In 2015, almost 21% of the world's adult population reported being smokers. Today, the percentage has dropped to 19%!
While the decrease is slight and gradual, there is an undeniable shift from smokers to non-smokers. Nicotine replacement therapy, tobacco taxes, and advertising bans have become common. As a result, more people are quitting this addictive habit.
If you are a casual smoker or even an addict, it's high time you quit it too. Smoking is dangerous for you, your family, and even the people around you.
Still not convinced? Well, in this post, we will unravel five mind-blowing reasons to quit smoking today!
Smokers die 10-years earlier than non-smokers
Cigarettes contain one main ingredient: tobacco. Although it is a plant, tobacco smoke contains more than 5000-chemicals. Some of these include:
- Nicotine
- Tar
- Carbon monoxide
- Hydrogen Cyanide
- Lead
- Ammonia
While nicotine is the only addicting substance, the rest are either cancer-causing or poisonous. You would feel shocked at how much poison you've inhaled in each puff. These chemicals diffuse into your bloodstream through the lungs and spread all over the body.
Smoking-related diseases include cancers, strokes, heart attacks, and tumors. The death risk from these diseases drops by 90% if you quit smoking before 40.
1. Lung capacity increases by 10% within 9-months of quitting smoking
The human lungs have a natural cleaning system. It involves cilia (small, hair-like cells) that remove all the dust and harmful substances from inhaled air. As per one study, this system starts recovering after 3-months of non-smoking.
At 9-months, the cilia will regrow fully and start cleansing the lungs thoroughly. It will remove all the accumulated tar and mucus. Hence, your coughing reduces significantly.
This particular improvement in the lungs also increases breathing capacity by 10%. There will be no breathlessness after a walk or run. And, you can enjoy a happier and healthier old age
2. Quitting smoking reduces the chance of atherosclerosis by 50%.
As mentioned, harmful tobacco smoke spreads throughout the body. It causes irreparable damage in the form of cancers and strokes. However, the smoke has a severe effect on heart health too.
It alters the blood vessel's structure and negatively affects cardiac function. Thus, smokers have a high risk of coronary heart disease (atherosclerosis) and ischemic heart disease.
In atherosclerosis, waxy plaque builds up and hardens in the arteries. It restricts the blood flow to the organs and reduces oxygen levels. Comparatively, plaque builds up and hardens in coronary arteries only in Ischemic disease.
Coronary arteries are the ones that provide blood to the heart. Once blocked, these can lead to chest pain, heart failure, heart attack, and even sudden death.
3. Smoking doubles the risk of infertility in both men and women.
Infertility can be stressful for couples. However, leaving this addictive habit can improve the reproductive system and pregnancy chances. Here are the changes experienced:
- Men (Better erections and potent sperm development)
- Women (Improved womb lining, frequent arousals, and healthier egg development)
Smoking during pregnancy can also increase miscarriage risks. It's wiser to quit smoking as soon as possible for a healthier baby.
4. Non-smoking improves looks and oral health.
Individuals who quit smoking reopen the doors to a healthier lifestyle. Their body retains more nutrients and antioxidants. Hence, the pale complexion of smokers returns to the fresh, glowing one.
Quitting smoking also reduces facial aging and prevents wrinkles. So, you will not appear old prematurely. What's more, non-smoking reduces the chances of gum disease. It also stops teeth staining and makes the breath fresher.
In a nutshell, smoking doesn't benefit you in any aspect. We hope these reasons to quit smoking have encouraged you successfully. Remember, it's never too late to change!
