The Ex-smoker: symptoms when quitting.

It is a natural tendency for us to gain the need to change our lives during the transition of seasons. Old habits don’t suit us, and we begin to make room for bigger and better things. Specifically, health is a huge focus when people are transforming their lives. Today alone, I had many people ask me about cleanses, weight loss tips, and especially smoking. Because many people in my life are smokers and want to quit, I decided to focus this article on that.

As an EX-smoker, I can tell you that you will feel worse before you feel better. But once the first phase passes, and you see how well you’re doing, that great feeling of achievement is priceless. The health benefits (financial as well) are endless.

Many people don’t quit smoking because they get “sick” every time they try. This sickness is your body reacting to this change. Your body starts to get rid of all the toxins that have been building up through cigarette smoking, and it begins to rejuvenate.

The most common symptoms are felt in the respiratory tract which can last for days or months. The respiratory tissues begin to rejuvenate instantly and do a great healing job. 

The symptoms felt are:

Sinus Congestion- This is caused by a clearing out of the sinuses (getting rid of toxins). A Netipot is great help to clear things out.

Cough, Throat Clearing- This is due to cleaning and clearing of the reactivated cilia in the lungs; your body is clearing the debris, tar and phlegm. Coughing up the debris is a good thing. This may last a few days to several months.

Phlegm- this is also due to reactivated cilia

Hoarseness – This is also due to the fact that smokers are not “smoking” the soft tissues in the throat and the new non-smoker is getting some tender “baby” tissue almost like when a baby is teeting. Basically, the tissue is regenerating. This may last several months.

Gasping for breath – the feeling like you can’t get enough air. The body is use to deep inhalations when smoking. The body is trying to adjust to a normal breathing rate. Deep breathing exercises can help. Take a slow, controlled deep breath in, and slowly release. The lungs WILL adjust and you WILL be able to breathe normal again.

      The best remedies for these cold like symptoms are:

-          Plenty of water

-          Hot water with lemon and honey

-          Vitamins A,C & E (an immune boost supplement is great)

-          Foods high in zinc (pumpkin seeds, lamb, oysters, mussels, peanuts, dried watermelon seeds)

-          Foods high in selenium (brazil nuts, oysters, mussels, sunflower seeds)

-          Oil of oregano (up to 5 drops a dose- 1-3 times a day)

-          Sleep

Other symptoms:

-          Headaches

-          Digestive discomfort (diarrhea/constipation)

-          Dizziness

-          Insomnia

-          Vivid dreams

-          Fatigue

-          Itchiness (sign of better circulation)

-          Depression, irritability, anxiety (i.e. withdrawal)   

Tips to quit:

-  tell your friends, family and colleagues about your goal
- don't be around smokers for the first 4 days
- chew gum (normal)
- do breathing exercises when the urge comes
- DISTRACTIONS ARE KEY! do anything that will take your mind off the urge (read, call someone, take a walk, play a video game)
- don't make excuses to smoke!!!

And remember, its ok if you slip, just get back on board right away!

Good Luck!

Similar sites:
http://lelabryan.hubpages.com/hub/What-happens-to-your-body-when-you-quit-smoking-with-cold-turkey--Chantix-or-Zyban

http://smokersblog.org/2010/10/common-quitting-smoking-side-effects/