Quitting smoking is one of the most difficult things a person can do. The nicotine in cigarettes is highly addictive, and smokers often find themselves struggling to break the habit. There are many different methods people use to quit smoking, including nicotine replacement therapy, counseling, and hypnosis. However, one method that is often overlooked is chewing gum.
Can Chewing Gum Help You Quit Smoking?
There is some evidence to suggest that chewing gum can help people quit smoking. A study published in the journal “Nicotine & Tobacco Research” found that people who chewed gum were more likely to quit smoking than those who did not. The study found that people who chewed gum were 25% more likely to quit smoking after 6 months and 35% more likely to quit smoking after 12 months.
Another study, published in the journal “Addiction,” found that people who chewed gum were more likely to reduce their cigarette consumption. The study found that people who chewed gum reduced their cigarette consumption by an average of 20% after 6 weeks.
How Does Chewing Gum Help You Quit Smoking?
There are a few reasons why chewing gum may help people quit smoking. First, chewing gum can help to satisfy the oral cravings that smokers often experience. When you chew gum, your mouth is occupied and you are less likely to reach for a cigarette.
Second, chewing gum can help to reduce the amount of nicotine that you absorb from cigarettes. When you smoke a cigarette, the nicotine is absorbed into your bloodstream through the lining of your mouth. Chewing gum can help to create a barrier between the nicotine and the lining of your mouth, which can reduce the amount of nicotine that you absorb.
What Kind of Gum Should You Chew?
There is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question. However, some people find that sugar-free gum is more effective than regular gum. Sugar-free gum does not contain any calories, so it is a good choice for people who are trying to lose weight. Additionally, sugar-free gum is often flavored with mint or other strong flavors, which can help to reduce cravings.
How Often Should You Chew Gum?
There is no set amount of time that you should chew gum each day. However, some experts recommend chewing gum for at least 30 minutes each day. This will give you enough time to satisfy your oral cravings and reduce the amount of nicotine that you absorb from cigarettes.
Tips for Chewing Gum to Quit Smoking
If you are thinking about using chewing gum to quit smoking, there are a few things you can do to increase your chances of success.
- Start chewing gum as soon as you quit smoking. This will help to satisfy your oral cravings and reduce the amount of nicotine that you absorb from cigarettes.
- Chew gum whenever you feel the urge to smoke. This will help to distract you from your cravings and make it easier to resist the temptation to smoke.
- Choose sugar-free gum. Sugar-free gum is a good choice for people who are trying to lose weight. Additionally, sugar-free gum is often flavored with mint or other strong flavors, which can help to reduce cravings.
- Chew gum for at least 30 minutes each day. This will give you enough time to satisfy your oral cravings and reduce the amount of nicotine that you absorb from cigarettes.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
There are a few common mistakes that people make when using chewing gum to quit smoking. These mistakes include:
- Chewing gum for too short a period of time. Chewing gum for less than 30 minutes each day will not be as effective in helping you quit smoking.
- Chewing gum that contains sugar. Sugar-free gum is a better choice for people who are trying to quit smoking.
- Giving up too easily. Quitting smoking is difficult, and there will be times when you want to give up. However, it is important to remember that chewing gum can help you overcome your cravings and quit smoking for good.
Conclusion
Chewing gum can be a helpful tool for people who are trying to quit smoking. By satisfying oral cravings and reducing the amount of nicotine that you absorb from cigarettes, chewing gum can make it easier to resist the temptation to smoke. If you are thinking about using chewing gum to quit smoking, there are a few things you can do to increase your chances of success.
