So What Happens When You Quit Smoking?

Most people know that there are many health risks that come with smoking cigarettes.  According to the American Heart Association, illnesses related to tobacco use cause 1 in 5 deaths in the United States each year. The most commonly thought of illness related to smoking is cancer, but it can damage almost every organ in the body. 

The good news is that when you quit smoking, the health benefits begin almost instantly.  Within the first hour, and in as little as 20 minutes, after the last cigarette, blood pressure and heart rate begin to drop.  In twelve hours after the last cigarette, the body begins to rid itself of the toxic carbon monoxide that is present in cigarette smoke which allows oxygen levels to increase.  In the first week after the last cigarette, there are many risks that begin to decrease.  The risk for heart disease caused by high blood pressure from smoking begins to drop, heart attack risks begin to drop, and increasing oxygen levels make it easier to do physical activity to strengthen the heart. Nerves that help with smell and taste begin to heal.  The benefits of not smoking continue to increase with every year of not smoking. 

While quitting smoking is not easy, there are nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) products like Nicotac™ nicotine gum that provide you with enough nicotine to help control the physical nicotine withdrawal symptoms so you can deal with the mental aspects of quitting.

See the full timeline of quitting smoking benefits.