Why Your Brain Needs Oxygen—And What Running Taught Me About Quitting Smoking
I am an amateur runner. I began running in April 2010 after gaining 22 pounds the previous year—weight I had put on after quitting smoking in 2009. Initially, my only goal was to lose the weight.
And I did. I shed some pounds and felt triumphant about it. But soon, my competitive streak kicked in. Instead of focusing solely on continued weight loss, I began to chase faster times and longer distances. Running became more than just exercise—it became a challenge.
One training principle I discovered early on has stayed with me to this day: altitude matters. If a race is scheduled at 400 meters above sea level, I aim to train at 800 meters. Always at least double the elevation. Why? Because the higher the altitude, the thinner the air, and the less oxygen your lungs receive. Training under such conditions forces the lungs to become more efficient. Then, when race day comes—at a lower altitude—my oxygen uptake increases, and so does my performance.
The Connection Between Running, Oxygen, and Smoking Withdrawal
What does all this have to do with quitting smoking?
Your brain needs two things to function properly: glucose (natural sugar) and oxygen. When I first started training at high altitudes, I became dizzy and disoriented. My focus was weak, and my memory was foggy—all because I wasn’t getting enough oxygen. It took time for my body to adapt.
Now consider this: when you quit smoking, you may feel many of the same symptoms—dizziness, disorientation, poor concentration, even warped time perception. These are not permanent. They are symptoms of chemical withdrawal, not a sign that something is wrong with you.
For years, nicotine manipulated your liver into releasing stored sugar and fat into your bloodstream. It tricked your brain into believing you’d eaten—hence the common appetite suppression among smokers. This process happened within seconds of each puff. But now, with nicotine out of the picture, your body has to relearn how to fuel itself the natural way: by eating.
Fuel Your Recovery
If you’re not getting enough calories after quitting, your brain will notice. You may feel tired, foggy, or confused. That’s why I strongly recommend drinking fresh, natural fruit juices—especially during the first three days. These juices will stabilize your blood sugar and reduce withdrawal symptoms.
Also, space out your meals. Eat breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Don’t skip meals. Don’t fast. Your body needs energy to heal, and your brain needs consistent glucose.
And most importantly, don’t panic. These symptoms are temporary. Just as my lungs needed time to adapt to high-altitude training, your body needs time to adjust to a life without nicotine. Give it that time.
This article is an excerpt from my book series, The Best Way to Stop Smoking Permanently.
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