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If you have recently quit smoking or if you are getting ready to embark on a smoking cessation program congratulations You have taken the first steps to improved health and a longer happier life

Years of smoking can take quite a toll on your physi
If you have recently quit smoking or if you are getting ready to embark on a smoking cessation program congratulations You have taken the first steps to improved health and a longer happier life

Years of smoking can take quite a toll on your physiology and appearance Among other things excessive smoking causes the production of harmful free radicals in the body

But it is possible to reverse some of this damage and vitamins play a big part in the healing process Antioxidants found in many vitamin compounds can eliminate free radical activity and restore your body to a healthy state

Vitamin C is an antioxidant that everyone needs to stay healthy but smokers have a special need for this compound Smoking depletes the body of ascorbic acid so a smoker will need up to three times more Vitamin C than the average nonsmoker

Vitamin C also helps your body absorb iron which means more oxygen in your blood stream This vitamin even counteracts atherosclerosis or hardening of the arteries caused by smoke inhalation

Smoking can cause bone loss associated with aging to happen at an accelerated rate Its common knowledge that calcium works to prevent bone loss but did you know Vitamin C improves your ability to absorb and use calcium

Good sources of Vitamin C include citrus fruit broccoli strawberries and cabbage

Folic acid is another important vitamin compound especially for smokers This is a Bcomplex vitamin and is crucial for lung health Studies have shown that increasing folic acid intake can reduce symptoms of bronchitis and other lungrelated maladies

Get your folic acid via orange juice or fortified cereal

Smoking also depletes the bodys Vitamin E supply Vitamin E is a powerful antioxidant that offers protection from dangerous free radicals and can help the body rebuild

In fact research even indicates that Vitamin E can reduce the risk of heart attack and stroke Sources of natural Vitamin E include oils nuts seeds liver and clams

In addition to eating a wellbalanced diet many doctors and rehabilitation specialists recommend that smokers and exsmokers take a good multivitamin supplement to help the body recover from the devastating effects of smoking