What Quitting Smoking Can Mean for Your Health

October 1st, 2009

A large number of long-time smokers would very much like to quit, but find the process incredibly difficult. Nicotine is so highly addicting that missing just one cigarette in your daily mix can be utterly miserable and for some, even send your stress levels through the roof. However, quitting smoking, more than any other lifestyle change, has the immediate potential to improve your health and drastically reduce your risk of cancer and other diseases. While quitting isn’t easy, perhaps reviewing the choice’s potential health benefits will give you the drive you need to quit for good.

For example, did you know that according to Mayo Clinic, after a year without smoking, your risk of having a heart attack or coronary heart disease decreases by half? But your body doesn’t even have to wait that long to experience the benefits. Experts say that after a mere 20 minutes, your blood pressure and heart rate drops back down to normal, and in less than a day, the carbon monoxide poisoning in your body dissipates. Two weeks to three months after quitting, your circulation and lung function will improve.

About nine months into the quitting process, many former smokers notice they are coughing less and breathing easier. Many smokers tend to feel perpetual "cold symptoms" as a result of their habit, but get so used to feeling that way that they think it is a normal state. When those cold symptoms lift, they realize what it feels like to be in a normal, healthy state and find it refreshing. Even smokers who have damaged their lungs to some extent through smoking often experience a reduction in inflammation, bronchitis and coughing. And don’t forget—the younger you are when you quit smoking, the lower your chance of dying young.

Also, those who have quit smoking for good report having more energy and stamina, and many report taking up endurance sports they wouldn’t have even dreamed of in their smoking years. Then there are all the little benefits, including whiter teeth, losing that "smoky" smell, and even improving your senses of taste and smell. Over time, your food will smell and taste better, and guess what? You may even be more attractive to the opposite sex.

So what are you waiting for? You can take steps today to quit smoking by getting an accountability partner, hooking up with a support group and avoiding places and situations where you would normally be tempted to smoke. Your body will thank you and make it worth your while.

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