Inability to Concentrate or Foggy Mind
According to the Ward study, the feeling that concentration is not as good or mind fog is experienced by almost two-thirds during recovery. The return of clearness of mind and concentration may seem ever so gradual but within two weeks most begin experiencing concentration levels very close to those of never-smokers.
As explained in detail in Chapter 6, poor concentration, an inability to focus, or to think clearly are often associated with low blood sugar. Nicotine force-fed us stored fats and sugars, allowing us to skip meals without feeling hungry. Normal people can't do that.
If we continue attempting to skip meals after ending use, we should expect our blood glucose level to decline and our concentration to suffer. It is not necessary to eat more food but to learn to spread our normal daily calorie intake out more evenly over the entire day.
Women would be well advised to put a very small amount of fuel into their stomach about every three hours and men at least every five.
As also reviewed in Chapter 6, unless diabetic or our health care provider recommends otherwise, consider sipping on some form of natural fruit juice during the first 72 hours. Cranberry is excellent. Not only will it aid in helping stabilize blood sugar, it is acidic and will accelerate removal of the alkaloid nicotine from your bloodstream.
If concentration concerns persist, consider reducing or avoiding alcohol, as alcohol reduces brain oxygen and impairs concentration. Brisk walks, other physical exercise, or slow deep breathing may help enhance focus by increasing oxygen to the brain.
Remember, life-giving oxygen is a vastly healthier brain stimulant than destroying brain gray matter through smoking,[1] or damaging learning and memory via nicotine.[2]
References:
2. Pickens LR et al, Sex differences in adult cognitive deficits after adolescent nicotine exposure in rats, Neurotoxicology and Teratology, July-August 2013, Volume 38, Pages 72-78; Ernst M, et al, Smoking history and nicotine effects on cognitive performance, Neuropsychopharmacology, September 2001, Volume 25(3), Pages 313-319.
All rights reserved
Published in the USA