Smoking is one of the hardest things a person can give up. It's addictive properties come from nicotine, which acts as a stimulant to the central nervous system. Carbon monoxide, ammonia, vinyl chloride and other carcinogens disrupt and harm many of the body's vital organs. There are certain foods that can help restore the body and repair some of the damage. Follow a meal plan the benefits your lungs as well as the rest of your body.
Blood Sugar Fluctuations
Many smokers experience rampant irritability after they have quit smoking because of blood sugar fluctuations. Cigarettes often served as an appetite suppressant, which allowed them to avoid meals yet keep a positive mental state. Binging on carbohydrates and sugar leads to the dreaded post-smoking weight gain. Accustomed to the feel-good effects of nicotine, people who have recently quit smoking use this as another form of self-medicating. You can combat this problem by not skipping breakfast and eating consistently throughout the day. Eat a breakfast full of protein and whole grains. Snack at least twice between meals on foods like fruit or sliced vegetables. Meals should be free from processed or fatty foods. Rely on lean proteins and fibrous foods like legumes to keep your blood sugar from fluctuating. If you have an urge to binge on sugar, eat some fruit or throw some fruit slices on a yogurt parfait.
Tryptophan
Tryptophan is an amino acid that helps the brain produce serotonin. Serotonin is a neurotransmitter that helps the body control mood, appetite and sleep. By eating foods rich in typtophan, you are able to elevate the amount of serotonin in your brain and feel calm and relaxed. Think of the times you've felt after a Thanksgiving dinner. Enjoy foods like mackerel, turkey, chicken, peanuts, sardines, lamb, beef and soy products. Depression and anxiety should improve by incorporating these foods into your meals.
Vegetables
Carrots have amazing health benefits for repairing the lungs. They are chock full of beta carotene, which is converted in the body into Vitamin A. This vitamin cleans the cells of the lungs and makes the blood more alkalized, which prevents bone damage. The best way to get carrots is to drink carrot juice. You can either drink it plain or add it to another vegetable juice like tomato juice. Cranberry juice is another wonderful juice to enjoy that kills harmful bacteria in the lungs. Drink 10 oz. of juice every night.
Mucas Producing Foods
The lungs are coated with a thin layer of healthy mucus. By eating mucus forming foods, you force your damaged lungs to work harder. Refrain from eating dairy, processed foods, luncheon meats and high fat meats. Be aware of your allergies, because allergens can produce additional mucus. Drink lots of water to clear lungs of excess mucus and promote hydration. A daily allotment of 8 to 10 8 oz. glasses is a great start for detoxing your lungs.
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