The Ultimate Guide to Ditching the Vape

Vaping, the modern alternative to cigarettes, has become twice as prevalent among young adults. The common perception is that it's a healthier alternative, but my research suggests otherwise. Vaping introduces artificial flavourings containing oxidized vegetable oils, heavy metals, and microplastics directly into your bloodstream. Ever experienced the taste of burnt coils? That's potentially titanium, nickel, iron, chromium, and aluminium in their oxidized forms, posing risks of inflammation.

And then of course there's the nicotine, either extracted from pesticide-laden tobacco plants or synthetically produced. While small doses of isolated nicotine actually offer benefits like improved focus and motivation, its highly addictive nature is a concern.

Graphic from ‘Vaping, Environmental Toxicants Exposure, and Lung Cancer Risk’. (R)

Now, let's get to the good stuff.

Personally, having given up various habits, I argue that vaping is among the toughest to quit due to not only its intense addictiveness, lack of cigarette odor, and its convenience - which adds to the addictiveness even moreso.

To truly overcome this habit, absolute commitment is key. Set a quit date, list reasons for quitting, and revisit them daily for motivation. Understand that discomfort is inevitable for the first week or two; embrace it, knowing it makes you stronger. Social events, especially those involving vapes, alcohol, and drugs, pose challenges, so consider avoiding them. Limiting alcohol is advised as well, of course.

Most importantly, stress is the biggest driver in our modern world of these sorts of habits, everything else comes secondary. It is extremely important to address any stress or trauma you have. I am a strong believer that negative thoughts can get trapped inside of us and this can lead to negative behaviours and habits as coping mechanisms.

To combat cravings, you need to naturally rebalance your brain’s chemicals through sunlight, nature exposure, stress management, nasal breathing, hydration, sufficient sleep, limiting artificial light exposure, a seasonal high-protein diet, exercise, and support from loved ones. I’ve spoken about most of this extensively on both my Instagram and Twitter so feel free to dive further into this info there.

Another benefit to aid in the process is incorporating certain foods and supplements to prevent cravings and rebalance neurotransmitters.

Here’s a general list of what I’d recommend, and the science behind it:

Eggs - Extremely nutrient-dense, in particular here we are looking at their choline content, which helps increase acetylcholine which is one of the neurotransmitters that is affected by nicotine use.

Seafood - Also nutrient-dense, rich in minerals that can help detoxify against heavy metals and toxins, as well as containing an abundance of omega 3’s which are important for brain health.

Fermented foods - These support a healthy gut, which then increases the production of GABA, serotonin, and dopamine to further aid in balancing brain chemistry. Sauerkraut, kefir, and kimchi are all excellent options.

Magnesium - Required for over 3000+ functions in the body, helps relieve stress and has anti-inflammatory properties. Opt for magnesium glycinate or chloride, and avoid magnesium oxide/citrate.

Black seed oil - An excellent herbal with many benefits. Helps increase GABA and lowers the stress hormone cortisol, and acts as an HDAC inhibitor which helps rewires the brain to remove bad and addictive habits.

Niacinamide (vitamin B3) - Fundamental in improving energy, increasing serotonin, and antioxidant function. Also acts as an HDAC inhibitor like black seed oil to relieve addictive habits.

Acetyl-L-Carnitine - Acts on increasing and repairing the dopamine system. This prevents you from craving nicotine.

Sunlight - Wanted to add this in here because I truly think it’s more powerful than all of the above combined. It increases our body’s natural production of opioids, cannabinoids, dopamine, serotonin, GABA, glutamate, hormones, and vitamin D. As well as increases neurotrophic factors like BDNF, GDNF, and NGF which help rewire the brain away from addiction, anxiety, and depressive moods.

Just remember - the more positive changes you introduce, the quicker cravings will fade. The health benefits of ditching the vape are enormous. I can assure you from experience that your focus, energy, learning, attention, motivation, pleasure from natural stimuli, libido, and erection quality are all enhanced. Let these improvements be your motivation.

Best of luck on your journey - even getting through this article shows that you are keen to change!

If you’re interested in optimising your health, delving deeper into ditching bad habits and implementing healthy ones, then please feel free to book a free discovery call or reach out for a chat.