[Bruce Paine]

Pam,

I was raised by smokers and started smoking when I left home at age 18.

I quit smoking 5 times in the last thirty-six years, the last time being 16 years ago and though I've had a few urges to have a smoke, since, it has lessened tremendopusly and almost never feel the desire now-a-days.

I don't believe that there is a magic bullet or one plan that fits all.

Because there are so many different kinds of people with different constitutions, conditions, lifestyles, and beliefs, I don't feel that based on very little information about you, anyone can give you, a whole and comprehensive advice.

One thing I would suggest though is that you don't try to solve too many problems simultaneously as that it could make matters worse.

A friend of my who had some very difficult dental problems tried to quit smoking while resolving those problems and has suffered tremendously as a result.

Try taking care of one problem at a time.

I'm sure your immune system will benefit from it.

By the way, besides acidolphilus which I believe might be somewhat yin, you might consider sucking on a umeboshi salt plum, every day that you are getting your dental treatment (especially painkillers), and a two to three year old barley miso in miso soup once all the openings have been sealed to counteract any antibiotics that you might be taking.

Last time that I had a root canal and took antibiotics, I suffered from bronchial congestion, having many a sleepless night for sevel weeks because of difficult breathing, something that I really don't wish to repeat.

Thank you, very much.

Bruce Paine