The short answer is simply, “yes.” This is only true if you quit before permanent damage has already been done, meaning you have already developed a disease or condition like cancer or COPD. I know that I was thrilled to find out that my heart and lungs will heal themselves if I quit smoking, but that is just the beginning. Next I had to actually do the work and quit smoking.

After 24 hours

Blood pressure will lower. The temperature in hands and feet will increase as blood flow returns to a healthier level. The risk of a heart attack will decrease. The level of carbon monoxide in the blood will decrease to a normal level while oxygen in the blood will increase to a normal level.

Cravings will be intense, but you need to focus on why you are doing this and think about the people that you are doing it for.

After 3 months

The ability to smell and taste is going to return, nerve endings start re-growing and circulation improves. Walking becomes easer as shortness of breath goes away. Lungs regain their healthy function.

Cravings decrease over time and new habits are formed. Food tastes better and singing at the top of your lungs to your favorite song on the radio doesn’t make you cough anymore. This is when the coughing and clearing of the lungs no longer hurts, and the health benefits can really be felt!

Long term benefits: 1-15 years

The risk of stroke, cancer of the lungs, throat, mouth, esophagus, kidney, pancreas, and bladder, ulcers and coronary heart disease all dramatically reduce. Many come down to the same risk as a person who never smoked to begin with.