Despite the persistent warning of the government and many medical experts about the hazards of smoking, why do people still smoke? It’s public knowledge that a single cigarette contains 4 000 chemicals and 42 of which are known carcinogens – substances that cause cancer.
It can’t be denied that cigarettes relax and calm the body and make us sharp and alert. People resort to smoking for stress relief and what keeps many people hooked is its addictive content called nicotine.
This chemical stimulates the parasympathetic and the sympathetic nervous system, producing this soothing feeling all over our body. Though nicotine is a non-carcinogen, one can become dependent on it. It’s better to opt for safe and natural alternatives to relieve stress.
What you can do to stimulate the parasympathetic nervous system without nicotine is to take adaptogens like ashwagandha, calcium, green tea, vitamin B1, walking, exercising, or yoga.
Dr. Eric Berg
08/31/2023
