On World No Tobacco Day, here’s food that can help curb tobacco cravings if you are trying to quit

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According to experts,  one puff of tobacco smoke releases more than 7,000 chemicals, some of which destroy the neurotransmitters in the mouth, thereby altering the taste sensations. Apparently, it also causes damage to the olfactory receptors causing alteration in the sense of smell. However, it is said that these changes can be reversed within 2-3 weeks of quitting. Eating healthy greatly helps when you are trying to quit tobacco consumption.

There has been no formal diet chart developed for smokers who have quit following, but several foods have shown to help curb tobacco craving.

Here’s all you need to know about food items that can help you while you quit smoking:

• Having food such as non-carbonated beverages like water and fruit juices, especially orange juice, fruits such as apples, bananas, oranges, dairy products such as milk, cheese, yogurt, vegetables such as carrots, celery, before smoking have been shown to reduce the desire to smoke by making the cigarette taste bad.
• While quitting, there can be an increased desire to snack all the time. American Heart Association (AHA) suggests eating air-popped popcorn during such situations as it not only keeps one busy but also helps to feel full thereby reducing the desire to smoke.
• Similar to snacking, there can be a tendency to crave sweets. Instead of grabbing processed sugars, fruits have been advised by AHA. People do tend to increase in weight while on abstinence and having fruits will be a healthy way to stay fit as well. Oranges have shown to be very useful in people going ‘cold turkey’. The acidity of the orange has shown to metabolize and wash out the nicotine faster from the body.
• Indulging in pulses, beans can also help to develop a balanced diet, which will help to stay healthy.
• Cinnamon sticks, carrots, and celery can be used to give a sensation of having something to chew on similar to that of a cigarette.