World No Tobacco Day 2025: Trying To Quit Tobacco? Add These Foods To Your Diet
In 1987, WHO's Member States declared April 7, 1988, as a 'World No-Smoking Day' to mark WHO's 40th anniversary. Later, the WHO passed a resolution to observe World No Tobacco Day on May 31. Since then, the organisation has used this platform to highlight tobacco-related health risks and raise more awareness.
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In 1998, WHO launched the Tobacco Free Initiative (TFI) to strengthen global efforts, followed by the Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC) in 2003, a treaty adopted by many countries, including India, to reduce tobacco use.
World No Tobacco Day 2025: Significance
World No Tobacco Day plays a critical role in educating people about the harmful effects of tobacco. As per estimates by the World Health Organisation (WHO), tobacco kills more than 8 million people each year, which makes it the leading cause of preventable deaths.
The day also exposes the tobacco industry's manipulative tactics, such as targeting youth with appealing flavours and sleek designs. It also encourages individuals to quit tobacco and pushes governments to enforce stricter regulations, like bans on advertising and higher taxes on tobacco products.
World No Tobacco Day 2025: Key Facts
Tobacco kills up to half its users, contributing to diseases like cancer, heart disease, stroke, and respiratory illnesses.
Around 80 per cent of the world's 1.3 billion tobacco users live in low- and middle-income countries.
In 2020, 22.3 per cent of the world's population used tobacco: 36.7 per cent of men and 7.8 per cent of women.
Tobacco kills up to half of its users who don't quit (1–3).
The tobacco industry uses flavours and marketing to attract youth, with e-cigarette ads reaching over 3.4 billion views on social media.
Tobacco production harms the environment through deforestation, chemical use, and waste.
World No Tobacco Day 2025: Foods To Help Fight Tobacco Addiction
Quitting tobacco is challenging, but certain foods can support the process by reducing cravings and repairing the body.
Fruits and Vegetables: Apples, carrots, and celery keep hands and mouth busy, curbing the urge to smoke. Vitamin C-rich foods like oranges help repair damage caused by tobacco.
Whole Grains: Oats and brown rice stabilise blood sugar, reducing irritability during withdrawal.
Nuts and Seeds: Chewing almonds or sunflower seeds distracts from cravings and provides healthy fats.
Milk and Dairy: These can make cigarettes taste unpleasant, discouraging smoking.
Herbal Teas: Ginger or peppermint tea soothes stress and supports detoxification. Drinking plenty of water also flushes nicotine from the body, aiding recovery.
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Flavoured Tobacco: A Sweet Trap Leading to Serious Harm, Warns Oncologist
According to Dr. Meghal Sanghavi, Oncologist at Wockhardt Hospitals, Mumbai Central, flavoured and glamorised tobacco products may seem less harmful — but that's exactly the danger.
'These products are designed to appeal to young people by masking the seriousness of addiction," he warned. 'Fruity flavours and sleek packaging often give a false sense of safety, drawing teenagers into early nicotine use."
Dr. Sanghavi expressed deep concern over the rising number of young individuals being exposed to such products. He cautioned, 'Early tobacco use significantly increases the risk of cancers, especially of the mouth, throat, and lungs. What feels like a harmless trend today can lead to life-threatening diseases tomorrow. Awareness and early prevention are absolutely critical."
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World No Tobacco Day 2025: Celebrations
World No Tobacco Day is marked by global and local events, including awareness rallies, poster competitions, and social media campaigns. Schools and communities organise educational programs to inform people about tobacco's negative effects on health.
Governments often use this day to launch new anti-tobacco policies, such as smoking bans in public places or plain packaging laws. Individuals can participate by sharing anti-tobacco messages, supporting friends to quit, or pledging to stay tobacco-free.
Jupiter Hospital, Thane Introduces De-Addiction Support Group On World No Tobacco Day 2025
In a significant step towards holistic healthcare, Jupiter Hospital, Thane launched its Tobacco De-Addiction Support Group on World No Tobacco Day. To mark this initiative, the hospital collaborated with the World Pranic Healing Foundation, founded by Master Choa Kok Sui, to host a pilot session on Twin Hearts Meditation and Pranic Healing.
This event brought together medical experts, wellness professionals, Pranic Healers, patients, survivors, and individuals aiming to quit tobacco use, highlighting the growing importance of incorporating complementary therapies like energy healing and meditation into mainstream de-addiction programs.
The Tobacco De-Addiction Support Group aims to provide long-term, comprehensive care for individuals seeking to overcome tobacco addiction. It goes beyond conventional medical treatment by offering emotional, psychological, and holistic wellness support, empowering individuals on their journey towards a healthier, tobacco-free life. The support group will hold monthly sessions, ensuring regular engagement and encouragement for participants throughout their recovery.
Dr. Alpa Dalal, Head of Pulmonary Medicine, Jupiter Hospital, Thane, stated, 'Tobacco addiction is a multifaceted condition that harms both the body and mind. At Jupiter Hospital, Thane, we treat our patients not only medically but also emotionally and psychologically."
The World Pranic Healing Foundation conducted the pilot session, showcasing how energy-based, no-touch, drug-free therapies are emerging as valuable complementary tools in de-addiction and rehabilitation programs. With addiction often linked to deep emotional and psychological patterns, experts increasingly advocate for integrating energy healing and meditation into mainstream healthcare.
At the core of this initiative is Twin Hearts Meditation, a guided technique that relieves stress, clears negative emotions, and builds emotional resilience. Its regular practice strengthens willpower, clarity, and inner peace, which are crucial for overcoming addictive tendencies.
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