Putting down your last cigarette can greatly improve your quality of life. Kicking the habit is no walk in the park but there is a vast amount of well-documented research and ample support to help you stick to your decision. Feelings of accomplishment and confidence that come with the decision to quit greatly outweigh the craving to smoke “just one more”. This article discusses how quitting can positively affect your health and well-being. Read here about Research and You to find out more about tried and tested products that will help you quit smoking today.
Improved Immune System
Smoking can damage and destroy antibodies and antioxidants, such as Vitamin C, in the blood. This makes the body more vulnerable to infectious bacteria and hinders the immune system’s efficiency in fighting off illness. Eliminating the habit of smoking will strengthen your immune system, giving your body a better chance to fight off illnesses such as pneumonia and influenza. Being less susceptible to sickness will mean fewer days off work and more time focusing your energy. This promotes both physical and mental well-being.
Decreased Heart Rate
Your heart rate is calculated by the number of times your heart beats per minute. The resting heart rate for the average adult is between 60 and 100 beats per minute. During exercise, your heart rate should fall between 100 and 170 beats per minute. Smoking greatly increases your heart rate by constricting veins and arteries, putting you well above these recommendations. This means that your body needs to work much harder to pump blood through your system. Within a mere 20 minutes of quitting, your body will have begun the healing process. As harmful chemicals leave your body, your heart rate will drop and oxygen levels will be restored. Your body is thus more able to effectively and efficiently provide organs with the required oxygen to work optimally. An improved heart rate will result in the ability to breathe easier and increase recovery time when exercising.
Reduced Risk Of Heart Disease And Cancer
An improved heart rate not only allows the body to perform more effectively in the short term but reduces the risk of severe heart disease. Reduced blood flow from constricted veins and arteries caused by smoking can cause major circulatory problems. Smoking can cause blood clots and damage blood vessels triggering potential artery and heart disease as well as causing cells to defect, which can ultimately lead to cancer. By quitting you reduce the chances of these potentially life-threatening diseases affecting you. Combined with a healthy diet and exercise routine, quitting will make you feel more energetic and positive about your life and well-being.
Improved Sense Of Smell
Breathing triggers your olfactory nerves in the back of your nose which send signals to the brain about what you are smelling. These nerves are severely damaged by the chemicals released from cigarettes when smoking. Quitting prevents further harm to these nerves, resulting in an improved sense of smell. Imagine how much more satisfying sipping on a premium roast would be with a full sensory experience.
Healthier Teeth And Skin
Smoking has prominent effects on your physical appearance. If you are wanting to look as healthy as your workout routine is making you feel then putting down the cigarettes is a must. On top of bad breath, smoking inhibits your bodies ability to produce new cells. These new blood and skin cells replace old ones, giving you a radiant and youthful glow. The reduced blood supply restricts the flow of nutrients throughout the body and promotes the development of wrinkles and fine lines. The nicotine and tar in tobacco stain teeth over time, giving them a yellow look. By quitting the habit and implementing a teeth whitening routine, you will restore your teeth and feel more confident about your smile.
The harmful effects of smoking are clear yet so many continue to pursue their next puff. All it takes is the desire to feel, look and live healthier combined with a switch in mindset to change your life for good.