Foods That Help You Stop Smoking
Quitting smoking is no easy task. A healthy diet and the right choice of foods can make the process much easier. Certain foods and beverages taste better to smokers than others, according to a study conducted by Duke University psychologist F. Joseph McClernon, PhD. These include caffeinated an alcoholic beverages and meats. Other foods and beverages, such as those containing vegetables and dairy products tend to make smoking taste worse.
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Dairy Products
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Foods and beverages containing dairy products are often suggested to help a person stop smoking. The enzymes left in the mouth after eating dairy products chemically react with smoke. This chemical reaction produces an unpleasant aftertaste. The reason why this occurs is still being researched.
Avoid Caffeine
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Caffeine is reported to cause smoking to taste better according to a 2009 study conducted by Duke University on a sampling of smokers. Researchers believe the acidity of caffeinated beverages such as coffee and soft drinks may contribute to this phenomenon. Foods and beverages that have acidic properties cause taste buds to sour faster than those that do not.
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Vegetables
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An increase in vegetable intake is often suggested by medical professionals for those who are trying to quit smoking. Eating vegetables helps keep a person's hands and mouth occupied similar to how a cigarette keeps the mouth and hands busy during smoking. The physical act of smoking is similar to picking up and eating a piece of food.
Vegetables will also help a person stop smoking because they are related to healthier habits. Other types of foods, such as those containing high amounts of fats, are often considered comfort foods and may cause a person who smokes to have an increased desire to smoke.
Avoid Alcohol
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The desire to smoke is often increased if a smoker consumes alcohol. According to the 2009 Duke University study on the effects of nicotine and smoking on the diet, nicotine was found to help counterbalance the depressive effects of drinking alcohol. Nicotine and alcohol both cause the body to produce increased amounts of dopamine, which is a chemical the brain produces when it senses pleasure. Therefore, many medical professionals recommend lowering alcohol intake when trying to stop smoking.
Considerations
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Smoking is a great risk to your health and increases the likelihood of contracting a wide variety of cancers and diseases. The addition of a healthy diet to your lifestyle plan will assist you in quitting. If you need more assistance developing a dieting and exercise program to help you quit, contact your doctor.
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References
Resources
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