If you’ve been thinking about quitting smoking, here are some tips for maintaining your health after you quit. Stopping smoking can significantly reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease, including heart attacks, stroke, and cancer. It also has a positive effect on your sense of smell and taste. After a year, your risk of coronary heart disease drops to half that of a nonsmoker, and your chances of developing mouth and esophageal cancer are significantly decreased.
After you quit smoking, your immune system will become stronger, your lungs will get better blood flow, and your coughs will improve. You’ll also have a higher level of energy, and your risk of heart attack and lung cancer are reduced to half that of a nonsmoker. Your heart will also be healthier because the carbon monoxide will be eliminated from your system. Coughs will also become less frequent, and you’ll have better lung function, as your lungs will be working at peak performance.
You can start by preparing yourself mentally for the triggers of quitting. For instance, if you work in an office environment, your smoking break might be harder than you think. Try to quit smoking when you’re on vacation or take a break from work. If you live with a smoker, ask them not to smoke around you or in their car. This way, you’ll have less of a temptation to relapse.
Despite your efforts to quit smoking, your body may still need a little extra help to detoxify. To reduce the effects of nicotine withdrawal, you should eat more fruits and vegetables. These healthy foods contain antioxidants and fiber that will help your body fight cravings. Also, green vegetables are rich in antioxidants, and these contain a large quantity of carotenoids. Those who quit smoking regularly have fewer cancers, and they’re particularly useful to smokers.
Quitting smoking will lower your risk of cardiovascular disease, but the risk will not be as low as it is for heavy smokers. It takes five years for a heavy smoker to see significant cardiovascular health benefits. However, the lifetime risk of a heavy smoker will still be significantly higher than a nonsmoker. For this reason, smoking cessation is essential for your overall health and the health of your lungs. And, remember that quitting is never easy!
Smokers should also expect to notice improvements in their senses and their circulatory system. In addition, their sense of smell may also improve. Lastly, quitting smoking will reduce your risk of cardiovascular disease, lung cancer, and stroke. All these benefits are just some of the many positives of quitting smoking. If you’re determined enough, you can even try smoking again once you’re done with it. It’s never too late to start a new life free of cigarette smoke!