Smoking increases a person’s risk of developing more than 50 serious health conditions, including cancer, coronary heart disease heart attack and stroke. But with a new year upon us, many people may choose now to stub out the habit for good.
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Stop smoking: What are the effects?
Quitting smoking can be a difficult task, but the NHS offers a number of self-help tips which can help.
There are a number of small changes you can make to your lifestyle that may help you resist the temptation to light up.
One of these is avoiding certain drinks. A US study revealed some foods and drinks make cigarettes more satisfying.
The study found fizzy drinks, alcohol, cola, tea and coffee all make cigarettes taste better.
Drinks to avoid
- Fizzy drinks
- Alcohol
- Cola
- Tea
- Coffee
The NHS advises: “So when you’re out, drink more water and juice.
“Some people find simply changing their drink (for example, switching from wine to a vodka and tomato juice) affects their need to reach for a cigarette.”
The same study revealed foods, including meat, make cigarettes more satisfying.
But others, including cheese, fruit and vegetables, make cigarettes taste terrible.
The NHS says: “Swap your usual steak or burger for a veggie pizza instead.
“You may also want to change your routine at or after mealtimes.
“Getting up and doing the dishes straight away or settling down in a room where you don’t smoke may help.”
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Scientific studies have also proved exercise, even a five-minute walk or stretch, can cut cravings and may help the brain produce anti-craving chemicals.
Another tip recommended by the NHS is identifying when you crave cigarettes.
The health body explains: “A craving can last 5 minutes. Before you give up, make a list of 5-minute strategies.
“For example, you could leave the party for a minute, dance or go to the bar.
“And think about this: the combination of smoking and drinking raises your risk of mouth cancer by 38 times.”
Support for stopping smoking is available from your local NHS stop smoking service.
Figures have found people are up to four times more likely to quit successfully with expert help and advice.
You can also call the NHS Smokefree helpline on 0300 123 1044.
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