Quitting smoking is a big challenge: especially when it comes to quitting cigarettes for good. Quitting smoking means regeneration for the body and the benefits of not smoking clearly outweigh the benefits.
In this article, we want to show you the benefits of quitting smoking and give you tips on how to prevent weight gain after quitting smoking.
Smoking cessation effects
Quitting smoking has many positive effects on the body, because the body can be properly supplied with blood again after the last cigarette and gradually break down the pollutants. Many smokers feel fitter and more energetic shortly after quitting smoking.
Benefits include, but are not limited to: Reduced risk of cancer, cardiovascular disease, high blood pressure, stroke or bronchitis. After just three months without a cigarette, lung function improves by about 30 percent and skin aging is also slowed down.
After just eight hours without a cigarette, the oxygen transport in the blood improves and the organs can be better supplied. After two days, the senses of taste and smell return to normal. After a year without smoking, the activity of the lungs and cardiovascular system returns to normal levels. After five years, the risk of heart attack decreases significantly, and after ten years, the risk of developing lung cancer is similar to that of a non-smoker.
Smoking cessation phases
In order to successfully quit smoking, you must first go through these 7 phases. The first phase is the persistent smoking phase, in which you still smoke regularly, and refers to the phase just before you decide to quit smoking. In the reflection phase, it slowly becomes clear to you that smoking not only has a negative effect on your health, but also on your psyche, appearance and wallet.
In the third phase, you finally make the decision to quit smoking permanently. Don't be put off by any weight gain or withdrawal symptoms, because these are also only temporary and can be overcome quickly with enough motivation.
To ensure that a smoking cessation is really carried out, you should set a specific date for the last cigarette. The remaining cigarettes should be kept out of reach or, even better, disposed of completely. The first three days after quitting smoking are the most difficult, because there is still the rest of nicotine in the body. This can also lead to changes in your mood and you may feel easily irritated.
The last phase is called the stabilization phase. In this phase you will notice the positive physical changes most clearly and especially here: Do not relapse!
Quitting smoking skin
Smoking affects our skin enormously and contributes to our aging faster. Quitting smoking causes our skin to regain its rosy complexion, as blood circulation is promoted and the skin is better supplied with nutrients.
In addition, we actually look younger after smoking, because the chemicals contained in cigarettes attack the skin's collagen network and cause it to sag. Many smokers report so-called smoker's wrinkles, which form on the face after time. Quitting smoking ensures that the skin ages again at a normal rate.
Furthermore, many smokers complain of dry patches on the skin. Smoking can even lead to scaly patches on the skin that can only be eliminated by quitting smoking. Without a cigarette, the vitamin C content in the skin can also stabilize. This is important for firm and youthful skin.
Last but not least, quitting smoking can reduce skin diseases. 41 percent of smokers have acne , compared to only 25 percent of non-smokers. In addition, smoking can trigger a number of inflammatory reactions and promote the formation of skin cancer.
Quitting smoking Weight gain
Smoking per se does not lead to weight loss. However, smokers have a higher energy expenditure than non-smokers and can therefore convert fats and carbohydrates more quickly. In addition, nicotine inhibits appetite. When quitting smoking, weight gain is a common companion, especially in people who have already done too little exercise and have eaten the wrong diet before.
Quitting smoking Tips: Avoid gaining weight
After quitting smoking, cravings can set in and they need to be satisfied. However, high-calorie foods should be replaced by vitamin-rich, high-fiber and low-fat foods, as these stabilize blood sugar levels.
Divide your meals into several small meals so that your stomach is working continuously. Of course, sports activities are a wonderful way to keep your weight stable and improve your health.
Snus as an alternative to smoking
With snus, there is no combustion process and the risks of passive smoking are thus completely eliminated. To quit smoking, you can use snus with different levels of nicotine and gradually reduce the amount. Products with a nicotine content above 20 mg/g include EDEL Cold AW with 25 mg/g. Skruf Super White Polar #3 AW in contrast, contains only 12 mg/g.
Sources:
https://www.stylight.at/Magazine/Beauty/Diese-Dinge-Passieren-Mit-Deiner-Haut-Wenn-Du-Zu-Rauchen-Aufhoerst/ ##- 113-##
