THINGS TO HELP AFTER YOUR TREATMENT
FOR  SMOKING CESSATION

KEEP ACTIVE - Any type of movement or exercise helps the cleanup that is now taking place in your body.  Exercise overcomes and reduces withdrawal symptoms.  Brisk walking is especially good.

DRINK WATER - Drink at least eight glasses of water daily to help flush out the toxins and poisons now being eliminated by your body.  Research shows that dryness causes cravings, so sipping water throughout the day helps reduce cravings.  Drinking water is very important and one of the best things you can do to help yourself.

EAT HEALTHY - Increase your intake of fresh fruits and vegetables.  They contain a lot of water and fiber which help with the cleanup and detoxifying now going on in your body.  Decrease your intake of red meats, cheese, refined sugar, sugar substitutes, and white flour.  Instead, eat fish, chicken, whole wheat and bran breads and cereals.  Candies upset blood sugar levels, which can aggravate withdrawal symptoms. 

CAFFEINE, ALCOHOL, SPICY FOOD, SOFT DRINKS, AND TEA - These things contain many products which irritate the central nervous system, so please avoid these products for at least 72 hours after your treatment.  Also be aware that your resistance is lowered when you consume alcohol.

TAKE VITAMINS - Take a daily multivitamin tablet.  Some people say it helps with their withdrawal symptoms to increase their intake of vitamins C and E.

DEEP BREATHING - Once or twice an hour, or as you think of smoking, stop and take a few deep breaths and exhale strongly.  This helps your lungs eliminate toxins and poisons and helps relieve tension and irritability.

CRAVINGS - Cigarette smoke contains more than 3,000 different chemicals and 200 of them are types of poisons.  After 10, 15, 20 years or more of inhaling these toxins, you have developed a dependency.  Try to avoid situations where you know you are susceptible to having a cigarette.

HUNGER AND METABOLISM - A slight increase in your appetite is normal.  The different feeling in your stomach may make you think you are hungry when you are not.  Drink a glass of water or juice.  This is usually your stomach readjusting after years of swallowing saliva laden with nicotine and other nerve killing chemicals.  You will probably have a slight increase in weight (about 5 pounds) because of the change in your metabolism.  When your metabolism stabilizes, your weight will return to normal.

POSITIVE ATTITUDE - This is the most important thing you can do for yourself at this time.  You have just taken a very important step toward good health.  Be proud of yourself!!!