Stages of cleansing and restoring the body after quitting smoking

Smoking is very harmful, everyone knows this. When a person inhales smoke, it damages the mucous membrane of all respiratory tracts. In regular smokers, the respiratory system suffers greatly: the small bronchi become clogged, the lungs darken and fill with mucus, breathing becomes difficult, a chronic cough, wheezing, and shortness of breath appear.

Cigarette smoke contains a lot of harmful substances that accumulate and lead to the development of various serious diseases.

About 80% of people who smoke for more than 5 years have a disease called smoker's bronchitis, as well as deformed bronchi. Fortunately, many people who smoke eventually realize the harm they are doing to their health and decide to give up this harmful habit. However, they expect that they will immediately feel much better, forgetting that they have already significantly damaged the respiratory system and how many harmful substances have accumulated in it. It will take some time to cleanse the body, as well as some favorable factors.

In our article we will tell you how to cleanse your lungs after smoking as quickly and efficiently as possible.

Changes in the body of a person who quit smoking

The lungs need to be cleansed, consistently and systematically.
However, in this difficult process it is worth starting not with the search for the most effective recipes, but with the understanding that for different people, clearing the respiratory tract of nicotine, tar and other toxic substances lasts for different lengths of time.

Usually the process takes from four months to one year, and throughout this period, a former smoker may be bothered by various unpleasant manifestations such as increased coughing attacks, sputum discharge, etc. The intensity of the manifestations depends on the length of the smoker and how many cigarettes he smoked per day.

More information about this can be found in the “Smoking Quit Calendar”, or in the section “What Happens After Quitting Smoking”.

Withdrawal syndrome

Nicotine toxins change the functioning of the human body so much that their deficiency leads to a sharp malfunction of many organs and systems. This phenomenon refers to withdrawal syndrome, which is characterized by:

1. Weakening of the immune system. For a heavy smoker, the lack of nicotine causes severe stress, weakening the body as a whole. A person becomes defenseless against various kinds of infections and viruses. He is diagnosed with frequent colds, viral and bacterial diseases of the oral cavity, skin, and his general health deteriorates.
2. Unstable functioning of the nervous system, severe psycho-emotional state. Against the background of a lack of nicotine, irritability, aggression, and, in some cases, apathy and depression increase. A person is tormented by insomnia and nightmares, and is haunted by the desire to smoke at least one cigarette. At this time, the help of family and friends and a psychologist is very important for a former smoker.
3. Cough accompanied by dark mucus. This phenomenon is explained by the need to remove cigarette combustion products from the respiratory system.
4. Dizziness, painful sensations in the head and abdominal area, of a spastic nature and observed about 2 weeks after the last smoking. The lack of usual portions of nicotine provokes disruption of the gastrointestinal tract.
5. Weight gain. An increase in body weight after stopping smoking occurs due to a person’s unstable emotional state, which he tries to normalize with the help of an excess of tasty food.

Will the lungs recover?

Yes. About three to four months after a person has completely given up smoking. During this period of time (provided, of course, that not a single cigarette was smoked during this period), the trachea, bronchi and lungs begin to cleanse, and after about a year the respiratory organs are gradually restored.

Congestion that causes inflammation goes away, the constant cough becomes less suffocating, and then goes away completely. Active “cilia” on the surface of the respiratory tract resume their activity and are cleared of tars and toxic substances.

Inhalations

Inhalations are an ideal way to help the lungs get rid of accumulated cigarette tar. For this procedure, herbal decoctions, vegetable oils, medicinal mineral water and special salts are used.

Inhalations have a positive effect by thinning accumulated mucus and removing it from the lungs.

When inhaled, beneficial substances enter the bronchi, thereby restoring the functioning of epithelial cilia, thanks to which the lungs are cleansed of dust and nicotine.

The following medicinal herbs can be used for the procedure:

• wild rosemary;
• buds and branches of coniferous species;
• chamomile;
• coltsfoot;
• juniper;
• lavender;
• mint.

The procedure is quite accessible to everyone and is carried out at home. It is enough to brew one selected herb and, bending over the container, inhale the herbal steam for 10-15 minutes. The duration of the course is 21 days.

An excellent alternative to herbs is essential oil raw materials: oil of pine needles, fir, eucalyptus, marjoram. For inhalation, you need to boil water, add a couple of drops of the selected oil and bend over the hot water to inhale the steam for 10 minutes.

