WHICH SUPPLEMENTS HELP YOU QUIT SMOKING AND VAPING?

The B Vitamins

Vitamin B-3 (Niacin or Niacinamide)

I do believe that Vitamin B-3 is one of the most important supplements you can take when it comes to treating addiction. Nicotine and niacin occupy the same receptors in the brain, which is why it is so helpful in reducing nicotine cravings.

B vitamins help to calm and regulate the nervous system while decreasing fatigue and stress. B vitamins can also help relieve the anxiety and insomnia that commonly occur when you quit smoking. Your body uses more B vitamins when you are under stress. 

Smoking triggers the release of stress hormones in the body, while also depleting the body of B vitamins at the same time, so quitting smoking means an increased need for all the B vitamins.

Ideally start taking B vitamins at least one week before you plan to quit.

If you take niacinamide (B-3) or any of the individual B vitamins, always take a B-complex as well. Studies have shown that any long-term use of one B vitamin can cause a deficiency in another. So, I repeat: always take a B-Complex.

Vitamin B-1 (Thiamine): Helps to regulate the nervous system, heart and stabilize mood. Thiamine is helpful for adrenal fatigue, increasing focus, reducing stress, increasing energy and maintaining a positive attitude. A lack of B-1 can cause depression, fatigue, difficulty concentrating and irritability.

Vitamin B-2 (Riboflavin): Vital for the production of healthy red blood cells which transport oxygen throughout the body. More oxygen reaching the brain means a greater capacity to stay alert. It helps prevent anemia, high blood pressure, migraines and is the vitamin that causes your urine to turn bright yellow.

Vitamin B-3 (Niacin) or (Niacinamide – the non-flushing niacin): Also called nicotinic acid, B-3 is chemically similar to nicotine and fills the nicotine receptors in your brain relieving nicotine cravings. 

Vitamin B-3 also boosts the neurotransmitter GABA, which relieves anxiety and helps you to relax. It is excellent for alcohol cravings as well. It also helps to dilate blood vessels, improve circulation and lower cholesterol. It helps prevent skin cancer, reduce acne and is anti-aging.

I recommend taking niacinamide which is the form of niacin that doesn’t cause the red skin or flushing that niacin causes unless you have high cholesterol, in which case, I recommend taking niacin since it is so effective at lowering cholesterol.

Vitamin B-5 (Pantothenic Acid): This helps to lower the negative effects of stress and is vital for proper adrenal function. B-5 is helpful for adrenal fatigue, anxiety, acne, and insomnia and is also necessary for a healthy metabolism.

Vitamin B-6 (Pyridoxine): Helps regulate the nervous system and produce the neurotransmitters dopamine and serotonin. B-6 is important for the control of anxiety, depression, fatigue, irritability and mood swings. 

B-6 helps to process fats and proteins and also helps to control cravings and weight gain that often arise when you stop smoking.

Vitamin B-7 (Biotin): Essential for the breaking down of nutritional carbohydrates, fats, and proteins. Helps to stabilize blood sugar levels, strengthen hair and nails, as well as helping the body get rid of toxins.

Vitamin B-9 (Folic Acid): Folic Acid or Folate is essential for proper functioning of the nervous system and reducing the chances of birth defects. Folic acid supplements have been used to help treat depression and enhance antidepressant drugs.

Studies show that people who are lacking in folic acid do not respond as well to antidepressants, and it also plays a part in mood regulation. It lowers the effects of nicotine on the lungs and protects from cell damage which may contribute to getting cancer.

B-12 (Cobalmin): Vital for sustaining energy levels in the body. B-12 also helps to decrease cellular damage. It helps maintain a healthy digestive system. B-12 also protects against heart disease by decreasing and improving unhealthy cholesterol levels, protecting against high blood pressure and strokes.

It’s essential for healthy hair, skin, and nails. It helps in cell generation and the renewal of the skin. B-12 helps protect against cancers including breast, colon, lung, and prostate cancer. Heavy smokers, drinkers, and vegetarians tend to be deficient in B-12.

Choline: This crucial nutrient is used in our liver to avoid the build-up of fat, but its most important role is in supporting your brain. Choline is a precursor to the neurotransmitter acetylcholine which helps with focus, memory and mental clarity.

Choline also reduces the stress hormone cortisol, which is raised by smoking. Elevated cortisol actually prunes the neurons of your brain’s memory center, which is part of why our memory tends to be worse when we are stressed.

Acetylcholine is released when you have a cigarette, so low acetylcholine is part of why you tend to feel foggy headed after quitting smoking. Eggs are an excellent source of choline.

Inositol: Helps with the metabolism of fats and cholesterol. Inositol is one of my favourite supplements for people who suffer from anxiety since it raises GABA levels which has a relaxing effect. It has also been shown to be beneficial for treating anxiety, depression, insomnia, PCOS and panic disorders. 

IP6/Inositol has also been found to reverse cell damage in the airways of the lungs, turning precancerous cells back to healthy ones.

Dosage: B-50 Complex – 1 with breakfast and/or 1 with lunch, combined with any of the individual B Vitamins you feel would be beneficial for you personally.