We all know the negative health effects of smoking cigarettes. So when we came across this article about the benefits of quitting smoking, we knew we had to share it.
The post illustrates a timeline of the amazing transformation your body goes through when you stop smoking. And you don’t need to wait a long time to notice the amazing changes taking place in your system. In as little as 20 minutes you’ll start to feel the benefits of not smoking.
Here’s a timeline of what happens to your body after your last cigarette:
Within…
20 minutes – Your blood pressure and pulse will lower and return to normal. The temperature in your hands and feet increase.
8 hours – Remaining nicotine in your bloodstream has fallen to 6.25% of normal peak daily levels, a 93.75% reduction.
12 hours – The carbon monoxide level in your blood will lower and return to normal. Blood oxygen begins to increase. You’ll feel more alert, sleep better, and be stronger.
24 hours – Your risk of heart attack drops significantly.
48 hours – Nerve endings begin to regrow and your sense of smell and taste will return.
72 hours – Your entire body will test 100% nicotine-free and over 90% of all nicotine metabolites. Lung bronchial tubes leading to air sacs are beginning to relax. Breathing is becoming easier and your lung’s functional abilities are starting to increase.
3 weeks to 3 months, Your circulation will substantially improved. Walking will become easier. Your chronic cough, if any, will likely disappear.
Between 1 and 9 months, You’ll have less sinus congestion, fatigue, and nearly no shortness of breath.
1 year – your risk of coronary heart disease is half of what it was when you smoked.
5 years – Your risk of stroke returns to normal, as if you never smoked at all.
After 15 years – Your risk of coronary heart disease and heart attack is that of a non-smoker. Your risk of death has dropped to that of a non-smoker.
In addition to these benefits, you’ll be saving a lot of money. You should know that smokers: Pay more in medical bills. You certainly get sick more often than non-smokers do. Pay more in dental bills because of additional cleanings. Pay more in health insurance premiums. And not just a little more, a lot more. Will lose re-sale value on your home if you smoke inside. Will lose re-sale value on your car if you smoke inside of it.
May be hurting your job prospects. Many companies have stopped hiring smokers entirely, and some have even let employees go who refused to quit.
Quitting smoking makes sense for both your bank account and body! Plus, the longer you stay smoke-free, the more likely you are to see improvements.
So, if you smoke, right now is a great time to quit. Please share!
Sources: Simple Organic Life, Health Line, Why Quit.
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