Basic methods of lung cleansing

After completely quitting cigarettes, the human body experiences stress in some way - withdrawal syndrome. Traditional medicine offers proven recipes for remedies that can reduce its manifestations and also effectively cleanse the lungs.

Among them, I would especially like to mention oats, onion syrup, garlic, pineapples and herbal infusions. For greater effect, you can supplement them with the healthy habit of regularly visiting the bathhouse to make the cleansing process comprehensive.

Important. Without a medical history and consultation with your doctor, it is better not to take either traditional medicine methods or medications. This can lead to serious complications!

Gymnastics

Breathing exercises will tell you how to cleanse a smoker’s lungs at home. This method is one of the most effective, which can also be used in combination with inhalations, herbal preparations, and drug treatment.

Respiratory exercises have a positive effect not only on the lungs, but on the entire body as a whole. There are many respiratory cleansing techniques aimed at improving the functioning of external respiration.

A number of effective exercises are offered:

1. Slowly, through your nose, inhale deeply. Rise up on your toes and hold the air as long as you can, without any effort on yourself. Exhale slowly while lowering yourself onto your feet. When performing this exercise, it is important to concentrate on inhaling - imagining how vital energy fills the whole body, while exhaling - move your attention to the solar plexus area. It is advisable to perform this exercise every day, morning and evening, 15-20 times.

2. Take a deep breath. Hold your breath for a couple of seconds and exhale the air in small portions as if in bursts. With each push, the stomach should be pulled in. This cleansing exercise is aimed at eliminating residual air from the alveoli (with emphysema). The exercise is performed 10 times a day.
3. Take a lying position on your back, take a deep breath, while inflating your stomach, and hold your breath for a couple of seconds. Next, begin to release air through tightly compressed lips, forcefully pushing it out in small portions. With each exhalation, vibrations from the diaphragm should move to the stomach (this happens during laughter). All toxins fly away from the shaking organs, and the cleansing process begins.

Recipes for folk remedies for cleaning smoker's lungs

Well, let’s see what popular recipes for cleaning the respiratory tract are.

Oat cleanse

Milk decoction of oats is one of the most famous and effective ways to cleanse the lungs, which for many years have been exposed to the harmful effects of nicotine and tar. Its effect is noticeable within a week after regular use: the cough intensifies, and with it thick sputum begins to leave.

It is prepared like this: one glass of oats is poured into two glasses of milk, heated to a boil over high heat, after which the heat is reduced to minimum, and the broth is cooked until the liquid is half as much. The broth, cooled to a warm state, is drunk all at once, in one go, and the gruel is ground until smooth and consumed during the day before each meal.

In addition, oats are also used in smoking cessation.

Infusion of violet and oregano to cleanse the lungs

The infusion has a mild cleansing property, helps to liquefy and remove mucus without irritating the mucous membranes and increasing coughing.

To prepare it, you need to take 1 tbsp. dry violets and oregano, pour the mixture with 2 tbsp. boiling water and leave for 2-3 hours. Afterwards, strain the infusion and divide into three servings to be taken throughout the day. The course of treatment should be continued for at least a month.

Onion syrup

Onion syrup is very effective, and it is prepared very simply: a large onion is cut into small slices and covered with sugar, and then set aside in a dark place.

The resulting syrup is decanted and drunk throughout the day in four doses. It is enough to carry out this procedure once a week so that the body begins to gradually cleanse itself not only of the effects of many years of smoking, but also of some chronic infections.

Herbal infusion

To prepare a multi-component herbal infusion, you need to take 1 tsp. primrose, poppy, pine buds, horsetail, elderberry, sweet clover, lungwort, licorice, plantain, pikulnik, soapwort, isodora, thyme, elecampane, fennel, tricolor and fragrant violet, pour 1.5 liters of boiling water over them and leave covered for 2-3 hours.

After cooling, strain and take one glass before bed. The minimum course of treatment should be two months.

Eat garlic

Allicin contained in garlic helps to quickly and effectively thin mucus. By making sputum more liquid, the substance facilitates its removal from the respiratory tract, disinfects and disinfects them.

To feel relief, just add fresh garlic to your dishes every day or eat it yourself.

Eat pineapples

Pineapples contain bromelain, which has a powerful, prolonged effect on the body: lowers cholesterol, removes toxins and cleanses the lungs.

In addition, pineapples have an anti-inflammatory effect during exacerbations, gently calm the nervous system, reducing the craving for smoking.

