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      Do you remember the anti- smoking “sponge” advertisement that plays before the movie begins in a theatre? Such ads by the government of India is to discourage people from smoking.We know the words and images of the ad like the palm of our hand. Nowadays everyone imitate it because it gained notice in the public. So it is of no doubt that  people know what is smoking? Its health complications and so on. 

    Then why are people still lighting up? The packet itself comes with a warning. And we keep those pack of murderers so close to our heart both in happiness and sorrows like a destined partner.

For now we can blame the Nicotine.

One of the ingredient in tobacco, Nicotine. It is a mood altering drug. it reaches the brain in mere seconds you will feel energized but when the effect wears off you will crave more and feel tired. Comparing with heroin or other addictive drugs, the body and mind quickly get used to the nicotine in cigarettes. Soon, a person needs to have it just to feel normal. Nicotine is extremely habit forming that’s why it’s a habit hard to break and one not to start also. Most never expected to become addicted.

Is there any substitutes?

There’s no safe way to smoke. If you replace with hookahs , pipes or cigars health risk is the same. Beware of vaping. There is a belief that e-cigarettes are safer than regular cigarettes because they don't contain tobacco. But the other ingredients in them make it more dangerous.

Before going into the effects of smoking let’s know what are the benefits of quitting 

Reasons you need to quit smoking

Looks younger

Food tastes better

Healthier heart

No more smoker’s cough, reduce risk of COPD

Feel energized 

Stain free nails

No more smelling like an ash tray 

Whiter teeth

Save money

Reduce chances of 12 types of cancer

Lowers risk of poor reproductive health

Increase life expectancy

Effects of smoking on your health

Heart disease

Stroke

Lung damage

Many types of cancer — including lung, throat, stomach, and bladder cancer

Gum disease

Halitosis 

Yellow  teeth

Eye disease

Risk of infections (like pneumonia, cold, flu, bronchitis, asthma)

Risk of diabetes

Weaker  bones that are easier to break

Psoriasis

Ulcers

Affect reproductive health

Bad-smelling clothes and hair. 

Harm sports performance.

Greater risk of injury and slower healing time.

Premature wrinkles, speed up normal aging process 

Smokers are more vulnerable to Covid-19 

You put others on risk through second- hand smoking.

October is Healthy Lung Month, which is to give awareness to the public about the importance of protecting their lungs against general neglect, bronchitis, mold, air pollution and smoking.

We always take our lungs for granted.From the moment you were born into this world and took your first breath as a newborn baby, your lungs have been working to help you breathe. Still we don’t care much about them. Show your lungs some love and keep them healthy

Withdrawal symptoms to  expect  when you quit smoking:

Sleeplessness

Changes in appetite

An empty feeling

Fatigue

Weight gain 

Depression 

Restlessness 

Difficult to concentrate 

Sadness or anxiety 

Nicotine cravings

How to fight the withdrawal symptoms?

Get the running shoes out.

Manage your physical and mental health

Create new habits instead of smoking

Know your triggers and plan ahead

Ask your doctor to find strategies that work for you

Take medicines prescribed without hesitation 

Good nutrition and regular sleep

Reaffirm your reasons for quitting 

Meditate

Have some water and choose healthy snacks

Talk with your friends 

Letting time pass

Homoeopathic treatment in addiction 

Homeopathic treatment along with proper counseling and guidance can help a person regain control of his life from the addiction as well as the withdrawal symptoms.you can also recover from relapse or the tendency to get back into the compulsive habit of smoking.

Dr. Nasneem Salim (BHMS)

Reg no:12254

Consultant Homoeopathic physician 

Email: [email protected]