Quitting smoking: the positive effects.

1. That quitting smoking is difficult will confirm every die-hard smoker. Nicotine is not only physically but also psychologically very addictive. And because smoking is all around us and tobacco products are for sale on just about every street corner, people who have quit sometimes find it very difficult to stay that way.

2. That quitting smoking is difficult will confirm every die-hard smoker. Nicotine is not only physically but also psychologically very addictive. And because smoking is all around us and tobacco products are for sale on just about every street corner, people who have quit sometimes have a hard time staying that way.

1. Do you need motivation? Below is an overview of what science has established about the impact of smoking cessation on our bodies and the risk of developing a number of typical smoking diseases. You can feel the first positive effects after just 20 minutes, it turns out.

2. Do you need motivation? Below is an overview of what science has established about the impact of smoking cessation on our bodies and the risk of developing a number of typical smoking diseases. You will feel the first positive effects after just 20 minutes, it turns out. [! 179748 => 1140 = 2!] And those effects will only get better over the next 15 years (!).

1. And those effects will only get better over the next 15 years (!).

Within 20 minutes

1. Your blood pressure and heart rate will return to normal. This immediately lowers the risk of having a heart attack. Your blood circulation will improve, fresh blood will reach your fingers and toes and they may start tingling as a result.

Within 8 hours

1. The nicotine and carbon monoxide levels in your blood fall to half. Carbon monoxide is the same smoke that comes from your car's exhaust. Carbon monoxide is fatal in high doses. In low doses, such as with cigarettes, it causes shortness of breath and an accelerated heart rate. Your oxygen levels will return to normal. This will help your dehydrated skin and hair recover from the effects of smoking.

2. The nicotine and carbon monoxide levels in your blood fall to half. Carbon monoxide is the same smoke that comes from your car's exhaust. Carbon monoxide is fatal in high doses. In low doses, such as with cigarettes, it causes shortness of breath and an accelerated heart rate. Your oxygen levels will return to normal. This helps your dry skin and hair recover from the effects of smoking.

Within 24 hours

1. The carbon monoxide will be completely out of your system and your lungs will begin to remove excess mucus and other waste from smoke. You may notice a little cough or a sore throat. This is because new lung tissue starts to grow.

Within 48 hours

1. There is no more nicotine in your body and your sense of taste and smell are greatly improved. One side effect you may experience is feeling dizzy as the carbon monoxide leaves your body. But you are already starting to notice the first financial benefits of the money you save by not having to buy cigarettes anymore.

Within three days

1. Breathing becomes easier because the bronchial tubes in your lungs relax. Concentrating may be a bit difficult because you have to get rid of the nicotine a bit. But you will feel much more energetic.

Within two to twelve weeks

1. You may often find yourself feeling somewhat irritated and restless or even depressed. This is part of the drug addiction process. Up to 60 percent of smokers say they experienced these side effects within the first four weeks of quitting smoking. Your urge for a new cigarette will now be very strong, but you should not give in to this. Your blood circulation will have improved a lot by now. This ensures that your skin gets more nutrients and looks healthier.

2. You may often find yourself feeling a bit irritated and restless or even depressed. This is part of the drug addiction process. Up to 60 percent of smokers say they experienced these side effects within the first four weeks of quitting smoking. Your urge for a new cigarette will now be very strong but you should not give in to this. Your blood circulation will have improved a lot in the meantime. This ensures that your skin gets more nutrients and looks healthier.

Within three to nine months

1. Your lung function will now have improved up to 10 percent as new cells begin to form in your lungs. Breathing problems and coughing fits you had when you smoked will now be a thing of the past. You will also notice that you have more appetite around this time. About 70% of ex-smokers confirm this. For many smokers, this is a reason not to quit. They are afraid of gaining weight. However, weight gain is usually very small and negligible according to studies.

2. Your lung function will now have improved by up to 10 percent as new cells begin to form in your lungs. Breathing problems and coughing fits you had while you smoked will now be a thing of the past. You will also notice that you have more appetite around this time. About 70% of ex-smokers confirm this. For many smokers, this is a reason not to quit. They are afraid of gaining weight. However, weight gain is usually very small and negligible according to studies.

Within one year

1. The risk of having a heart attack is only half that of someone who smokes. After five years, the extra risk you ran of getting a stroke has also completely disappeared.

Within 10 years

1. The risk of developing lung cancer is now only half that of a smoker. The pre-cancer cells that you carried in your body when you smoked have now also been replaced by new healthy cells.

Within 15 years

1. The risk of having a heart attack is again as low as that of someone who has never smoked. Your skin will also have fully recovered from the damage caused by smoking. Congrats !

1. And you? When did you smoke that last cigarette? Twenty minutes ago? Then you have already been on your way to a much healthier life for twenty minutes! What are your experiences or tips regarding quitting smoking? Let me know!