Once you have stopped smoking, you will start to see the benefits very quickly.
- 20 minutes – Pulse will return to normal
- 8 hours – Nicotine is reduced by 90% and carbon monoxide levels in blood reduce by 75%. Circulation will also improve.
- 24 hours – Carbon Monoxide and Nicotine are almost eliminated from the body. Lungs will start to clean out mucus and other debris.
- 48 hours – Nicotine is no longer detectable in the body. Your ability to taste and smell is improved.
- 72 hours – Breathing becomes easier as the bronchial tubes relax and energy levels increase.
- 2-12 weeks – Circulation improves throughout the body, making walking easier.
- 1 month – Physical appearance improves – skin loses its grey pallor and becomes less wrinkled.
- 3-9 months – Breathing problems such as wheezing, coughing and shortness of breath improve. Overall, lung function is improved by 5-10%.
- 1 year – Risk of heart attack falls to about half that of a smoker.
- 10 years – Risk of heart attack falls to about half that of a smoker.
- 15 years – The risk of a heart attack falls to the same level as someone who has never smoked.
Further benefits include a better immune system, making it easier for you to fight off colds and flus; increased sense of smell and taste as you’re not dulling down your body with thousands of toxins anymore and also making it less likely to get gum disease and lose teeth prematurely. These are just a few benefits however it is evident that stopping smoking will not only add years but also improve your chance of a much healthier lifestyle.