Bath

For some diseases, significant increases in temperature are contraindicated, so before visiting a bath or sauna you should definitely consult a doctor. However, if the attending physician allows it, it is advisable to include such a rest in the general program for cleansing the lungs.

When exposed to hot air, blood circulation throughout the body improves, blood vessels and bronchi dilate. Together with sweat, harmful substances are eliminated through the skin, and all systems, including the respiratory system, are healed. The inhaled air more actively dilutes mucus, making it easier to cough up.

Literature:

1. Yagodinsky, Viktor Nikolaevich. About harmful nicotine and alcohol: a book for students: [trans. from Russian] / V. N. Yagodinsky. - Chisinau: Lumina, 1987. - 172, [2] p. : ill.; 16 cm.
2. Gaivoronsky, I.V. Anatomy of a healthy and unhealthy lifestyle [Electronic resource]. - St. Petersburg: SpetsLit, 2014. - 182 p. : ill.; ISBN 978-5-299-00599-8
3. Arkhangelsky, Vladimir Georgievich. About the dangers of smoking / Ph.D. honey. Sciences V. G. Arkhangelsky. — 4th ed. - Moscow: Medgiz, 1954. - 24 p.; 20 cm. - (Popular scientific medical literature).
4. Entin, Gennady Mikhailovich (1924-). How to quit smoking? / G.M. Entin, Dr. med. Sciences, Yu.B. Tarnavsky, Ph.D. honey. Sci. - Moscow: Knowledge, 1977. - 95 p. : ill.; 16 cm. - (People's University: Faculty of Health; No. 3).

Medicines

To cleanse the lungs, there are a huge variety of different recipes, among which there are not only effective traditional medicines, but also no less effective medications.

It is advisable to take them in conjunction with other preventive measures to cleanse the lungs after smoking, and always after consultation with a competent specialist.

Ambroxol (Lazolvan)

"Ambroxol" is indicated for use in chronic and acute diseases of the respiratory tract, accompanied by increased formation of viscous sputum. Promotes rapid liquefaction and removal, facilitates coughing.

When taking the drug together with other medications, no negative effects were noted. However, before starting treatment, if the patient has to take other potent drugs, it is advisable to warn your doctor about this.

Acetylcysteine

“Acetylcysteine” is used as an effective mucolytic medicine, which is used not only in the treatment of viral and colds of the respiratory tract, but also in the complex cleansing of the lungs in people who have quit smoking.

Relieves prolonged coughing attacks, thins the mucus that forms on the inner surface of the bronchi, and promotes its coughing. Provides gradual removal of even abnormally large amounts of thick mucus.

Gedelix

"Gedelix" is indicated for use for dry coughs, when there is a need to liquefy and remove accumulations of sputum from the lungs.

At the moment, the drug is presented in two forms: syrup and drops, so everyone can choose the most convenient option for themselves. The effectiveness of both forms of the drug is at the same level.

Mukaltin

"Mukaltin" has an expectorant effect on the body, which, when used regularly, simplifies the discharge of sputum. This allows you to make your cough more productive and relieves the stagnation of thick mucus in the bronchi and lungs.

Made on a plant basis, the drug is allowed for use during pregnancy and lactation.

Ascoril

"Ascoril" has a thinning effect and promotes easy expectoration of sputum. It has an enveloping and bronchodilator effect on the lungs.

The drug contains the substances guaifenesin, recementol and salbutamol, which have a positive effect on bronchial obstruction and mucostasis. After a short period of use, the cough is relieved, the accumulation of sputum is reduced, and the lungs are completely cleansed.

Preparing for cleaning

The main condition for cleansing the pulmonary system is free time. You should act slowly, step by step. You won't be able to get rid of mucus all at once. You cannot allow the accumulated mucus to quickly clear, as the body may react incorrectly to external interventions and begin to secrete mucus in even greater quantities.

In such a situation, the patency of the lungs is impaired, which is fraught with the development of lung cancer. Traditional medicine will tell you how to cleanse a smoker’s lungs at home. Medical practice shows that treatment should be started using folk remedies, since they are less aggressive for the body and do not cause adverse reactions.

Any cleansing procedure aimed at internal organs requires certain preparation.

