Why Quitting Cigarettes is the Key to Wellness

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Smoking is recognized as one of the most harmful habits worldwide. With cigarettes containing thousands of dangerous toxins, the CDC has labeled tobacco use as the leading cause of preventable death in America. Smoking causes damage throughout the body by obstructing breathing and blood flow. Additionally, it also increases the likelihood of several types of cancers. Recognizing the impact of smoking on oral health, seeking regular check-ups from an experienced dentist in Fayetteville TN becomes crucial. A skilled professional can assess and address oral issues exacerbated by smoking, promoting overall well-being and preventive care.

Still, many people remain avid smokers due to the addicting nature of these products. Despite more than half of regular smokers attempting to stop, only 7.5% manage to quit and sustain smoking cessation. The ex-smokers who succeeded in stopping have reported significant improvements in their overall well-being, highlighting that, although challenging, stopping cigarette use has plenty of benefits. If you want to know more about the positive changes after smoking cessation and tips on making quitting easier, keep reading below.

How quitting cigarettes improves your health

The chemicals in cigarettes cause side effects in the body. Once you stop, you’ll notice that these adverse symptoms start decreasing.

First, your blood pressure lowers. Nicotine causes your heart rate to spike, but it’ll return to normal as early as the first day of quitting. When left untreated, this typically leads to constricted arteries, which is the reason behind smoking-induced heart conditions or strokes. By stopping cigarette use, your blood flow can deliver nutrients and oxygen throughout the body more effectively.

Next, your lungs will start functioning better. Smoke damages the airways, so cessation will allow your lungs to heal. In time, you’ll experience less coughing and shortness of breath. You’ll also have an easier time whenever you do physical activity as you’ll have increased stamina.

Lastly, you’ll be able to see some changes in your physical appearance when you quit. Your complexion will improve due to the increased blood flow, reducing any discoloration you may have. Stained teeth and nails will likely fade away due to the lack of smoke. So in quitting, you’ll reap the benefits both inside and out.

Methods to help you quit

Use NRTs

Part of what makes smoking addictive is the nicotine dependence it causes. Smokers become so used to nicotine that they start experiencing withdrawal symptoms when it’s gone. Many healthcare professionals recommend using nicotine replacement therapies (NRTs) to address this, with nicotine pouches becoming increasingly popular across the country. As shown by the On! pouches sold on Prilla, these smokeless products deliver reduced-risk nicotine dosages without the dangerous chemicals of cigarettes. They also come in unique flavors, such as Wintergreen and Coffee, which can effectively distract from cravings. The different strengths help ease the transition. Other NRTs work similarly but with extra steps. As exhibited by Nicotex gums from Cipla, they have to be chewed first before they release flavor and nicotine. Then, they have to be parked in the cheek afterward. Still, using NRTs increases the chances of cessation by up to 70%, so looking into these products before quitting is important.

Practice meditation

Smokers tend to become restless when they first quit smoking. Without anything to help them cope, many end up reaching for another cigarette to calm down. Fortunately, research has proven that mindfulness practices like meditation can help. Even better, several of the perks discussed in a previous article on the “Benefits of Meditating in the Outdoors” directly impact some of the side effects of smoking. For example, not only does meditation put you in the right headspace, but it also improves your breathing. It also promotes a sense of calmness, which can take your mind off of cigarettes. With meditation, you’ll have better discipline while going through the challenges of quitting.

Seek counseling

Social support is crucial for any complex endeavor, but its importance is evident during smoking cessation. Underlying factors often cause smoking; unless these are addressed, it’s easy to return to the habit. Counseling allows smokers to gain insight into their cigarette dependence. They also get help in strategizing how to manage their smoking triggers. Luckily, there are free services available nationwide that can help. Contacting the 1-800-QUIT-NOW hotline connects smokers to trained professionals who can guide them on how to quit. You can also text QUITNOW to 33388 to receive resources on how to go about smoking cessation. By getting professional help, smokers are one step closer to achieving overall wellness.