The link between Omega-3 fatty acid and stopping
smoking
From: NoCamels
Team, NoCamels, More from this Affiliate
Think you’ve tried everything to quit smoking, but just couldn’t
do it? Then you’ll want to read on. According to a new study, taking omega-3
supplements reduces craving for nicotine and even reduces the number of cigarettes
you smoke a day.
“The substances and medications used currently to help people
reduce and quit smoking are not very effective and cause adverse effects that
are not easy to cope with. The findings of this study indicated that omega-3,
an inexpensive and easily available dietary supplement with almost no side
effects, reduces smoking significantly,” said Dr. Sharon Rabinovitz Shenkar,
head of the addictions program at the University of Haifa.
Does ending addiction come down to essential fatty acids?
Chronic exposure to smoke-derived toxins is the primary cause of
lung and immune dysfunctions, as well cancer. But researchers have discovered
that cigarette smoking is connected not only to cardiovascular problems, immune
system dysfunction and cancer, it also reduces the levels of essential fatty
acids in the brain, especially that of omega-3.
What science also learned is
that a deficiency in omega-3 interrupts areas of the brain involved with feeling
pleasure and satisfaction.
These areas are essential in reward and
decision-making, and are very important in the development and relapse of the
addiction and to the inability to stop smoking.
In other words, omega-3 deficiency makes it harder for the
smoker’s body to deal with its craving for another cigarette.
“Earlier studies have proven that an imbalance in omega-3 is also
related to mental health, depression and the ability to cope with pressure and
stress. Pressure and stress, in turn, are associated with the urge to smoke. It
is also known that stress and tension levels rise among people who quit
smoking.
Despite all this, the connection between all these factors had not been studied until now,” Dr. Rabinovitz Shenkar said.
Despite all this, the connection between all these factors had not been studied until now,” Dr. Rabinovitz Shenkar said.
Read more at ENN Affiliate, NoCamels.