To speed up results, you must follow these recommendations:

• A week before the start of lung cleansing, you should balance your diet, give up fatty and smoked foods, reduce the consumption of spices and salt, and focus on plant foods.
• Avoid physical and strength activities (going to the gym, running, working with dumbbells).
• 3-4 days before the start of the procedure, exclude dairy products, as they contribute to the formation of sputum.
• It is necessary to observe the water regime. Water will help the body get rid of waste and toxins; for this, you should drink at least 2 liters of water every day.
• Eliminate cigarettes completely.
• In the evening before starting the cleanse, drink a cup of herbal tea to stimulate bowel function. You can use the following herbs: elderberry; anise; fennel; dandelion; plantain; nettle; flax seed; buckthorn.

Signs of cleansing

A typical sign of systematic cleansing of the body is a constant cough and sputum discharge. In this way, the body tries to cleanse the inner surface of the lungs and bronchi from harmful deposits.

Over time, the cough decreases and breathing becomes easier. It becomes easier to wake up in the morning, and a good appetite returns. In addition, mood swings may occur throughout the cleansing period. They should not be considered an anomaly and if they occur, you should simply try to smooth them out by taking specialized medications, long walks, breathing exercises, etc.

Is it possible to clean it completely?

It is possible to completely clean a smoker's lungs if there are no irreversible changes. These include persistent dilatation of the bronchi - bronchiectasis, compaction of the lung tissue - pneumosclerosis, fibrosis. This can be found out only after examination by a pulmonologist. He conducts an examination, listens to the lungs and prescribes:

• chest x-ray or computed tomography;
• fibrobronchoscopy (examination of the bronchi with an endoscope);
• spirometry to assess respiratory function;
• ECG to detect cardiac complications;
• General blood test, biochemical.

Only based on the results of all studies can one accurately determine the extent of changes in the lungs due to smoking. Cleansing will be required in any case, but if the stage is advanced, it will be incomplete. This means that there will remain a tendency to inflammation of the respiratory tract during hypothermia, during the season of viral infections.

Watch this video about the dangers of smoking:

To summarize

After getting rid of nicotine addiction, it is important to reconsider your entire lifestyle: start eating right, add as much physical activity as possible.

This will make lung cleaning more effective, minimize the likelihood of breakdowns and mood swings, and help maintain normal weight. Having given up cigarettes, many people notice a significant increase in appetite, which is caused by the restoration of olfactory and taste buds.

Even simple half-hour walks in the fresh air have the most beneficial effect on overall well-being, improve your mood and allow you to take each next step with renewed vigor towards completely ridding your body of the consequences of many years of nicotine addiction.

Nutrition

Regular consumption of healthy foods is one of the main conditions for maintaining healthy lungs. The diet should always consist of fresh, natural products containing the nutrients necessary for the body, a complex of vitamins and minerals.

Nature has taken care of man, endowing him with antioxidant powers in the fight against viruses, infections, and external pollution.

When the functioning of the lungs is impaired, these same forces are often lacking, as the oxidative process starts and the body begins to weaken. Therefore, you should consume foods rich in antioxidants. It is especially worth focusing on plant foods in bright colors (orange, yellow, rich red).

This may include:

• apples;
• carrot;
• Bell pepper;
• broccoli;
• spinach;
• green leaves of vegetables;
• beet.

All these products are rich in beta-carotene and vegetable proteins, which provide the necessary nutrition to the lung tissue and promote the formation of new cells.

For example:

• Beets activate and enhance the drainage function of the lungs, normalizing gas exchange processes.

• Do not ignore milk products, including fermented milk. They contain large amounts of organic calcium, which is also necessary for lung cells.
• Magnesium, which predominates in green vegetables and leaves, stabilizes the functioning of the lungs, provides nutrition to the cells, preventing them from working for wear.
• Garlic and onions are a storehouse of vitamins and antioxidants that destroy pathogenic bacteria and are aimed at fighting lung infections.
• Fresh pineapple contains an enzyme called bromelain, which actively fights tubercle bacilli.
• For proper functioning of the lungs, a lot of vitamin C is required, which protects the body from various types of inflammatory processes. It is found in citrus fruits and rose hips.
• If a lot of viscous mucus has accumulated in the lungs, then the organic acids of hawthorn and iodine, which sea kale is rich in, will come to the rescue. These products help thin mucus and remove it from the body.
• Particular attention should be paid to water, as it helps the body get rid of internal debris. It is recommended to drink 2-2.5 liters of clean water per day.

The following should be removed from the diet:

• salted and smoked products;
• spices;
• rich meat and fish broths.

These foods retain water in the body, which leads to swelling. They prevent the passage of mucus, increasing its formation, which can lead to bronchospasm. You should also limit your intake of coffee, black tea and sugar, as these foods weaken the immune system, preventing the body from fighting toxins, healing and getting stronger.

