Changes in the Body After Quitting Smoking

Withdrawal Symptoms After Quitting Smoking

Quitting smoking can be difficult for some individuals. Withdrawal symptoms, especially in the first period, may cause individuals to return to smoking again. Most people can feel like they have the flu while going through the withdrawal process. The reason they feel this way is because smoking affects every system in the body in general. Since every system in the body becomes dependent on the nicotine in the cigarette, the body must get used to not taking nicotine when quitting smoking. Although the side effects seen after quitting smoking can be difficult for individuals, it is important to know that they are temporary. In this way, you can be more stable and durable. In general, the side effects seen after quitting smoking can be listed as follows:

Headache and nausea: Smoking can affect all systems in the body. Therefore, the nicotine that leaves the body when you quit smoking can cause headaches, nausea, and other physical symptoms.
Tingling in hands and feet: Improvement in blood circulation is seen after quitting smoking. Improved blood circulation can also cause a tingling sensation in the hands and feet.
Cough and sore throat: After quitting smoking, the lungs begin to clear mucus and other residues left by smoking. This can lead to cough and sore throat.
Increased appetite and consequent increase in weight: After quitting smoking, there may be an increase in energy in the body. An increase in appetite can be seen with increased energy level. In particular, some individuals start to consume food instead of cigarettes to get rid of the habit of smoking. As a result, the individual may gain weight.
Intense nicotine craving: After starting to smoke, the body becomes dependent on nicotine. Therefore, an intense nicotine craving may be felt in the days after quitting smoking. Especially 2 to 4 weeks after quitting, this craving can peak.
Nervousness, anger, and other mood changes: When smoking, the body undergoes a major change in the smoking cessation process, as it becomes addicted to it. Changes in mood can occur as the mind and body adapt to this change. It can cause intense nervousness and tension, especially at first.
Constipation: Nicotine also affects the small and large intestines. Because the body is accustomed to taking nicotine, when nicotine is discontinued, the intestines can react to it, leading to the development of constipation.
Anxiety, depression and insomnia: Smokers often increase the amount of smoking when they feel nervous and nervous. However, although the cause is unknown, the likelihood of anxiety and depression increases in smokers. Also, because the body becomes addicted to nicotine, quitting smoking can cause general anxiety and tension. Insomnia is also among the common symptoms, as a nervous individual will also have difficulty falling asleep. For individuals trying to quit smoking, depression is a serious condition and can lead to more serious problems if not controlled. Therefore, depressed individuals can get through this process more easily by getting help from a therapist or doctor. Some alternative treatments that the doctor will recommend to the patient can be listed as follows:
St. John’s Wort
Omega-3 fatty acids
Acupuncture
Meditation
Massage
Difficulty concentrating: In the process of quitting smoking, the individual may experience focus and concentration problems.
Dry mouth: Conditions such as stress and anxiety experienced during the smoking cessation process can increase dry mouth.