Odpad kajenja ovirajo značilnosti možganov

It is known that some people find it harder to quit smoking than others. In Pennsylvania, specialists decided to figure out the reason for this difference and used functional magnetic resonance imaging to study the neural activity of the brain. For the new research project, scientists selected 80 volunteers who were trying to quit the bad habit. The age of the experiment participants ranged from 18 to 65 years.

Each of the participants smoked at least 10 cigarettes every day over the past six months.

The first functional tomography was performed on the participants immediately after their last cigarette, and the second session was 24 hours later. The specialists then observed the behavior of the participants in the experiment. During the first seven days, most of the participants had a breakdown and started smoking again.

Those who had the most difficulty keeping themselves in check were those who had reduced activity in the prefrontal cortex (the area of the brain responsible for working memory). The experts also noted activity in the posterior cingulate cortex (a part of the brain not associated with goal achievement) in this category of people.

Scientists noted that the prefrontal cortex is of no small importance when trying to overcome the harmful addiction to cigarettes, and the researchers plan to develop methods that will help increase the activity of neurons in this area of the brain. But the specialists also noted that using functional magnetic resonance imaging to predict how a person will behave when trying to quit smoking is not cost-effective.

Scientists are sure that those who quit smoking should adhere to certain rules, otherwise, all attempts to give up the bad habit will be unsuccessful.

Experts believe that when quitting smoking, a person should develop a reward system for themselves, and start with something small. For example, a day spent without a single cigarette gives the right to a small gift. At the same time, you should strictly follow the plan for reducing the number of cigarettes per day, it is best to write the plan on paper and place it in a visible place.

Also, experts advise not to quit smoking alone, but to involve your family, loved ones, and friends in this process. You should tell everyone around you about your desire to quit the bad habit and ask them to support you.

First of all, you need to determine the day from which you no longer smoke.

You can fight the urge to smoke with candy (sugar-free) or chewing gum; carrots, nuts, fruits or other healthy foods will also help you distract yourself.

To avoid a breakdown and to ensure that all your efforts are not in vain, experts recommend registering on a thematic forum or joining a group where people who are quitting smoking communicate and who can understand the problems and give advice.

Also, while quitting smoking, you should start going to the gym and doing yoga, which will help you relax and relieve anxiety.