Quitting smoking is difficult, so various individuals require specific reasons to kick the habit for good. Simply knowing that the practice is unhealthy isn’t enough motivation for many. If you’re trying to stop but find the process hard, understanding how your quality of life can improve by quitting, along with advice from a medical provider, can help. Here are some ways leaving the habit behind can make you healthier. 

How Quitting Smoking Improves Health

1. Strengthen Immune Function

The chemicals in cigarettes can harm the cells your body uses to fight off disease. This effect makes smokers more prone to various conditions, from the common cold to gum disease. 

The harm done to these cells can also make them more sensitive in certain areas. For instance, they can contribute to diseases like rheumatoid arthritis, where the immune system mistakenly attacks healthy units. Quitting reduces cell damage immediately. Former smokers may notice fewer illnesses in the future. 

2. Reduce Cancer Risk

Smoking introduces chemicals directly into the lungs damaging the lining of the organs’ tissue. This effect can be what allows cancer cells to form. Additionally, weakened immune function can enable this disease to spread more quickly than it may otherwise. 

Smoking can contribute to 30% of cancer deaths in the United States. While quitting may not eliminate the problem, it can improve the body’s ability to fight off the disease, make it through treatment, and reduce future risk. 

3. Improve Heart Function

Smoking introduces plaque buildup into the arteries, reducing blood flow and forcing the heart to beat faster. Over time, this contributes to coronary artery disease and can increase the risk of a heart attack. Quitting lessens arterial issues and can help individuals lead a more active lifestyle. 

4. Improve Brain Health

Smoking can lead to an increased risk for Alzheimer’s and dementia. The exact reason isn’t fully understood, but it may be due to decreased arterial capacity. This effect contributes to heart disease and leads to less blood flow to the brain, reducing function over time. Quitting can halt this process and help individuals maintain healthy memory and brain function for as long as possible. 

If you’re looking for a medical provider to deliver tips and guidance as you quit smoking, contact Hillside Family Medicine in Anchorage, AK. The family-owned and operated health care center offers various health care services, including wellness exams and lab tests. They tailor treatment plans and take a holistic approach rather than simply focusing on a single symptom or issue. Visit the website to learn more about their services, and call (907) 344-0200 to request an appointment with a medical provider.