By Jessie Quinn, The Cheat Sheet
It’s no secret that smoking is damaging to your health. Not only does it pollute the lungs with chemicals and toxins, but it can also impact the heart and other vital organs. With that said, just because you smoked for years doesn’t mean you can’t clean up your body and improve your overall health. If you quit smoking, you can start to notice the benefits within 20 minutes of your last cigarette. Curious to know what happens to your body when you quit smoking? Keep reading to find out.
Blood pressure lowers
In just 20 minutes after you quit, your body starts to change. One of the most noticeable impacts of quitting? Your blood pressure. Because smoking tends to cause a spike in blood pressure, quitting can help lower it back to a healthier level.
The lungs function better
Another thing that happens after 20 minutes? Your lung function begins to improve. The bronchial tubes are filled with fibers that help get rid of irritants and bacteria. However, when you smoke, they have a harder time moving through the passageways. After you quit, the fibers move easier, which ultimately helps protect against infection.
It’s easier to breathe
One of the most significant things that change when you quit smoking is your breathing. Because you are no longer polluting your lungs with smoke, it becomes easier to breathe in just three days after smoking.
Improved lung capacity
Smoking is hard on the lungs. However, in just three days after quitting, your lung capacity starts to improve. Better lung capacity means deeper breaths and better overall health.
Better circulation
When it comes to health, circulation is ultra important. However, smoking can tamper with the body’s circulation and make things like walking and breathing much harder. After you quit, the body’s circulation gets better, making it much easier for your body to breath, walk, and function properly.
More energy
One thing you might not think about after quitting? Your energy levels. After one month without a cigarette, your body should start to feel more energized overall. You might even find that you don’t need that last cup of coffee anymore!
It’s easier to exercise
Because you have more energy and your lung capacity is improved, exercise becomes a lot easier when you quit smoking. If you hit the gym, you should notice sinus congestion and shortness of breath decrease. That side effect not only helps your body in a workout, but it also helps the body recover, too.
Improved fertility
For women who make it to the three-month post-smoking mark, fertility is often improved. On top of that, the risk of premature birth is also reduced.
Healthier skin and hair
While it might take some time, your hair and skin will start to improve after you quit smoking. Like the rest of the body, smoking can have a lasting impact on the skin and hair and cause it to appear dull, dry, and tamper with your skin’s elastin and collagen production. Kicking the bad habit can not only improve your overall health, but it can also improve your appearance, too.
See more at: The Cheat Sheet
See more at: The Cheat Sheet
