Just 15 to 20 minutes of walking may be enough to stave off tobacco cravings in pregnant women, according to a study from Western University in London, Ontario.
Statistics suggest 19 per cent of Canadian women between 20 and 24 years smoked during their last pregnancy. Scientific evidence suggests that puts their offspring at increased risk for lower birth weight, prenatal death and behavioural problems.
Exercise minimizes cravings
Exercise reduces cravings and tobacco withdrawal symptoms in smokers who quit temporarily, according to other research. This study looked at the effects in 30 pregnant women.
The women were divided into two groups. Half did 20 minutes of low-to-moderate intensity exercise involving walking on a treadmill. The other half did no exercise.
Exercise makes “dramatic differences”
Listen“We found quite dramatic differences, for instance, in their cravings during exercise and those craving reductions lasted up to thirty minutes after the exercise,” said Prof. Harry Prapavessis, director of the Exercise and Health Psychology at Western University.
“So we’re providing evidence that you do something that is actually healthy for you in general as well as get some craving relief which may help you get over that temptation to want to go back and light your first cigarette after you’ve made a quit attempt. We think this is very encouraging findings.”
For reasons beyond our control, and for an undetermined period of time, our comment section is now closed. However, our social networks remain open to your contributions.