After 7 days of not smoking, the body begins to reap the benefits of quitting. The airways and lungs start to clear out the tar and toxins that were previously inhaled on a daily basis. The cilia, which are tiny hairs in the lungs, will begin to repair and regrow, allowing for improved breathing.
The cardiovascular system also starts to recover. Blood pressure and heart rate start to return to normal levels and the risk of heart attack and stroke decreases. The blood flow to the hands and feet improves, and the risk of developing peripheral vascular disease decreases.
The body’s natural defense system will also start to rebuild, and the risk of infection from colds or the flu will be reduced. Additionally, the sense of smell and taste will improve as the nerve endings start to heal.
Within a month of quitting, the risk of developing cancer begins to decrease. The risk of developing lung cancer and other cancers linked to smoking will reduce over time, depending on how long the individual has been a smoker.
Overall, the body begins to heal itself immediately after quitting smoking, and the benefits increase the longer the individual stays away from cigarettes. After 7 days of not smoking, the body has already started to recover and the individual will begin to feel better.