BEAT THE CRAVINGS

Eat quality protein such as free range eggs, beans and lentils, along with whole grains such as brown rice, millet and quinoa.

They contain fibre, which can help keep your blood sugar levels consistent, making you feel fuller for longer thus avoiding cravings for sugary foods.

The decision to quit smoking is not an easy one.  Relying on willpower alone is usually not enough.  

Incorporating several different strategies is thought to be the key to success.  The NHS provides lots of information and advice to help you give up smoking (see yesterday's blog on acupuncture).

Herbal remedies are an aid that is often overlooked but can easily and effectively be incorporated into your plan. Today we discuss some herbs that can be used to both help you quit and also prevent cravings. 

Californian Poppy (Eschscholzia californica)

ACUPUNCTURE

Acupuncture has long been used to support people suffering from substance abuse and addictions, including tobacco. More info here.

Acupuncture may help relieve difficulties associated with giving up by:

• Normalising the release of dopamine in the mesolimbic system, modifying behaviours associated with addiction
  
• Reducing anxiety
  
• Modulating postsynaptic neuronal activity in the nucleus accumbens and the striatum to reduce nicotine addiction, and increasing corticotrophin-releasing factor to attenuate anxiety-like behaviour following nicotine withdrawal
  

AURICULAR ACUPUNCTURE - THE NADA PROTOCOL