The effects of quitting smoking: Short & long-term benefits
This article focuses on the various effects of quitting smoking on health, including the short-term and long-term benefits of quitting, as well as the potential health problems that may arise after quitting and how to manage these.
What’s stopping you?
Not sure if you’re ready to quit smoking? Worried about finding it difficult?
Start quizSmoking is a widespread addiction that poses significant health risks. More than 1 billion people worldwide now smoke and it accounts for 1 in 10 deaths worldwide.
Making the decision to quit smoking can have hugely positive effects on your health. In this article, we will explore the short-term and long-term benefits of quitting smoking, as well as potential health problems that may arise after quitting.
How soon do you feel the benefits of quitting smoking
The effects of quitting smoking cigarettes and tobacco are dramatic and begin the moment you stub out your final cigarette.
Read more about the health benefits of stopping smoking and the timelines.
Short term effects of stopping smoking
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Improvement in breathing
Within hours of quitting smoking, your lung and respiratory function begins to improve. The bronchial tubes start to relax, making it easier to breathe, and your lung capacity increases.
Shortness of breath and coughing may decrease as the airways start to clear up.
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Enhanced circulation
Smoking damages blood vessels and reduces blood flow throughout the body. When you quit smoking, your circulation begins to improve, leading to better oxygen and nutrient delivery to various organs and tissues.
Improved blood flow can result in warmer hands and feet, as well as reduced dizziness or fatigue.
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Improved sense of taste and smell
Smoking changes the shape of your taste buds and damages the olfactory nerves. The good news is that these recover quickly when you quit smoking improving your sense of taste and smell.
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Increased energy levels
Smoking can cause tiredness and reduce energy levels. However, once you quit smoking, your energy levels tend to increase. This happens as the body begins to repair the damage caused by smoking and as oxygen levels improve, providing more energy to the muscles and tissues..
What’s holding you back?
Not sure if you really want to quit smoking?
Want to quit, but concerned that you’ll find it tough?
Worried that you’ll be deprived for the rest of your life without cigarettes?
We know that taking the first step can be difficult, but we’re here to answer your questions in complete confidence – with no pressure and no judgment.
We have trained advisors available to help you right away, by calling 0800 389 2115
Start the free quizLong term effects of stopping smoking
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Reduced risk of cardiovascular diseases
Smoking is a leading cause of heart disease and stroke.
By quitting smoking, you significantly decrease the risk of developing these cardiovascular conditions.
Over time, your blood pressure and heart rate normalise, and the risk of blood clots decreases.
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Decreased risk of respiratory diseases
Smoking is closely linked to chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), emphysema, and lung cancer.
Quitting smoking can slow down the progression of these diseases and reduce the risk of developing them.
Over time, lung function continues to improve, reducing the risk of respiratory infections and improving overall respiratory health.
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Improved immune system function
Smoking weakens the immune system, making individuals more susceptible to infections and diseases.
When you quit smoking, your immune system gradually strengthens, leading to a lower risk of infections, improved wound healing, and better overall health including lowered risk of other cancers.
Negative effects of quitting smoking
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Weight Gain
Some individuals may experience weight gain after quitting smoking, primarily due to substitution, increased appetite and changes in metabolism.
However, with the right quit smoking method there is no need to substitute and along with proper diet and exercise, there is no need to gain weight when you quit smoking.
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Withdrawal Symptoms
When you quit taking nicotine whether through smoking cigarettes or vaping you will suffer withdrawal as with any drug.
Importantly, Nicotine withdrawal symptoms can be broken into two different categories – physical and mental. You might assume that these would be equal, but in fact all the really unpleasant symptoms that smokers experience when they quit are caused by the mental process. Allen Carr’s Easyway tackles the issues surrounding that mental process.
With the right method the to quit smoking your withdrawal should be very mild.
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Mental Health Challenges
Quitting smoking can have a massively positive impact on mental health. That said, without the correct support, some individuals may experience symptoms of depression, anxiety, or mood swings.
These are caused by their belief that they have sacrificed a genuine pleasure or crutch which leads to a feeling of deprivation and sense of loss.
However, if you use the right quit smoking method you will not experience these and you will find it easy.
Final thoughts
Quitting smoking has a huge positive effect on your health, both in the short term and the long term. From improved respiratory function and enhanced circulation to a reduced risk of cardiovascular diseases and respiratory conditions, the benefits of quitting smoking are substantial.
There can be temporary health challenges, such as weight gain or unpleasant withdrawal symptoms but if you use Allen Carr’s Easyway to quit smoking you will not experience these. Even if you did, the long-term gains far outweigh any short-term discomfort.
Quitting smoking is one of the best decisions you can make for your health and well-being.
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