How to Quit Smoking Cigarettes
The American Cancer Society revealed that cigarette smoking causes about 20% of all cancer cases and about 30% of all cancer deaths in the United States, making lung cancer the leading cause of cancer mortality in the country.
They also highlighted that 80% of lung cancer cases and deaths are due to cigarette smoking.
Apart from lung cancer, smoking can also cause cancers of the mouth, throat, stomach, colon, and blood, among others, due to the carcinogenic substances in cigarettes.
Smoking is fatal because of the carcinogenic substances present in tobacco plants, such as formaldehyde, arsenic, and benzene. For example, the US FDA explained the chemicals found in tobacco products like cadmium are some of the most harmful to the human body.
Cadmium, in particular, is one of the toxic metals found in tobacco leaves, even before its manufacturing process. During its preparation stage, tobacco leaves are cured, and this is where dangerous chemicals are formed, such as tobacco-specific nitrosamines.
Another carcinogenic chemical in cigarettes is lead. Lead has been identified as a highly probable causative agent in lung, stomach, and urinary or bladder cancer cases.
The third substance the US FDA flags in cigarettes are nitrates. While not carcinogenic in themselves, how they react to amines, amides, and other compounds in the human body can cause different types of cancer.
Once a cigarette is lit, more chemicals, like carbon monoxide, are created in the burning process that wasn’t present during the previous stages.
Apart from these substances, some chemicals in tobacco smoke include hydrogen cyanide, ammonia, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, and ethylene oxide.
Unfortunately, knowing the health risks of smoking isn’t enough to get many people to stop. However, there are some things you can do to quit smoking cigarettes.
What Can You Do To Quit Smoking Cigarettes?
E-Cigarettes As a Smoking Alternative
Choosing a safer alternative can help you quit cigarette smoking. Although there are some vape juice ingredients you should avoid, e-cigarettes are generally a healthier alternative to cigarettes since they can help you quit smoking and make significant progress in improving your active performance.
Unlike traditional cigarettes, e-cigarettes don’t contain any tobacco substances that increase your cancer risk. However, when purchasing vape juice, you must watch out for acetyl propionyl, acetoin, and diacetyl since they harm your body.
Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT)
One of the best ways to quit smoking is to undergo nicotine replacement therapy (NRT). With NRT, smokers are given controlled nicotine alternatives in the form of gums, patches, pouches, or inhalers.
Nicotine patches are great nicotine alternatives. For instance, Nicoderm CQ patches can be placed in the chest or upper arm area, where they can be easily concealed with clothes.
They are long-lasting, too, so you don’t need to replace them throughout the day.
Prilla’s primer on nicotine pouches demonstrates how the product is a great alternative to help you quit smoking.
Nicotine pouches are available in varying strengths and sizes. For example, mini pouches can contain 2 mg to 8 mg of nicotine, and the effects can last over a longer time.
Also, pouches have different flavors, such as mint, coffee, and berry. Lastly, these pouches can be easily disposed of since they are securely sealed in white bags.
With nicotine pouches, you can relieve your nicotine urges and have a safer method to overcome your dependence slowly. Ultimately, it will greatly reduce your risk of cancer development.
Exercise To Shake Off Cigarette Cravings
If you are looking for a different method to quit smoking, doing some physical exercise can help distract you from tobacco cravings. It doesn’t have to be rigorous exercise, and any form of exercise can help. For example, running up and down the stairs a few times or going out for a jog in the neighborhood.
You could also do some chores to get your mind off your cravings while doing some productive work.
Lastly, if you want to seriously dedicate your time to exercise, try using an online fitness coaching service. Hiring a personal trainer or fitness coach will help guide you to a healthier and more active lifestyle.
