Smoking is harmful to the health, highly addictive and hard to quit. We are all aware of this, but for some, it is quite difficult to break this habit. Nicotine is the chemical that makes cigarettes and smoking so hard to quit.

The nicotine in cigarettes is a stimulant that can block nerve and muscle cells from proper functioning. It can cause a rapid increase in the blood pressure and serious damage to the lungs. Nicotine can also lead to insulin sensitivity and insulin resistance, as well as an increased risk of developing metabolic syndrome, type-2 diabetes, and cardiovascular disease. It affects thyroid hormones, pituitary hormones, sex hormones and adrenal hormones. Within 10 seconds of entering your body, nicotine is absorbed through the skin and the mucosal linings in the nose, mouth and lungs finally affect your brain.

And, even if you stop smoking, the effect of nicotine will last for years. But, if you want to cut the habit and throw those cigarettes away for good – you’re in luck. Healthy foods and lifestyle changes can help you eliminate the nicotine from your body. We have listed some of the best foods that will help you remove the nicotine from your body without any adverse, unwanted side effects.

1. Water:

Water fights against the internal damage caused by nicotine and it can even help manage withdrawal symptoms. Water flushes out the toxins from the body through your skin. Also, nicotine dehydrates the body. 8-12 cups of water a day (minimum) can help rehydrate your body and increase your metabolism to flush the drug out of your body.

2.Broccoli:

Broccoli contains high levels of vitamins B5 and C, which protects the lungs from damage. Eating broccoli replenishes vitamin C and keeps your metabolism peaked and also keeps your lungs protected from toxins. Broccoli contains gene NRF2 that protects the lungs cells from being attacked.

3. Spinach:

It’s a great vegetable to eat if your goal is to finally break the habit. Spinach makes tobacco tastes bad, and it is also rich in Vitamin B9 and folic acid that are known to remove nicotine from the body (Folic acid is needed for maintaining muscle, nerve, and brain health). Spinach is also packed with full of vitamins and other important nutrients that you need to balance a strong overall health.

4. Lemons:

Lemons are another potent weapon of choice for combating nicotine. If you smoke, the nicotine stays in your system for up to 3 days, damaging skin cells and pores. Strengthen your immunity and skin health with lemons. Their citric acid and vitamin C will quickly combat unwanted symptoms of nicotine and smoking.

5. Cranberries:

The acid in cranberries flushes nicotine out of your bloodstream faster than you normally would. Nicotine raises your blood sugar levels just like cranberries do, so substituting cigarettes for cranberries can stop cravings when you are trying to quit nicotine.

6. Oranges:

Oranges are packed full of vitamin C, which increases your white blood cell count. This helps your body fight against the toxic substances that come from inhaling cigarette smoke, and even increases your metabolism to flush the nicotine from your bloodstream. Oranges can also lower your stress levels, making it easier to manage your cravings after making the decision to quit.

7. Kiwi fruit:

Smoking actually lowers your counts of vitamins A, C, and E. Filling up on healthy fruits and vegetables (especially kiwi) can help replenish these vitamins and bring your body back to a nutritional balance.

8. Carrots:

Smoking diminishes Vitamin A and C leading to the damage of nerve cells, circulation and brain functioning. A cup of carrot juice every day will fill you up with vitamins A, B, C, and K, which can help flush nicotine quantities out of your body. Carrots are a great choice for quitting smoking, but drinking the juice only adds to the effectiveness. Keep in mind that nicotine has a damaging effect on the skin. Conversely, carrots are known to be amazing when it comes to maintaining skin health.

9. Pomegranate:

Smoking raises the heartbeat, blood pressure and decreases oxygen levels in your blood stream. One should counteract these symptoms by consuming pomegranates and improve your blood circulation. They also help to increase your blood cell count.

10. Ginger:

Ginger can help get rid of many unwanted symptoms caused by smoking and nicotine. For the full effects, one should consume raw ginger to relieve nicotine cravings, maintain healthy weight loss and reduce toxins in your blood stream caused by nicotine. The best way to flush nicotine out of your body is to quit and ginger can help you do this.

11. Wheat germ

Smoking can tighten up your blood vessels. So try eating wheat germ that is found in nuts to get enough vitamin E, so as to improve the elasticity of your circulatory system. Wheat germ can also reduce any risks of developing heart disease when you get older.

12. Kale

Kale is known as a cruciferous vegetable and the more of these you eat; the less likely you are to get cancer. Kale is a natural source of isothiocyanates and other antioxidants that can rid your body of unwanted, lingering nicotine.

So, if you’re thinking about smoking or you’re trying to quit, try these foods to help you quit smoking or to help you resist smoking.