27Jul/11Off
How long after quitting cigarette smoking until the body fully recovers?
I have been smoking on and off for about 6 years. Never heavily, during my periods of smoking I generally did not exceed maximum 3 a day and skipped days frequently. How long would it take, approximately, for all the effects of smoking to be undone if there were any?
July 27th, 2011 - 16:34
Quite honestly, never. The body can never fully recover from what you did to it for a good 6 years. All the fumes, chemicals, etc aren’t just gonna leave a temporary mark on your body. That stuff is permanent on your lungs and overall health. Although it’s SO much better that you have now quit.
Congratulations on quitting. It’s not easy. I hope you enjoy living your life much more relaxed smoke-free.
July 27th, 2011 - 16:34
Honestly, I don’t think 3 a day on some days even counts…………..
Physicians tell you that some effects of smoking are irreversible, mainly to the lungs. But they are talking about those who smoke 1, 2, 3 packs a day. I don’t think you’ve caused much damage. My Doc explained something I had never heard before: smoke contains carbon monoxide which destroys the ability of red blood cells to carry oxygen…….to compensate, your body produces more red blood cells………in a really, REALLY heavy smoker the body produces so many red blood cells that they damage the organs, primarily the liver. Reduce smoking and things go back to normal. My Doc said that he considered a half-pack – 10 a day – to be negligible, although he said that was enough to eventually cause emphysema in some people. (he was a heavy smoker years ago but cut back to a few a day and said he would never order anyone to quit totally – but to cut back)
Again, I don’t think you’re level of use has been enough to harm you………but if you can quit altogether, do it.
July 27th, 2011 - 16:34
You would really need to ask a physician whether or not your body will fully recover. It should partially recover at least, but you could be affected by other things such as your diet or exercise. I.E. if you were in good shape apart from the smoking you may actually recover well, but if not it could take longer or you will recover partially. Whatever happens, it is really good that you have given up, but like I said maybe you should ask your doctor if you are more concerned they may be able to pinpoint exact areas of your health that would take longer to cover.