Quitting smoking is notoriously tough, with cravings often making it feel impossible.
The reason why this happens is due to the chemical nicotine within the cigarette.
Nicotine stimulates the release of the chemical dopamine in the brain, which can temporarily make you feel good.
When you stop smoking, nicotine levels in the brain drop and this change triggers your cravings.
Cravings can be difficult to ignore, so taking your mind off them will help.
Some people resort to chewing gum to keep their mouth busy, but for others it can be a challenge to find what works for them.
However, nutritionist Toby King spoke to vape company Electric Tobacconist and has shared an unusual yet effective trick to help fight these cravings and ultimately quit smoking.
While many foods can help you when trying to quit smoking, Toby says that there is one above all that can replace your cravings almost instantly.
“If you are trying to quit and get cravings, carry a bottle of hot sauce with you. When you get cravings, dab enough hot sauce onto your tongue so that you feel a little pain.
“There are lots of spicy sauces to choose from, but I recommend Frank’s RedHot Original Sauce. It’s made with cayenne peppers and has a heat level of 450 Scoville units, which is plenty for most people.”
He added: “If you want something hotter, you can try Tabasco Original Red Hot Pepper Sauce, which has a heat level of 2,500 Scoville units. Both sauces are low in calories, so you don’t have to worry about gaining weight from constantly snacking like other stop-smoking techniques.
“I have heard of stories where people have drank the hot sauce to kick their cravings but you shouldn’t do that. These sauces can be high in salt so a few drops here and there is recommended.”
The science behind the ‘hack’:
“When you consume capsaicin, an ingredient in hot sauce, it activates polymodal nociceptors in your mouth, which are sensitive to both heat and capsaicin, causing an intense burning sensation,” he explains.
“The pain we feel when eating spicy foods releases endorphins and dopamine in our bodies, making us feel good and can eliminate your cravings. This effect is similar to a runner’s high that can be experienced during exercise.
“This dopamine hit that you can get from hot sauce can also be used to quit any other low-level addictions that you may have, the pain distracts you from the nicotine craving, replacing it with a natural dopamine rush. This simple, low-cost hack can be a game-changer for those struggling to quit smoking.”
Willpower is important when you’re stopping smoking, but it’s easier when combined with some extra support. For more information and advice, visit the NHS website.
