It’s high time
to quit smoking if you are a chronic smoker. Never delay your plans when it
comes to smoking cessation. Right now is the perfect time to quit smoking. Do
you know why? You will start feeling better within 20 minutes of quitting. In
long run, you can reap maximum health benefits by saying goodbye to smoking.
Here are
some of the most important changes that occur in your body after you stop
smoking, according to minutes, hours, day and years. Some of the health
benefits of smoking cessation may even surprise you.
Within 20 minutes
The
positive effects of quitting start within 20 minutes. After 20 minutes of your
last cigarette, your heart rate and blood pressure will begin to drop.
Within 2 hours
After two
hours of smoking cessation, your pulse and blood pressure will be within normal
limits. Your overall blood circulation will significantly improve. You may
experience nicotine withdrawal symptoms after two hours of quitting, which
include intense cravings, frustration, anxiety, dizziness, trouble sleeping and
altered appetite.
After 12 hours
After 12
hours of your last cigarette puff, the toxic compound, Carbon Monoxide (CO),
decreases dramatically. CO is a harmful substance that can prevent the cells
from receiving or binding oxygen. Lack of oxygen can cause serious heart
problems and other health issues. By decreasing CO levels in the body, smoking
cessation increases the amount of oxygen.
After 24 hours
The risk of
heart disease gradually declines within 24 hours of quitting. Eventually, the
risk of cardiac arrest is also reduced. That’s because of the improved blood
circulation. Smoking hardens your arteries, making your blood circulation
sluggish.
After 48 hours
The
inability to taste and smell well is the most obvious complication of smoking,
though not life-threatening. Within 48 hours of cessation, your nerve endings
regrow and nerve impulses improve, enhancing your ability to taste and smell.
Ultimately, you will start appreciating the finest things in your life.
After 3 days
After 3
days of quitting, the nicotine in your body is eradicated, which means the
withdrawal symptoms may peak. You might experience headache, nausea, anxiety,
irritability, depression and cramps. This is the phase that can be a bit
difficult.
Within 3 weeks
You will be
able to feel energetic and perform exercises within 3 weeks of smoking
cessation. During these 3 weeks, your body gets time to regenerate, repair and
heal. By this time, your blood circulation and cardiovascular function will greatly
improve. In addition, your lungs get clear, making breathing effortless.
After 9 months
The
important parts of your lungs begin to repair and your immune system improves.
Eventually, you can combat infection and clear your lungs. Also, after 9
months, your withdrawal symptoms subside completely.
After 1 year
It’s a big
achievement! After a year of smoking cessation, the risk of heart disease and
stroke reduces drastically. More importantly, your risk of dying from cancer
will drop by nearly 20 percent. Ten years after smoking cessation, the risk of
getting cancer comes down.
One of the
long-term benefits of smoking cessation is increased life expectancy. Quit
today, and you can live a healthy and happy life! You can take help of smoking
cessation aids such as Nicorette Nicotine gums or patches. Before using any
quit smoking products, make sure you see your GP.
