Posted on Fri, Jan 22, 2010
By Charles Gant, MD
Nicotine, the addictive substance in cigarettes, is one of the most powerful poisons on earth. It's so toxic that as few as two or three drops of pure nicotine applied directly to the skin of an average person will kill him or her within minutes. In lower doses, nicotine can cause high blood pressure, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea, heart palpitations and irregular heartbeat, tremors, convulsions, and central nervous system overstimulation. There is no known antidote for nicotine poisoning.
How is it that so many people habitually use such a powerful and potentially deadly toxic substance on a daily basis? Moreover, how is it that smokers who are addicted to nicotine are given prescriptions to the very substance they're hooked on in order to stop smoking? The answer to both questions lies in the way our brains work.
How are brains work
Our brain cells, or neurons, communicate with each other by means of small molecules, called neurotransmitters, that they manufacture directly from nutrients, including vitamins, minerals, and amino acids. When neurons exchange these molecules with each other, they enable us to stay focused and alert, to be able to deal with stressful situations, and to block out pain, among many other things.
When sufficient amounts of nutrients are available to our brains so they can produce and exchange these chemical neurotransmitters in adequate amounts, we tend to stay on top of things, to remain relaxed and happy, and to get pleasure out of everyday life experiences. However, when our brains don't have enough of the nutrients they need to produce neurotransmitters in sufficient quantities, we can become irritable, unable to focus, angry, even depressed. If neurotransmitter shortages continue for longer periods of time, we begin looking for ways to deal with them.
Nicotine changes the way our brains work
Among the most common solutions many of us find to this problem is to take up smoking. That's because, simply put, nicotine, the addictive substance in cigarettes, changes the way our brains work. It artificially interrupts the normal process of manufacturing and exchanging several different types of neurotransmitter, temporarily making us feel "normal" again. The problem is that once the nicotine is used up, our brains are once again unable to produce the neurotransmitters we require to feel good, and we need another cigarette. If you're a smoker, as you continued to smoke, your brain got used to using nicotine as a substitute for its normal production of neurotransmitters, and you began to rely more and more on the nicotine and less and less on your brain's natural ability to keep you focused, alert, and happy. Presto! A habit was born.
Rebalance the brain
The real problem in trying to quit, though, is not the cigarettes themselves but the fact that some physicians may not have a good understanding of how our brains work. They're unaware that there is a straightforward way to rebalance our brain chemistry so that we no longer need nicotine. Even folks who have been smoking cigarettes for years find that within a short time of using a revolutionary new strategy called the Power Recovery Program, their cravings may diminish, or even disappear. Best of all, you don't have to stay hooked on nicotine, or take any other addictive substance, to stop smoking. What you do need to do is to take measured doses of several key nutritional supplements, which are likely in short supply in your body. Doing this makes key nutrients available to your brain and enables you very quickly to resume producing the neurotransmitters you need to overcome the craving for cigarettes and to begin to feel normal again without them.
Nutritional Supplements
There's a special Quick-Start for Smokers stage in the Power Recovery Program that enables you to understand exactly which nutrients are in short supply and have led to your needing to use cigarettes to make you feel better. Quick-Start for Smokers explains exactly which nutritional supplements you need to immediately provide your brain with the nutrients it requires to jump-start the production of the neurotransmitters that can reduce or eliminate your cigarette cravings and get you off on the right foot toward recovery. Best of all, with the Quick-Start nutrients you have the choice of quitting smoking right away or tapering off the use of cigarettes gradually.
The Quick-Start for Smokers nutritional supplement formula consists of the amino acids L-Glutamine and L-Tyrosine, 5HTP, lecithin, vitamin C, and a combination of other vitamins and minerals that are available by purchasing any one of a number of national brand name multi-vitamin, multi-mineral capsules. The Quick-Start for Smokers formula can be found in the newly released book, End Your Addiction Now available from NIHA Products and online booksellers. If you choose to purchase the supplements individually, they're available at supermarkets or health food stores. They're also available in a specially formulated product, called Tobac PAK, that can be purchased from NIHA Products or online at NuPathways.com.
Bottom line: If you are a smoker who has struggled with quitting and feel that you're hopeless, take heart. The Power Recovery Program approach has had unprecedented success with helping people overcome addictions of all types, including cigarettes.
You can do it too!
CE Gant, MD, is a nationally renowned pioneer in the fields of nutrition-based medicine and substance abuse. At Tully Hill Hospital, where he served as medical director, he achieved a remarkable 83 percent success rate in ending patients' addictions. Dr. Gant practices at National Integrated Health Associates in Washington, DC, and is author of End Your Addiction Now. Read more about him at Charles Gant MD.
Posted on Mon, Jun 15, 2009
Nature is your best source of nutrition. However, it is now scientifically and medically recognized that even high quality and balanced diets can benefit from targeted nutritional supplements. Augmenting a healthy diet with supplements may provide the best possible opportunity to enjoy optimal health and lower the risk of disease development.
Start with these key nutritional supplements:
Vitamin D
Magnesium
Omega 3 fish oil
Vitamin C
Probiotics
Chlorella
VITAMINS & MINERALS
Vitamin D: Vitamin D is naturally present in very few foods but can be generated from direct sun exposure, which most people don't get enough of- 3 out of 4 Americans are Vitamin D deficient. Vitamin D regulates calcium and phosphorus levels which are vital for bone growth and health, promotes a healthy immune system and is effective in preventing tumor growth.
Magnesium: Magnesium maintains a healthy immune system, normal muscle and nerve function, keeps bones strong, helps regulate blood sugar levels and blood pressure, and is involved in energy metabolism and protein synthesis. It may also help prevent and manage hypertension, cardiovascular disease and diabetes.
OMEGA FATTY ACIDS
Omega-3 Fish Oil: A pure, healthy fish oil supplement rich in essential omega-3 fatty acids is vital in maintaining healthy arteries, reducing risk of heart attack, abnormal heart rhythms, and strokes in people with known heart disease.
ANTIOXIDANTS
Vitamin C: Vitamin C is an essential nutrient involved in a range of key metabolic reactions including bone, cartilage, muscle and blood vessel formation. It aids in iron absorption and in extreme environments can protect against the common cold. However, excessive levels can cause numerous health problems.
DIGESTIVE SUPPLEMENTS
Probiotics: Probiotics-"friendly bacteria"- found in foods like yogurt, lower cholesterol and blood pressure, improve immune function, relieve symptoms of IBS and diarrhea, and protect against colon cancer.
DETOXIFYING SUPPLEMENTS
Chlorella: This single-celled fresh water algae is a source of high-grade protein, chlorophyll A & B, 5 Minerals, 12 Vitamins and 19 Amino Acids. Chlorella is a valuable supplement removing heavy metals from the body and relieving pain and hypertension associated with chronic health problems.
Visit our product website for more health products and information, and talk to your doctor about what other supplements may be right for you.
NIHA products can be purchased online or in person at our office.
View 6 Essential Nutritional Supplements
4 Tips for starting a new vitamin routine:
As with anything, too much of good thing is harmful for your body. Here are few things to keep in mind when you begin a new nutritional supplement:
1. Take a variety of products and supplements to avoid unnecessary allergic reactions.
2. Take vitamin holidays. As with your diet, it's best to have variety in your routine. To avoid overuse, take a few days or weeks off now and then.
3. Strive for optimal nutrition. You need good nutrition from you diet even if you take supplements.
4. Buy quality products. You get what you pay for: not all supplements are created equal.