Helix Clinic blog

It’s worth remembering that when you give up smoking, your health starts to improve straight away, and the longer you stay nicotine-free the better it gets. Did you know that when you stub out that last cigarette:

• After 20 minutes, your blood pressure and pulse rate will go back to normal.
• After 8 hours, the nicotine and carbon monoxide levels in the blood will have reduced by a half and oxygen levels will have returned to normal.
• After 24 hours, carbon monoxide will have been eliminated from the body, and your lungs will start to clear out mucus and other debris accumulated from smoking.
• After 48 hours, there is no more nicotine in the body. You will find your ability to taste and smell improve.
• After 72 hours, the bronchial tubes in the lungs can start to relax and work more efficiently. This means your energy levels will increase.
• After 2 weeks your circulation will start to improve.
• After 3 months, any lung problems you previously had, such as coughing or wheezing will start to improve. Lung function improves by up to 10%.
• After 5 years, the risk of getting a heart attack falls to roughly a half of that of a smoker.
• After 10 years, the risk of lung cancer halves compared to someone who is still smoking, and the risk of heart attack returns to the level it would be if you had never smoked!

And another benefit… after 10 years you would have saved over £15000 by not smoking. So the only question remaining is… what are you waiting for? If you really want to stop, but the physical cravings are still too much, then maybe we can help. Why not ask us how acupuncture could help you to stop smoking for good.

Tags: heart attack, lung cancer, smoking