Natural Products to
Help Kick the Smoking Habit
If you're aiming for better health, quitting smoking is crucial.
The sooner you stop, the better your chances of reducing health risks
associated with smoking. Research shows that 10 years after quitting, the risk
of dying from lung cancer drops by 30-50% compared to ongoing smokers. After 15
years, the risk is nearly the same as for those who have never smoked.
Natural Addiction Aids
Among the natural aids for quitting smoking, PharmaGABA and L-theanine stand out due to their
ability to address the brain's biochemical changes caused by chronic nicotine
use.
PharmaGABA
PharmaGABA is a form of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), a calming
neurotransmitter. Chronic nicotine use reduces GABA’s effect on the brain’s reward
center, increasing the desire to smoke. Derived from Lactobacillus hilgardii
(used in fermenting Korean kimchi), PharmaGABA promotes calmness, focus, and
clarity. It binds to GABA receptors, activating the parasympathetic nervous
system, which induces a relaxation response. Effects are noticeable within 5-30
minutes, reducing stress and promoting relaxation.
In a small Japanese study, subjects taking 100 mg of PharmaGABA
twice daily experienced significantly less anxiety and a decreased desire to
smoke compared to a control group.
L-Theanine
L-theanine, an amino acid found in green tea, also reduces stress
and improves sleep, PMS symptoms, and mental acuity by enhancing GABA effects
in the brain. Often included in functional foods and supplements, L-theanine
promotes relaxation without causing drowsiness.
Some studies have tested L-theanine as a smoking cessation aid by
adding it to cigarette filters, but it should be equally effective as a
supplement.
Recommended Dosage
For PharmaGABA or L-theanine, the suggested dosage is 100-200 mg, taken two to three times
daily. Both products are safe at these levels, with no reported adverse effects
or drug interactions.
To find out which works best for you, start with PharmaGABA. If you don't notice
improvements in 3-4 days, switch to L-theanine. There's no benefit to taking both simultaneously.
Quitting smoking can significantly reduce your cancer risk,
bringing it closer to that of people who have never smoked.
Sources
