Quitting smoking is one of the best things you can do for your health. When you stop smoking, your body starts to heal right away. This healing process continues for years, significantly improving your overall health. Many people worry about quitting because they think it will be too hard or they won’t see benefits quickly enough. But the truth is, your body starts to get better as soon as you put out that last cigarette.
I’ve compiled a list of 18 ways your body heals after you stop smoking. These changes happen over time, from the first 20 minutes to several years after quitting.
Heart Rate Normalizes
Within 20 minutes of your last cigarette, your heart rate begins to drop back to normal levels. This is because nicotine, a stimulant in cigarettes, is no longer affecting your body. A lower heart rate means your heart doesn’t have to work as hard to pump blood. This quick change is one of the first signs that your body is starting to heal.
Carbon Monoxide Levels Drop
After 12 hours without smoking, the carbon monoxide level in your blood drops to normal. Carbon monoxide is a harmful gas in cigarette smoke that replaces oxygen in your blood. As it leaves your system, your blood can carry more oxygen to your body’s cells and tissues. This helps your entire body function better and can make you feel more energetic.
Oxygen Levels Improve
Within 24 hours of quitting, the oxygen levels in your body increase. This happens because your lungs start to clear out mucus and other smoking-related debris. More oxygen in your blood means your body can function more efficiently. You might notice that physical activities become a bit easier as your body gets more oxygen.
Sense of Smell Improves
After about 48 hours, your nerve endings start to regrow. This leads to an improvement in your sense of smell. Smoking damages these nerves, dulling your ability to smell and taste. You might start noticing scents you haven’t smelled in a long time as they heal. Food might also start to taste better as your taste buds recover.
Breathing Becomes Easier
Within 72 hours, your bronchial tubes begin to relax. These are the tubes that carry air to and from your lungs. As they relax, breathing becomes easier and you might feel less short of breath. You may also notice that you’re coughing less as your lungs start to clear out irritants.
Circulation Improves
After 2 to 12 weeks, your blood circulation improves. This is because your body is no longer exposed to the chemicals in cigarettes that make your blood sticky. Better circulation means more oxygen and nutrients can reach your muscles and organs. You might notice that you have more energy and that cuts or bruises heal faster.
Lung Function Increases
Between 1 to 9 months after quitting, tiny hair-like structures in your lungs called cilia regrow. These cilia help to clean your lungs and reduce the risk of infection. As your lung function improves, you might notice less coughing and shortness of breath. Physical activities may become easier as your lungs work more efficiently.
Risk of Heart Attack Decreases
After 1 year of not smoking, your risk of heart disease is about half that of a smoker. This is because your blood pressure has lowered and your blood is less likely to form clots. Your heart doesn’t have to work as hard to pump blood through your body. This reduced risk is a major health benefit of quitting smoking.
Stroke Risk Reduces
Within 2 to 5 years of quitting, your risk of stroke can fall to about the same as a non-smoker. This is because smoking increases the risk of blood clots, which can lead to strokes. As your body heals from the effects of smoking, your blood becomes less sticky and less likely to clot. This significantly reduces your chance of having a stroke.
Cancer Risk Decreases
After 5 years without smoking, your risk of certain cancers, like mouth, throat, and bladder cancer, is cut in half. This is because you’re no longer exposing your body to the cancer-causing chemicals in cigarette smoke. Your body can now focus on repairing DNA damage caused by smoking. The longer you stay smoke-free, the more your cancer risk continues to decrease.
Skin Appearance Improves
Within a few weeks of quitting, you might notice your skin looking healthier. Smoking reduces blood flow to the skin and depletes it of oxygen and nutrients. As your circulation improves, your skin gets more of what it needs to look healthy. You might notice that your skin tone evens out, and you have a more natural glow.
Teeth Become Whiter
After a few months of not smoking, your teeth may start to look whiter. Smoking stains teeth yellow or brown over time. Without the constant exposure to tobacco smoke, your teeth can gradually return to their natural color. Your breath will also improve as the smell of smoke leaves your mouth and lungs.
Immune System Strengthens
Your immune system begins to recover soon after you quit smoking. Smoking weakens your body’s ability to fight off infections. As your immune system strengthens, you may notice that you get sick less often. When you do get sick, your body might be able to fight off the illness more quickly.
Fertility Improves
For both men and women, fertility can improve after quitting smoking. In men, sperm quality and count can increase. In women, the lining of the uterus may become healthier, increasing the chances of a successful pregnancy. If you’re trying to have a baby, quitting smoking can significantly improve your chances.
Energy Levels Increase
Within a few weeks of quitting, many people notice an increase in their energy levels. This is due to several factors, including improved oxygen levels, better circulation, and not experiencing nicotine withdrawal. You might find that you’re less tired during the day and have more energy for activities you enjoy.
Wound Healing Improves
After quitting smoking, your body becomes better at healing wounds. Smoking slows down the healing process by reducing blood flow and oxygen to wounds. As your circulation improves, cuts, scrapes, and surgical incisions may heal faster. This is especially important if you need to have any kind of surgery.
Voice Quality Improves
If you’ve been a smoker for a long time, you might notice changes in your voice after quitting. Smoking irritates the vocal cords and can cause a raspy or hoarse voice. As your body heals, your voice may become clearer and stronger. This change can happen gradually over several weeks or months.
Life Expectancy Increases
One of the most significant long-term benefits of quitting smoking is an increase in life expectancy. Ten years after quitting, your risk of dying from lung cancer is about half that of a person who continues to smoke. Your risk of other smoking-related diseases also continues to decrease. By quitting smoking, you’re giving yourself the chance to live a longer, healthier life.
17 Surprising Signs That Scream Your Partner’s Gaslighting You
17 Surprising Signs That Scream Your Partner’s Gaslighting You
14 Work-From-Home Jobs Perfect for Empty Nesters
14 Work-From-Home Jobs Perfect for Empty Nesters
14 Ways To Know Someone is Deliberately Avoiding You
