Having long subjected their workers to drug tests, some employers are now turning their attention to tobacco users. Tobacco is legal, yet failing a test can still have consequences. It may mean a job offer is withdrawn, or it may end up in you paying much higher health insurance premiums than your nonsmoking counterparts, even though many may have extremely unhealthy lifestyles in other ways.
There are many factors at play with nicotine tests, such as your body's metabolism, the sensitivity of the test, and your lifestyle and environment. The most sensitive nicotine tests quote a 7-10 day detection time, so a 7-day detox should be possible with the right regime.
What You Need for a 7-Day Nicotine Detox
Here's what you'll need before you start.
Determination
This is the most critical ingredient, because if you falter, you'll set your detox back considerably. Even one cigarette can ruin all your hard work. It will get easier, but don't underestimate how tough the first days can be.
A 7-Day Detox Program
A 7-day detox program will get you going on a series of lifestyle changes. We suggest getting Herbal Clean's 7-day detox program. This includes a course of supplements to help you detox. They're also divided into morning and evening pill to help you relax at night and get going in the morning. This is potentially priceless when going through nicotine withdrawal. As a bonus, the included jumpstart solution can be used before a urine test to get cleaner urine.
Other Tips for a 7-Day Nicotine Detox
Not smoking is the most important thing while detoxing, but you can also speed up the process of removing your existing nicotine.
Avoid Exposure to Nicotine
We all know the effects of passive smoking, so avoid smoky environments that will reintroduce nicotine into your system. Many stop-smoking aids also contain nicotine-such as sprays, inhalers, gum, and patches-so these also need to be avoided.
Drink Ample Water
Unless you have medical advice to the contrary, you should drink at least eight 8-ounce glasses of water each day. Nicotine and its breakdown product cotinine are expelled through the kidneys, so plenty of water helps to flush them out faster.
Exercise Daily
Exercise helps speed up your metabolism, which in turn helps you to eliminate nicotine and various other toxins faster. Many people also find exercise helps take their mind off tobacco cravings. If you lack the time to run or exercise at a gym daily, try to incorporate more exercise into your daily routine, such as walking short distances instead of driving or taking the stairs at work.
Eat Healthily
Eating healthily is also helpful, because unhealthy food, such as junk food, can put a strain on the liver. This means it has less capacity to break down nicotine and other toxins. Foods high in antioxidants (such as cranberry juice) and ones that promote bile production (such as onion and garlic) are also believed to be useful.
The Day of the Test
If all has gone well, you should pass without problems. If you've faltered, however, or if you just want to be absolutely sure, you can take extra precautions.
If you'll be taking a urine test, you can use the jumpstart solution from your 7-day detox kit about an hour or two before your test. If you'll be taking a saliva test, you'll need a separate detox mouthwash.
