Source: Fox News
Summary
Researchers found that high-intensity, aerobic exercise can reduce cigarette cravings in smokers. A review of 59 randomized controlled trials involving over 9,000 adults showed that single-bout exercise reduced acute cravings immediately and up to 30 minutes post-exercise. Regular exercise also made people 15% to 21% more likely to abstain from smoking and caused smokers to cut back by an average of two cigarettes per day.
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The advice sounds familiar.
Exercise has long been touted as a way to reduce stress and anxiety, which drive many people to smoke. Now, research suggests that it can also help reduce cigarette cravings. According to the study, high-intensity, aerobic exercise is most effective at reducing cravings. The study’s findings are not surprising, given that exercise boosts feel-good hormones like dopamine and reduces the stress hormone cortisol.
Smoking cessation programs often focus on nicotine replacement therapy and medication, but the authors suggest that exercise should be integrated into these programs to enhance quit success.
As the authors note, none of the trials addressed vaping, and future research should target the use of electronic cigarettes.
It’s just another example of how exercise is the new miracle cure.
Author: Evan Null
