'Smoking is good for you'

'Smoking is good for you', according to an old Arab proverb. 'The dogs will not bite you because you

smell so bad; thieves will not rob you at night because you cough in your sleep and you will not suffer the indignities of old age because you will die when you are relatively young.'

Possible serious adverse effects of nicotine smoking:-

• Cancer of--- Mouth & throat, larynx & trachea, lungs, oesophagus & stomach, Pancreas, bladder

Other diseases---

• Brain—Stroke
• Lungs—chronic bronchitis & emphysema
• Heart—coronary artery disease
• Stomach and duodenum—Peptic ulcers
• Reproductive system--- Reduced fertility
• Peripheral arteries—vascular disease

Advantages of quitting smoking:-

• Food tastes better.
• Sense of smell improves.
• Exercise tolerance is better.
• Sexual pleasure is improved.
• Bad breath improves.
• Risk of lung cancer drops: after 10-15 years of quitting it is as low as someone who has never smoked.
• Early COAD can be reversed.
• Decreases URTIs and bronchitis.
• Chance of premature skin wrinkling and stained teeth is less.
• Removes effects of passive smoking on family and friends.
• Removes problem of effects on pregnancy.
• Ask them to keep a smoker's diary.

Quitting tips:-

Make a definite date to stop (e.g. during a holiday).

After quitting:-

• Eat more fruit and vegetables (e.g. munch carrots, celery and dried fruit).
• Foods such as citrus fruit can reduce cravings.
• Chew low-calorie gum and suck lozenges.
• Increase your activity (e.g. take regular walks instead of watching TV).
• Avoid smoking situations and seek the company of non-smokers.
• Drink more water and avoid substituting alcohol for cigarettes.
• Be single-minded about not smoking—be determined and strong.
• Take up hobbies that make you forget smoking (e.g. water sports).
• Put aside the money you save and have a special treat. You deserve it!! 

Withdrawal effects:-

The initial symptoms are:-

Restlessness, cravings, hunger, irritability, poor concentration, headache,

Tachycardia, insomnia, increased cough, tension, depression, tiredness and sweating.

After about 10 days most of these effects subside but it takes about three months for a smoker to feel relatively comfortable with not smoking any more.

Homeopathy can help in preventing cravings and taking care of withdrawal symptoms mentioned above.