Quit Smoking Naturally.

It is no secret that smoking is bad for your health. But if you find yourself caught in the grips of nicotine addiction it is pretty tough to get yourself out of it. Most people try two ways to kick the habit. Firstly by going cold turkey. This method may work for some but for a lot of us it doesn't solve the initial problems of cravings. The second method is to use a nicotine substitute. The idea is to wean yourself off the nicotine but it can be costly. Here are some alternatives to the traditional quit smoking methods.

Vitamin B3 Niacin Supplements. Niacin has a similar molecule composition to nicotine. It will help control cravings. Niacin also helps your body to detoxify and boost your circulation. Something you will need if your circulation is sluggish from years of smoking! Take your supplement when you first wake up in the morning to help control those after-breakfast cravings.

Exercise! Since you're taking steps to make your life healthier why not pick up some exercise? Exercise boosts natural endorphin levels and can control nicotine cravings. Make sure you exercise intensively for at least 30 minutes to receive the benefits from this method.

Substitute your cigarette. One of the hardest things about giving up smoking is knowing what to do with your hands. Buy yourself some toothpicks or tea-tree oil flavoured tooth picks from your local health food store. This will keep your hands busy, your breath fresh and your teeth healthy.

Eat more Green Leafy Vegetables. Not only will this method boost your veggie intake but it will stave off cravings. Green leafy vegetables are high in alkaline which will curb your need to smoke. This works by changing your taste bud's preferences and you will find that you no longer can stand the taste of smoke any longer. You can find Alkaline not only in green leafy vegetables like spinach but also figs, raisins, and almonds.

Keep away from caffeine! If you like to smoke cigarettes while drinking coffee remember to cut back on the coffee as well. Nicotine halves the effects of caffeine on your system so when you are quitting smoking you will find that your morning cup of coffee will leave you more jittery and more likely to reach for a cigarette to calm your nerves.

Distract yourself. Write down on some index cards some activities that take up approximately the same time as smoking a cigarette would. This could be playing with your dog, making a quick phone call, dancing to your favourite song. Remember a cigarette craving only lasts around 4 minutes.

Once you get past the first 3 or 4 days your physical addiction is over.

Next week I will write an article about undoing the damage smoking has done to your body.