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Detoxify From Nicotine

Detoxifying from nicotine is tough, but the good news is that nicotine generally leaves the body within a week. Nicotine is an addictive alkaloid found naturally in the tobacco plant that is highly toxic in large doses. Detoxifying from nicotine is one way your body will begin to heal itself once you have made the wise move to become a nonsmoker.

  1. Eat a Balanced Diet

    • The detox process will go much more smoothly if you eat a balanced diet of wholesome foods. You may want to reward yourself with all kinds of treats or allow your diet to go a little nuts while you quit smoking, but this will just prolong the detox process. A diet high in antioxidants, and yes, that's fresh fruits, vegetables, nuts and whole grains, will bring healing nutrients into your body. These foods are also high in fiber. Your body's elimination system will be working overtime as it begins to flush out the nicotine and other chemicals you ingested while smoking. The increase in fiber will help your intestinal tract work more efficiently, and the antioxidants will bring some relief to the kidneys and liver, which are filtering all that nicotine out of your bloodstream.

    Drink Plenty of Water

    • Increasing your intake of fresh clean water will also help your system heal and detox from nicotine. Keeping well hydrated will help your elimination system work more effectively. Don't overdo it with the water, however. As with anything else, moderation is important. It can be dangerous to drink too much water; two liters a day should be the maximum

    Breathe Deeply

    • You can help remove the nicotine residue from your lungs much faster if you get physically active and remember to breathe deeply. Getting a good cardiovascular workout will help your lungs expand and loosen the toxic buildup that has been stored in your bronchial passages. Even if you can only manage a walk around the block, try to focus on breathing deeply. Any assistance you can give your body in ridding itself of nicotine will help ease your withdrawal symptoms considerably. You will also find, as your lungs begin to heal, that taking those walks or short jogs will become easier and much more pleasurable.

    About Detox Diets

    • Just a quick word about diet fads that claim to strip your body of all wastes and chemicals through the use of certain products or extreme elimination diets. Quitting smoking is difficult on the body and the mind, but it's a loving and healing thing to do for yourself. Your body will appreciate kindness, not further stress through fasting or liquid-only diets. If you are considering such a diet as a way to detox more quickly from nicotine, please consult your doctor before you begin. Nicotine leaves the body quickly enough, and a balanced diet will help support your body while it safely and efficiently removes this toxic chemical from your system.

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