Ask
The Expert
Natural
Ways to Quit Smoking
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Dear
Natural Choice Journal
I
have smoked for many years and have tried to quit a number of
times. Is there anything that you would suggest that I can do
to make it easier or to help me quit smoking? .
Patricia
Jackson, Halifax, N.S.
Response
from Nutritional Consultant, Heather Scott, R.N.C.P.
Smoking
causes nutritional deficiencies so your body will require additional
help during this time. Since smoking affects blood sugar levels,
do not be surprised if your appetite increases. That is normal
and to be expected. Eat regular meals to maintain an even blood
sugar level making sure to balance proteins, fats and carbohydrates.
Be sure to eat a variety of fresh fruit and vegetables daily,
in particular asparagus, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cabbage,
cauliflower, spinach, sweet potatoes, turnips apples berries,
canteloupe, cherries and grapes. Eat plenty of whole grains, nuts,
seeds, legumes and high quality protein such as eggs, fish and
chicken.
It
is imperative that you avoid all junk foods, processed and refined
foods, sugar and white flour products. A large component of cigarettes
is sugar, so you may experience strong sugar cravings. L-glutamine
is helpful with sugar and alcohol cravings. Coenzyme Q10 is a
powerful antioxidant that protects the cells and lungs. Vitamins
B complex, C, E and A are all important nutrients and antioxidants.
Many
people have found live juice fasting a successful way to stop
smoking. A live juice fast can quickly remove nicotine and other
damaging chemicals from the body. A five-day fast is particularly
effective.
Heather
Scott, RNCP practices in Wallace, N.S., (902) 257-2428
Response
from Naturopathic Doctor, Dr. Matt Targett, N.D.
Smoking
is a hard habit to overcome, and your best chance at beating it
is to develop a plan. A naturopath can help with this plan by
helping to detoxify the body of nicotine, which will help reduce
the physical withdrawal symptoms. This is accomplished through
a detoxifying diet or juice fast with the addition of cleansing
herbs such as milk thistle and dandelion. Other herbs such as
lobelia, valerian and oats will calm the nervous system to further
help with withdrawal. Epsom salt baths are another useful trick
to help rid the body of nicotine. Keeping lots of healthy snacks
around, such as fresh fruits, vegetables and nuts, will also help
ease the process. Lastly, acupuncture has been found to be a valuable
method for helping people deal with addictions. Tiny needles can
even be placed in the ears and left in all week, which a person
can press and stimulate themselves to help overcome cravings.
Dr.
Matt Targett, N.D. is a Naturopathic Doctor working in Summerside,
PEI (902) 436-2674.
Dear
Natural Choice Journal
What
causes allergies? What can I do to relieve them?
Bill
J., Charlotteown, PEI
Response
from Naturopathic Doctor, Dr. Matt Targett, N.D.
Allergies
are an inappropriate immune system reaction to a substance. The
body identifies an allergen as a harmful substance and immune
cells respond by releasing histamine which causes redness, swelling,
itching and increased mucous production. Ideally, we want to find
the cause of the allergy and avoid it. We also want to decrease
stress and balance immune function so that the immune response
to an allergen is not so exaggerated. To do this, we can use natural
antihistamines and cell stabilizers such as quercitin, vitamin
C and antioxidants such as vitamins A, C, E, selinium and zinc.
Calcium, magnesium and the B vitamins are often beneficial to
reduce stress on the immune system, and omega 3 fatty acids such
as flax seed oil will reduce inflammatory reactions. It is also
important to eat as many raw foods and fresh fruit and vegetable
juices as possible.
Acupuncture
is also very useful for strengthening the immune system. For acute
symptoms, steam inhalation of the essential oils eucalyptus and
peppermint will often help with any congestion. There are also
many effective herbs which can reduce skin, respiratory or digestive
symptoms of allergies.
Dr.
Matt Targett, N.D. is a Naturopathic Doctor working in Summerside,
PEI (902) 436-2674.
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