Overcoming nicotine addiction may not be easy, but there are many natural ways to stop smoking and work toward better health. Nicotine cravings and withdrawal symptoms can make it very difficult to quit on your own, and changing your lifestyle is the first step to kicking the habit.

Supplements Can Help

Still, there are a number of vitamin and herbal supplements available that can help eliminate cravings and make it much easier to quit smoking entirely. When patches or nicotine gum aren’t helping, trying a more natural approach may be the answer.

Why It’s So Hard to Quit

Many people find it difficult to stop smoking because of the chemical withdrawal symptoms they experience immediately after quitting. Nicotine releases dopamine in the bran, which can increase concentration and create a sense of well-being. Over time, more and more nicotine is required to achieve this positive state.

Instead of eliminating the need for feeling good, smokers need to turn to other sources for a boost; these can include regular exercise, healthy foods and a balanced diet, and vitamin supplements that provide adequate nourishment for cells and reduce other health risks.

Some Natural Approaches

There are many ways to reduce or eliminate a smoking habit, and exercising regularly and making sure your diet is rich in fresh fruits, vegetables, and essential vitamins are a good start. This helps the body detoxify naturally, which may reduce your dependence on unhealthy chemicals to feel good.

Former smokers can also benefit from a variety of nutrients and minerals in a supplement form, including:

• Vitamin E to protect cells and tissue.


• Selenium and beta-carotene to reduce the risk of cancer.


• Vitamin C to increase absorption of vital nutrients.


• Vitamin A to support tissue health.


• Zinc to reduce toxicity and protect tissue.


• Vitamin B-12 to replace B vitamins destroyed by nicotine.


• Choline to help protect brain cells.


• Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) to aid detoxification.


• A combination of magnesium and calcium to calm nerves.


• L-cysteine and thiamine to help protect lungs and serve as an antioxidant.


• Valerian root, a common ingredient in sleep supplements, to calm nerves.

Other Options

Over time, nicotine cravings can be reduced or eliminated with a balanced diet and exercise, but there are also some effective strategies to manage the behavioral aspect of smoking.

Aromatherapy treatment can help reduce cravings by using scents of specific plants and herbs for a powerful detoxifying or relaxing session. Juice fasts can help eliminate toxins and speed up the detoxification process.

Massage therapy helps you detox and can release endorphins, which help create a heightened sense of well-being. Acupuncture is a painless way to release endorphins, and may even help eliminate depression and other side effects of withdrawal.

When you’re trying to quit smoking, it’s important to address both the physical and chemical changes taking place in your body. Nicotine dependency can lead to a variety of health problems, and only gets worse over time. Successfully quitting may require a natural approach, and both health supplements and lifestyle changes can help you reach your goals. Come on, be a quitter!

—Sabah Karimi