The advise of cutting caffeine and smoking is because they create acidic conditions in your digestive system which reduces the absorption on nutrients / minerals . I was vey acidic to the point of often using antacids . But due to regime change for my Ayurveda course under guidance of Ayurveda doctor , my diet is restricted ( still smoke + drink tea with sugar ) only herb taking is soaked tablespoon fenu twice a day . I hadn't seen growth for long time but have seen some volume last month .