Quit smoking: how to cleanse the lungs with physical activity

Those who quit smoking need regular physical activity; it will make it possible to clear the lungs and bronchi faster. Running, walking, swimming, and gymnastics with special breathing are useful.

Gymnastics

Gymnastics will be effective for cleansing only if the exercises are combined with correct breathing technique. To do this, it is necessary to take a passive (regular) inhalation in the starting position, and an active sharp exhalation when:

• turning the body or bending down from a standing position;
• or pulling your legs to your stomach while lying on your back;
• crossing your arms over your chest (as if hugging yourself by the shoulders).

The yogic breathing of Kapalbhati is considered very effective. It consists of forced (intensified) exhalations through the nose while simultaneously drawing in the abdominal wall. The first time it is better to spend it while sitting on a chair, as there may be dizziness and darkening in the eyes. It is necessary to perform 10 breathing cycles (normal inhalation), then rest and repeat.

The second version of cleansing breathing resembles chopping wood. They connect their hands, intertwining their fingers in front of them, then bend their arms behind their head. At this time, the air is inhaled and with a sharp chopping movement they are lowered down with the torso tilted. The exhalation is sharp, with the sound “ha”.

Does running cleanse

Running, like any aerobic activity (swimming, walking, dancing, cycling, skiing, skating), activates the cleansing of the respiratory tract. The main problem of those who seek to restore their “breathing” after smoking is the low tolerance of such activities. Therefore, it is first necessary to increase the volume of air that the lungs can accommodate.

Walking is the best choice for this. It allows you to easily adjust the load, increasing the pace and duration of the lesson. The main condition is to choose an area remote from highways and industrial enterprises, since training in dusty conditions will only bring harm.

Watch this video about breathing exercises to cleanse the lungs:

Negative aspects of quitting smoking

As we have already said, after quitting smoking, the body begins to rebuild its metabolism. As a result, the former smoker begins to experience a number of unpleasant symptoms. Fortunately, this only lasts for the first months, and after the metabolism normalizes, everything returns to normal.

Among the negative manifestations:

• emotional imbalance: tearfulness, irritability, aggressiveness, depressed mood;
• sleep disorders: insomnia, restless sleep, nightmares;
• susceptibility to colds due to a temporary decrease in immunity;
• unpleasant taste in the mouth after quitting smoking, associated with liver recovery;
• headaches, dizziness;
• weight gain, because against the background of emotional discord and the need to do something to drown out the craving for cigarettes, the former smoker begins to eat more.

Baths and medicinal baths

The bath is a wonderful way to cleanse the body, spirit and the whole organism. Regular trips to the bathhouse will promote rapid recovery and get rid of toxins. It would not be superfluous to use essential oils in the steam room and treat the body with a broom made of birch or oak branches. It is recommended to drink a herbal decoction in the bathhouse.

If it is not possible to visit the bathhouse, then there is an alternative - medicinal baths. To do this, you need to add pine or other medicinal decoction to the water. Soda baths have a good effect. For this procedure, you need to dissolve 100 g of soda in the bath. If desired, you can add 100 g of salt, preferably sea salt. The duration of this bath is 1 hour.

Sport plays an important role in cleansing the lungs. Regular jogging, race walking, swimming or aerobics keep your lungs working. At the same time, blood circulation improves, and the body quickly removes harmful substances and heavy metals.

Do you need psychotherapeutic help when quitting smoking?

Of course, willpower, determination and a willingness to overcome difficulties can greatly help a person cope with addiction and restore the body after quitting smoking. However, cravings for cigarettes associated with psychological dependence may still persist.

Some smokers find themselves having to try again to quit the bad habit. This happens when a person returns to it a few weeks or months after quitting smoking. Only a small percentage of people can truly quit smoking permanently without help. Therefore, it is extremely important to seek help from a psychotherapist in a timely manner.

During the consultation, the specialist will explain the consequences of consuming tobacco smoke tar and nicotine and will help to form a strong motivation to quit smoking. With the support of a doctor, it will be easier for a smoker to overcome psychological dependence; he will learn to get out of stressful situations without the help of cigarettes. During sessions, the specialist uses techniques that promote relaxation, overcome psychological discomfort and change well-being, making the process of quitting smoking as painless as possible.

As a result, with the patient’s desire, the support of loved ones and the help of a qualified doctor, the person’s desire to smoke is suppressed, and the effect persists even several years after the end of psychotherapy.