Putting an end to your smoking habit has many health benefits. It may be a difficult task for some smokers, but it is certainly achievable for those who are determined. Especially for those who started smoking at an early age, quitting is not an easy choice. However, recent statistics show that more and more smokers are quitting in an effort to prioritize their health.
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1. Heart health
The results of quitting tobacco have an instant benefit on the heart. It leads to a drop in blood pressure and restoration of a normal heart rate. As the cholesterol levels in your blood decrease, your blood thins to a normal level, and it becomes easier for the heart to circulate blood throughout your body. The risk of blood clots is also significantly reduced, meaning that the risk of a heart attack is lowered drastically straight away.
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2. Lung health
The harm caused to the lungs by smoking tobacco is irreversible, but quitting still has some benefit. Smoking damages the air sacs in the lungs and inhibits the body from obtaining enough oxygen. Quitting improves the proper functioning of the lungs and puts an end to shortness of breath as proper airflow is restored. The regrowth of cilia, hair-like projections in the lungs that keep it clean of debris and microbes, also increases, improving the body’s ability to resist respiratory infections.
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3. Boosts immunity
Smooth blood flow and the restoration of white blood cells in the body is another health reason to stop smoking. Moreover, the absence of nicotine exposure enables the immune system to become stronger and more established.
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4. Cancer prevention
Ending a smoking habit lowers the risk of many cancers like the throat, lung, esophagus, larynx, and pancreas. Giving up tobacco also reduces fat, lowers the risk of diabetes, and keeps blood sugar levels under control.
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5. Hormonal health
Discontinuing tobacco use produces favourable effects on hormones for both men and women. In women, it helps maintain standard levels of estrogen and supports healthier pregnancy, and in men erectile dysfunction is prevented.
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6. Taste, hearing, and smell
Quitting tobacco sharpens all the senses! Avoiding tobacco improves the sense of hearing and maintains sharp vision. It also keeps teeth clean, enhances the functioning of the taste buds, and makes you smell fresh.
If you need support to stop smoking, nicotine replacement products and non-nicotine medications are available as both prescription and OTC medications. In addition, counseling and behavioral therapies help reduce dependence on smoking. Attempting to quit smoking is hard work, but worthwhile to help you and your loved ones lead a healthy and happy life.
