Smoking is a psychological habit and physical addiction. Most ex-smokers claim that overcoming their nicotine addiction was one of the hardest things in their lives. If you’re among the millions of people who are trying to quit smoking, here’s an extra incentive to push you the extra mile. Below are the health benefits you stand to gain in as little as 20 minutes of quitting smoking.
⦁ After 20 Minutes: You experience lower blood pressure, bronchial tubes start to move again, and circulation improves.
⦁ After 8 Hours: Blood oxygen increases as carbon monoxide levels drop – hence nourishing your cells.
⦁ After 24 Hours: Increase oxygen levels and reduced constrictions in your vessels reduce your risk of heart attacks.
⦁ After 48 Hours: Dulled senses (taste, smell, etc.) improve as nicotine leaves your body and damaged nerve endings begin to recover.
⦁ After 72 Hours: At the three-day mark, your breathing has improved tremendously. Lung capacity has increased, bronchial tubes are relaxed, and the exchange of air is much easier.
⦁ After 2-13 Weeks: For the next few weeks, you’ll notice a significant change in your health. This includes increased lung function (cardio will be easier), increased energy, and a decrease in most of the smoking-related symptoms.
⦁ After 1 Year: As you celebrate your smoking-free anniversary, enjoy the fact that you’re 50% less likely to suffer from heart disease.
⦁ After 5 Years: The risk of cancers associated with the respiratory system will have dropped by half and your risk of stroke and cervical cancer would be the same as that of a non-smoker.
⦁ After 10 Years: Your risk of lung cancer and smoking-related illnesses has drastically reduced.
Please note that this content should never be used as a substitute for direct medical advice from your doctor or other qualified clinicians.
