Can A Naturopathic Doctor Help You Quit Smoking?

It’s January.

New year, new you, right?

And this year you’ve resolved to quit smoking.

This time for real.

This time for good.

You know it will have a huge impact on your cardiovascular health, extend your lifespan, and save you a ton of money too.

But you’ve been down this road before, not successfully – and you want this time to be different.

You’ve tried going cold turkey – it didn’t last.

You’ve tried the patches, and the gum, and couldn’t deal with the side effects.

Perhaps this time naturopathic medicine is the answer you’ve been looking for.

Keep reading to learn about how naturopathic medicine can help you quit smoking – and make it stick.

Why Is Tobacco So Addictive?

Do you ever wonder why it’s so hard to quit smoking?

It’s because of the nicotine, of course, but what is it about nicotine that’s so addictive? It affects the levels of chemicals in your brain.

One way it does this is by attaching to nicotine receptors in your brain, which causes a release of dopamine – a neurotransmitter which makes us feel pleasure.

Thus, when you smoke, the dopamine levels in your brain are increased and, to put it simply, you feel good.

The other chemical nicotine affects is noradrenaline (made by your adrenal glands), which increases alertness and energy levels.

The combination of the pleasure derived from dopamine and the “rush” of noradrenaline is why so many smokers become dependent on cigarettes.

Symptoms of Nicotine Addiction

Perhaps you’ve tired telling yourself “I’m not really addicted to cigarettes” and “I can quit on my own at any time I want”.

Are you really being honest with yourself?

Here are some of the signs you may have an addiction to nicotine:

• You have made at least one previous, serious attempt to quit smoking – yet continue to do so
• You have passed on social activities, because you knew you wouldn’t be able to smoke while attending the activity
• Cravings for cigarettes or other tobacco products
• Irregular bowel movements (constipation or diarrhea)
• Increased levels of anxiety, restlessness, or irritability
• Insomnia
• Feelings of anger or frustration
• Feeling hungry, more so than usual
• Depressed mood
• Inability to concentrate

Naturopathic Support to Quit Smoking

Naturopathic medicine offers a variety of solutions to help you quit smoking.

If you’re looking for an alternative to nicotine gum or the patch (both of which have their fair share of side effects), keep reading to learn about more natural ways to kick the habit.

1. Acupuncture

A study done in China in 2016 found acupuncture to be a safe and effective method to help people quit smoking.

Tiny needles are inserted into the outer ear and other areas of the body and are left there for approximately 20 minutes.

A few things which acupuncture treatment for smoking cessation can help with include:

• Lessening cravings for nicotine
• Calming the mind
• Reducing withdrawal symptoms
• Easing anxiety
• Reducing stress

2. Lifestyle Counselling

Another way to naturally stop smoking is through lifestyle counselling.

Lifestyle counseling can encompass a variety of techniques and methods to help you quit, including:

• Support groups
• Incorporation of stress reduction techniques into your daily routine
• Behaviour therapy
• Journaling
• Programs designed to help you quit gradually.

If you aren’t sure which one of these methods is right for you, book a consultation with me to learn more about them.

3. Green Tea

For many people, part of the reason why smoking is so hard to give up is that it leaves them feeling relaxed.

Green tea can also have the same effect.

It contains an amino acid called L-theanine, which has anti-stress properties and is also a relaxing agent.

Additionally, green tea is high in antioxidants, and can help to improve the immune system and reduce the risk of damage from toxins in cigarette smoke.

4. Ginseng

A 2012 study in the Journal of Ginseng Research shows ginseng can prevent the release of dopamine in the brain, in the presence of nicotine.

Dopamine is the chemical which makes us feel pleasure. It would follow that the denial of that dopamine surge when you smoke might make you less likely to reach for a pack of cigarettes.

Although further research is required, there is a growing list of other benefits of this herb.

Book An Appointment With Nardini Naturopathic

Are you ready to quit smoking – for good?

Do you want to not feel winded going up a flight of stairs?

Perhaps you want to lower the risk of cancer, heart disease, diabetes, and other health conditions which have been linked to smoking.

Maybe you wish you could run and play with your children and grandchildren for years to come.

Whatever your reason for wanting to quit, Nardini Naturopathic wants to help.

Contact us today to set up your free 15 minute consultation with me, Dr. Pat Nardini – you can discuss your concerns and reasons for wanting to quit, and ask any questions you have about naturopathic treatments.

Book your appointment today. It’s the first step towards a longer, healthier life.