Smoking is known to be one of the biggest causes of preventable deaths worldwide. Despite this, millions of adults continue to smoke cigarettes, cigars, and pipes, exposing themselves to long-term damage to their health.

While it’s never too late to quit smoking, research suggests that quitting smoking before the age of 35 can reverse some of the damage that cigarettes have already caused. Cutting out cigarettes before 35 can provide measurable health benefits in the short and long-term.

The Effects of Smoking on Your Health

It’s essential to understand the harmful impact of smoking on your health.

One cigarette contains more than 4,000 toxins, including tar, ammonia, arsenic, carbon monoxide, and hydrogen cyanide, which can have significant short-term and long-term effects on your respiratory, cardiovascular, and immune system.

Several studies and surveys have also revealed that smokers are at higher risk of developing several types of illnesses, including lung cancer, heart disease, stroke, and respiratory diseases such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), emphysema, and chronic bronchitis. Health professionals estimate that smoking is responsible for up to 30% of all cancer deaths and around 80-90% of COPD-related deaths.

Why Is Cutting Out Cigarettes Before 35 Effective?

You’re much more likely to have a longer, healthier life if you quit smoking before you’re 35 years old. When you’re young, your body has the capacity to heal itself from the damage that smoking causes.

Cutting out nicotine can enable the body to repair some of the damage that has already taken place, which can help reduce your risk of developing smoking-related illnesses.

Research has shown that smokers who quit before the age of 35 can reduce their risk of dying prematurely by 90% compared to those who continue to smoke.

Similarly, quitting cigarettes before you reach the age of 40 can reduce the risk of early death by around two-thirds.

But why is cutting out cigarettes before 35 so beneficial? By quitting before this age, you will have usually smoked for less than ten years.

This relatively short period of smoking won’t have caused significant damage to your body yet, so stopping can prevent future problems from arising.

Additionally, quitting before your mid-30s can prevent permanent changes and irreversible damage caused by smoking.

For example, smoking can cause damage to the lining of your blood vessels, making them stiffer and more narrow, putting a strain on your heart and increasing the risk of heart attacks and strokes. However, quitting smoking before this damage becomes permanent can reduce your risk of developing cardiovascular diseases.

The Health Benefits Of Quitting Smoking

Quitting smoking can provide measurable health benefits, such as:.

Reduced Risk of Cancer

Tobacco smoke contains many harmful chemicals that are linked to cancer. Quitting smoking reduces your risk of developing smoking-related cancers such as lung cancer, mouth cancer, and throat cancer.

Improved Cardiovascular Health

Smoking can cause damage to your blood vessels, increasing your risk of heart disease, heart attacks, and strokes. Quitting smoking helps repair the lining of your blood vessels, reducing your risk of developing cardiovascular problems.

Improved Respiratory Health

Smoking damages lung tissue, causing inflammation and reducing overall lung function. When you quit smoking, your lung function improves, and your risk of developing respiratory diseases such as COPD, asthma, and emphysema is greatly reduced.

Better Dental Health

Smoking can cause dental problems such as gum disease, tooth decay and stained teeth. Quitting smoking helps improve your dental health and reduce the risk of cavities.

Enhanced Reproductive Health

Smoking can harm reproductive health, leading to fertility issues and pregnancy-related complications. Quitting smoking before pregnancy improves fertility and reduces the risk of preterm birth and low birth weight.

How To Quit Smoking

Quitting smoking can be a challenge, but it’s not impossible. Many people quit smoking successfully and enjoy a healthier, smoke-free life. Here are some tips to help you quit:.

1. Find A Support System

Tell your friends, family, and colleagues that you’re quitting smoking, and ask them for support and encouragement. Join a smoking cessation support group to meet others who are trying to quit smoking and share your experiences.

2. Use Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT)

Nicotine replacement therapy, such as gum, patches, lozenges, inhalers, or nasal sprays, can help reduce withdrawal symptoms and cravings. Speak to your doctor to decide which type of NRT is best for you.

3. Consider Prescription Medication

Prescription medications such as varenicline and bupropion can help reduce cravings and withdrawal symptoms. Speak to your doctor to see if these medications are right for you.

4. Try Behavioural Therapy

Behavioural therapy can help you understand why you smoke and teach you strategies to deal with cravings and triggers. Try cognitive-behavioral therapy, individual counseling, or group therapy sessions to learn and practice healthier behaviors.

5. Keep Active

Physical exercise can help reduce cravings, boost your mood, and improve your overall health and well-being. Go for a few runs, have a brisk walk, or try a new workout regime.

Conclusion

Smoking is dangerous, addictive, and harmful to your health. Quitting smoking before 35, or even better, before 30, can reverse some of the damage caused by smoking and reduce the risk of developing long-term smoking-related illnesses.

The health benefits of quitting smoking are numerous and can extend far beyond the physical aspect. By quitting smoking, you can improve your quality of life and protect the health of those around you.