Quit Smoking and Nicotine Withdrawal Timeline and Symptoms

Stop smoking and nicotine withdrawal timeline: withdrawal symptoms that you might be experiencing.

Quit smoking withdrawal symptoms are experienced  by most smokers when they quit, this post explains why it(withdrawal symptoms) happens, the Nicotine withdrawal timeline and what kind of actions to take for a faster relief.

Dizziness
Time Frame: 1 or 2 days
Why this Happens
The body is getting an increased amount of oxygen which is coming into the blood, causing a condition similar to hyperventilation.
Action
Taking a few slow but deep breathes (like yawning) and stretch breaths will bring some relief.

Fatigue
Time Frame: 2 to 4 weeks
Why this Happens
The body is going through a period of detoxification and is adapting to the absence of nicotine, which served as a stimulus.
Action
Get enough sleep to recover, exercise, eat healthy foods and drink lots of water.

Insomnia
Time Frame: To 3 weeks
Why this Happens
In the early days after quitting, some ex-smokers do experience some form of disturbed sleep.
Action
Avoid the consumption stimulants such  as Pepsi, coffee, Coke. Go for a walk in the open after dinner. Take a warm bath, drink a glass of milk,  play your favorite game, watch a funny movie or read the telephone directory …

Cough
Time Frame: About 3 to 4 weeks
Why this Happens
The respiratory system begins to do its job of evacuation of the cilia lining the bronchi. These were paralyzed by the various harmful components of cigarette smoke.
Action
At this level, nature does its job by itself. Engage in physical activities, within your physical limits, you should feed on healthy foods and drinking plenty of water will also contribute positively to the healing work of nature …

Constipation
Time Frame: 3 to 4 weeks
Why this Happens
The body is accustomed to the intestinal stimulation caused by nicotine. It seeks to regain its ability to function naturally.
Action
Consume fruits, water, , raw vegetables and whole grain products if you can (because of fibers). Physical activity helps a lot too.

Hunger
Time Frame: A few weeks
Why this Happens
This is normal and a good sign! Your sense of taste and smell are being reborn and this promotes your appetite and you now enjoy eating! The hunger signal returns to normal after the recovery of sugar metabolism that was disrupted by your smoking. However, beware of the usual habit developed when you were smoking, of constantly needing to have something in  the mouth.
Action
Do check to see if you are really hungry or if it is the desire to have something in your mouth. Snack often, but in small quantities,take healthy and low calorie foods. And you will increase your metabolism to a lower caloric intake so you don’t stand the risk of gaining weight.

Taste for sweet foods
Time Frame: A few weeks
Why this Happens
As mentioned earlier, smoking disturbed your carbohydrate metabolism. In addition, the sweetness is generating pleasure (this is an essential feature for the survival of human beings since sugar is the only source of energy for our brain). Sugar becomes a source of gratification that can quickly and easily replace the gratification that was brought to you by cigarettes.
Action
If it happens to you, try taking a protein-rich snack (nuts, yogurt, cheese). Meals that contain foods rich in complex carbohydrates (breads, cereals, whole grain pasta) can also reduce your cravings for sweets. Take fruit or low calorie desserts index is also another winning strategy.

Obsessive craving
Time Frame: About 2 weeks and even in some cases
Why this Happens
This can occur for a variety of reasons: it could be that the production of endorphins is still not enough, you are going through some unpleasant life situations or that small negative inner voice of doubt and fear witch has no valid reasons.
Action
React quickly: do not stay in your head, do something you like, talk, write to someone, you have to tackle the situation that causes this desire. In other words, get to practice your tricks!

Irritability
Time Frame: variable
Why this Happens
Deprived of his drug, the body reacts by stress deprivation can cause impatience, irritability, anger.
Action
Do a bit of self talk and tell yourself that this is normal and it shows that you’re regaining your freedom. Do things that you enjoy and laugh as often as possible (run after your dog barking …)

Pressure on the eyes and head
Time Frame: variable
 Why this Happens
The body is in need of nicotine, so it creates tension.
Action
Relax. take deep breaths, stretching or massages of the head are really good.
This is a summary of the nicotine withdrawal timeline