Help To Quit Smoking

   

You are working out, eating better and trying to improve your health to live longer. now it is time to quit smoking. 
      When smoking or ingesting a nicotine products, it changes levels of chemicals in your brain.  We have a chemical called dopamine that can dull pain and make you feel good.  The nicotine triggers the release of unnatural amounts of dopamine, thus creating a momentary good feeling.  However, it doesn't last long and in a short time, you body craves more.  For someone with a smoking habit, just going a few hours without, will bring your blood pressure and pulse to normal.  Your body will also protest with withdrawal symptoms, like a jittery irritability, then more nasty annoyance, dizziness and fatigue.
     People who try to quit cold turkey, have only a 2 percent chance.  Using nicotine replacement therapy increases your chances to 60 percent.  A common obstacle in quitting is weight gain.  It is very important that you keep doing a regular exercise routine and snack on healthy foods.  Actually, walking can take away cravings!
     Here are some more helpful steps to improve your chances of quitting.  Don't make the decision that day and expect to be successful.  You need at least one month to prepare yourself.  Then, set a quit date.  Get support from anyone and everyone around you.  If you are a friend or relative of the person trying to quit, be patient with symptoms of withdrawal, like crankiness and short temper.  You can have even more chance of success if you quit with someone, so you have a partner to talk to that is dealing with the same issues.  Have hard candy on hand, cut up fresh vegies or even straws to chew on when an urge comes on.  Try not to be in the company of smokers or put yourself in places you might loose control and smoke. 
     Good luck!  Your life depends on it!