Smoking is one of the leading yet preventable causes of death in the United States. According to a report by the Centers for Disease control and prevention (CDC), every year, more than 480,000 people succumb to cigarette smoking in the U.S., which stands at nearly one in five deaths per year.

Smoking can harm nearly every organ of the body and can cause many deadly diseases, including cancer. But, the worst part is that it not only affects the individual who smokes but also takes the entire family into its grip, increasing the risk of chronic respiratory diseases due to secondhand smoking.

There is no safe way to smoke since tobacco smoke is extremely harmful to a person’s health. Many smokers attempt to replace cigarettes with pipes, cigars, bidis, hookahs, vaporizers and bongs thinking that it might lower the impact, but the reality is that smoking devices such as cigars or hookahs have higher levels of toxins and carcinogens than cigarettes.

Seeking recovery from the damage caused by smoking

One of the key ingredients of tobacco, nicotine, is a mood altering drug that reaches the brain in a few seconds, making people feel active and alert for a little while. But, nicotine is habit-forming, therefore, once the effect subsides, a person may feel lethargic and have more cravings.

While there are different therapies such as nicotine-replacement therapy (NRT) prescribed by doctors to help people quit smoking, there are several supplements which can help combat the withdrawal symptoms while promoting recovery from the damage caused by tobacco. These supplements assist smokers in restoring the natural balance of the brain chemicals which get disrupted due to smoking These help them quit smoking without facing severe withdrawal symptoms.

Some of these supplements are:

1. GABA

Gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) is a neurotransmitter that plays an important role in regulating dopamine production and also helps eliminate dependence on nicotine. According to a study presented at the annual meeting of the American College of Neuropsychopharmacology (ACNP), there is a clear link between GABA and nicotine dependency. GABA promotes concentration and the sense of tranquility, helping to normalize the neuronic activity in the brain which gets disrupted due to nicotine use.

2. L-Tryptophan

Tryptophan, a precursor to the neurotransmitters serotonin and melatonin, is an essential α-amino acid which is used in the biosynthesis of proteins. However, the chemical is not synthesized in the body and has to be supplemented from outside. It also assists smokers in managing the symptoms of nicotine withdrawal and helps them relax, keep a positive mood and get a good sleep. Additionally, it helps to reduce cravings for carbohydrate, which is another side effect of quitting smoking.

3. 5-Hydroxytryptophan

5-Hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP) is a naturally occurring amino acid that helps in relieving the withdrawal symptoms due to smoking. It is known to have an impact on one’s mood, decrease depression, suppress appetite and aid in good sleep patterns by increasing the production of the neurotransmitter serotonin.

4. Multivitamin and antioxidant supplements

A good diet, along with exercise, paves the way for an addiction-free life. It has been observed that many of the cigarette smokers lack some of the nutrients such as vitamin C, vitamin E, zinc, calcium, folate, etc. Antioxidants obtained from plant-based nutrients can boost the immune system and improve the overall health of an individual.

Seeking professional help

Many people find it tough to stop smoking on their own. It is, therefore, essential to take the help of professional services for a detox process that helps cleanse the body of harmful toxins accumulated due to smoking.

If you or someone you know is addicted to smoking or some substance, and is trying to quit or looking for detox centers in Florida, the Florida Detox Helpline can help. Detox is the first step in the treatment of any kind of addiction. You can call us at our 24/7 helpline number 855-920-9869 or chat online to know about the best Florida detox centers.