How to Detox Your Body of Nicotine

Smoking is an unhealthy habit that introduces numerous addictive substances and toxins into the body, polluting it and causing one's well-being to deteriorate over time. The carbon monoxide and tar in cigarettes are particularly damaging to the human body. Carbon monoxide damages healthy cells by preventing oxygen from entering them to replenish and heal. Tar coats the lungs, making a person more susceptible to respiratory diseases such as emphysema and bronchitis.

Things You'll Need

• Water, herbal tea
• Foods rich in fiber, antioxidants and other nutrients

First, stop smoking. If you haven't already quit, you should seriously consider quitting by any means necessary if you are adamant about detoxifying your body of nicotine. There are several ways of quitting. Some people prefer cold turkey wherein you stop smoking abruptly and persevere through the withdrawal symptoms. Other methods include using a nicotine patch or gum. For some people, hypnosis also works.

Drink lots of water. This will help to flush out the toxins and nicotine that have accumulated in your body after years of smoking. Drinking herbal tears such as chamomile or peppermint will also help.

Eat a diet rich in fiber to cleanse your bowels and digestive system. Nicotine might have weakened your excretory system, which is responsible for removing wastes from your body. Consuming fiber will enable you to have regular bowel movements that will clean out your system.

Maintain a healthful diet that includes lots of fruits, vegetables, whole grains and antioxidant-rich foods such as blueberries. Avoid alcohol, soda, caffeine and fried foods. Consuming nutrient- and antioxidant-rich foods will help repair the cell damage caused by the carbon monoxide in cigarettes.

Strengthen your lungs by doing daily deep-breathing exercises. Sit in a quiet, comfortable place, relax your body and breathe deeply through your nose and exhale through your mouth for about five to 10 minutes.