What Happens After You Quit Smoking?

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.

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