While the number of smokers has dropped drastically over the last twenty years, sadly, smoking is still one of the leading causes of preventable death in the United States. Yet, millions of Americans continue to smoke. If you’re one of them, it’s time to consider quitting smoking for good. Believe it or not, there are many health benefits associated with quitting smoking aside from just breathing better! Hopefully, this blog post will give you a little extra motivation to discuss some of the most important ones.
Quitting Smoking Improves Smell And Taste
Quitting smoking is often touted for its ability to improve one’s health, but it can also positively impact your sense of smell and taste. Cigarette smoke contains over 4,000 chemicals, including many known to damage the delicate tissues in the nose and mouth. This damage can lead to a decrease in sensitivity to both smell and taste. Quitting smoking allows the tissues to heal, and within weeks, most people notice a significant improvement in their ability to enjoy the flavors and smells of food. In addition, quitting smoking can also help to prevent further damage to these tissues, ensuring that you can continue to enjoy the full range of flavors and aromas for years to come.
Quitting Smoking Improves Lung Function
Quitting smoking is one of the best things you can do for your health. Within just a few months of quitting, your lung function will improve. Lung function improvement is because your lungs can finally start healing from the constant presence of tobacco smoke that was previously damaged. The cilia, tiny hair-like structures that line the lungs, will also start to regrow and clear mucus and other particles from the airways more effectively. As a result, you will be less likely to experience coughing, wheezing, and shortness of breath. Quitting smoking will also reduce your risk of developing lung cancer, COPD, and other respiratory diseases. Most of which carry a high chance of dying early.
Quitting Smoking Improves Heart Health
Smoking cigarettes is one of the worst things you can do for your heart health. Within minutes of your last cigarette, your heart rate and blood pressure start to return to normal. After a few hours, the carbon monoxide level in your blood drops, and oxygen levels increase. Within days, your lung function improves, and your heart attack risk begins to fall. In the long term, quitting smoking reduces your risk of heart disease, stroke, and other cardiovascular diseases. It also lowers your risk of developing peripheral artery disease and improves blood circulation throughout your body. So not only is quitting smoking good for your heart health, it’s good for your overall health!
