicotine than cigarettes, though just enough to stop you craving it.
Physical Exercise
Exercise plays a significant role in helping you to quit smoking. The reason for this is that many people use cigarettes to alleviate tension, but exercise is far better at combating stress and has many associated health benefits. The benefits of regular exercise include better muscle tone, weight management and an increase in mood levels.
Nicotine Patches
Nicotine patches work in a similar way to nicotine gum: as a stopping-smoking treatment. While they are not a long-term solution, research suggests that nicotine replacement therapies like gum and patches can double your chances of successfully quitting.
E-Cigarettes
E-cigarettes are the best option for serial smokers, as they replace the hand-to-mouth habit of smoking a cigarette while still addressing the physical addiction. Mount Baker Vapor is a well-recommended seller that provides starter kits for beginners, as well as cartomizer refills that will keep you stocked up.
Don’t Expect Yourself to Quit Overnight
It’s no secret that smoking traditional cigarettes is harmful to you, however, there are various safer ways for you to feed your nicotine habit and reduce your intake of harmful chemicals and substances. Listed above are five of the safest ways to transition away from smoking cigarettes.
You may wish to try a combination of these methods, and it may be a case of trial and error to figure out which one works best for you. Don’t forget to reward yourself for your accomplishments — quitting smoking is no easy feat — and seek the help of a professional should you struggle with the effects of withdrawal.