Smoking is one of the leading causes of preventable death in the world . Despite this, some smokers feel intimidated into not trying because they think that quitting and seeing improvements in their health and well-being will take a very long time. However, the timeline to see the real benefits of quitting is much faster than most believe, as the health benefits are almost instantaneous after the last cigarette and continue to improve. Let’s see the chronology of our body after quitting smoking:
1 hour after quitting
Barely 20 minutes after we have smoked our last cigarette, our heart rate drops and returns to normal. Blood pressure begins to drop, and circulation begins to improve.
After 12 hours
Cigarettes contain a large number of known toxins, such as carbon monoxide, a gas in cigarette smoke that prevents oxygen from entering the lungs and blood. Inhaling it in large doses in a short time can cause suffocation due to lack of oxygen. As well; After 12 hours without a cigarette, the body cleanses itself of excess carbon monoxide, returning levels to normal and increasing oxygen levels in the body.
After 1 day
After 1 day without smoking, the risk of heart attack begins to decrease. Blood pressure is lowered, lowering the risk of heart disease from smoking-induced high blood pressure. In this short period of time, oxygen levels will have increased, making physical activity and exercise easier to do as well, promoting heart-healthy habits.
After 2 days
Taking into account that smoking damages the nerve endings responsible for the senses of smell and taste, 2 days later we will notice a greater sense of smell and the more lively flavors of food.
After 3 days
In 3 days, the nicotine levels in the body are depleted. Although it is healthier not to have nicotine in the body, this initial exhaustion can cause a feeling of withdrawal. Hence, at this time, most people experience a bad mood, irritability, severe headaches, and cravings.
After 1 month
Lung function begins to improve. As the lungs heal and lung capacity improves, former smokers will notice less coughing and less difficulty breathing. Increases athletic endurance and better performance of cardiovascular activities, such as running and jumping.
After 1-3 months
During the next few months after you quit smoking, your circulation continues to improve.
After 9 months
Nine months after quitting, the lungs have healed significantly. Cilia, those delicate hair-like structures within the lungs that help expel mucus and fight infection, have now recovered.
After 1 year
One year after quitting smoking, the risk of coronary heart disease drops by half. This risk will continue to decline.
After 5 years
Cigarettes contain many toxins that cause arteries and blood vessels to narrow. After 5 years without smoking, the arteries and blood vessels begin to widen again, reducing the risk of stroke.
After 10 years
After 10 years without smoking, the chances of developing lung cancer and dying from it are roughly half that of someone who continues to smoke. The likelihood of developing cancer of the mouth, throat, or pancreas has also been significantly reduced.
After 15 years
After 15 years without smoking, the probability of developing coronary heart disease is the same as that of a non-smoker, as is the risk of developing pancreatic cancer.
After 20 years
After 20 years without smoking, the risk of death from smoking-related causes, including lung disease and cancer, drops to the level of a person who has never smoked in their entire life.
Thus, each year without smoking reduces the risks of suffering from diseases and improves general health, so removing cigarettes from our lives is an excellent option for anyone who is a smoker.
