10 Health Benefits to Quitting Smoking

Smoking is bad for your health, this is not in debate. Yet so many people still smoke, and struggle to quit.

I have dealt with my own addictions that I needed to overcome, and I can honestly say I have been very deep in addictions and managed to dig my way out.

If I can quit, then so can you. I know this for a fact. But it takes a great deal of motivation and commitment, although the health benefits of quitting smoking should be motivation enough.

Before going into the health benefits of quitting smoking, here are some staggering statistics about smokers in the US:

• More than 16 million Americans live every day with diseases caused directly from smoking.
• Smoking causes strokes, heart disease, cancer, diabetes, bronchitis, and numerous other life changing illnesses.
• Smokers die on average 10 years sooner than non-smokers.
• Smoking is directly responsible for more than 480,000 deaths in the US each year.
• Second-hand smoke is responsible for 41,000 deaths a year in the US.

The amount of serious health risks are overwhelming. Here are 10 health benefits to quitting smoking, and should serve as notice for you to take the first step today and quit smoking.

Quitting Smoking Leads to a Better Sex Life

Smokers are restricting the bloodflow in their bodies, restricting sensitivity. Men who smoke find it takes longer to get erections, and harder to sustain them. This is often reason enough for a lot of men to consider quitting. But remember, the longer you leave it the longer it takes to recover.

It also has a similar effect on women. With non-smokers experiencing a lot sensitivity and satisfaction from sex. Not to mention that non-smokers are seen as three times more appealing to potential partners than smokers.

Smokers Are Less Fertile

Smokers find it more difficult to get pregnant. The longer a person has been smoking, the more reduced their sperm count and fertility is. Both men and women are effected, as the sperm count lowers, and the lining of the womb becomes damaged.

The success rate of IVF is also reduced if one or more of the participants are smokers. Reducing the chance of a miscarriage or any birth defects.

Smoking Damages and Ages Your Skin

Heavy smokers look a lot older than they actually are. This is due to the harmful chemicals in the cigarettes damaging their skin. If you look closely at a smoker you will notice damage to the pores, and broken blood vessels under the skin.

The good news is, there is evidence to show that you can reverse the effects by quitting smoking. Once the nutrients, oxygen and blood supply starts flowing again, you should see an improvement in your complexion.

Non-Smokers Have Whiter Teeth

Ever noticed how smokers have discolored teeth, usually yellow or brown. Smoking will damage your teeth and make the discolored, a very undesirable look.

Smokers are also more likely to have gum disease and lose their teeth prematurely. This can prove to be very costly in dental bills, and there is no real substitute for your real teeth. Quit smoking today and get your oral hygiene back on track.

You’ll Breathe Easier after Quitting Smoking

Within nine months of quitting smoking your lung capacity will increase by up to 10%. This makes a huge difference to your life and well-being. You will cough less, breathe easier, and have a better capacity for light exercise.

During your 20’s and 30’s you don’t always notice the effects on your lungs until you try and exercise. Then the damage continues throughout your life until you find it difficult to carry out the easiest of tasks in your old age.

Quit Smoking and Increase Your Life Expectancy

Half of all long-term smokers die early. Mostly from smoking related diseases like lung cancer, heart disease, and chronic bronchitis. It’s been proven that men who quit smoking by the age of 30 add 10 years on to their lives, reducing their chance of disease.

Quitting not only means you will live longer, but you will have a better quality of life. Think about the effect of this on yourself and loved ones around you.

Drop the Cigarettes and You’ll Be Less Stressed

There is scientific evidence to show that people are less stressed after the quit smoking. Being addicted to smoking, and nicotine weighs on your mind when you don’t have a cigarette. Plus, going without for longer than normal, like on a flight adds to the anxiety.

The feeling of satisfaction is only a momentary pleasure too. Long term you can only feel satisfied by being free from the cigarettes. You’ll think clearer too with the improved oxygen flow to your brain.

Smoking Is Damaging Your Senses

Smoking seriously damages your sense of taste and smell. A long time smoker may not be aware of this, but their sense of taste and smell is being dramatically reduced by smoking. All the chemicals in cigarettes slowly break down taste buds and sensory receptors, you’re doing yourself a disservice.

Kick the habit today and start tasting the wonderful flavors from around the world. Light your palate back up, and enjoy cooking and eating foods again.

Stop Smoking and Have More Energy

There are countless reasons why you should want to have more energy. Being able to play with your kids, feeling better, having improved circulation, and being more enthusiastic about life. All this is obtainable by dropping the cigarettes and getting into shape.

After as short a time span as two week of quitting smoking you will start to have improved circulation. Your immune system will improve, and you will start to feel much better all round. If you are prone to headaches and fatigue, you will notice a huge improvement.

Protect Those around You by Stopping Passive Smoking

The often forgotten secret killer is passive smoke. As you smoke you are damaging the health of those around you, if you smoke in your home you are harming anyone else in the house. Second-hand smoke doubles the risk of children suffering with chest illnesses.

Think about the impact on loved ones. Even if all of these health warning aren’t enough to stop you, thinking about their health as innocent bystanders should.

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I know quitting smoking is difficult. I covered ways to quit smoking, and you should seek all the support and help you need to help you.

These health benefits to quitting smoking should be enough to motivate you, not to mention there are lots more reasons.