What Happens to Your Body When You Quit Vaping? A Timeline
Quitting vaping is a significant step toward better health. When you decide to stop, your body begins a series of positive changes that continue over time, improving your physical and mental well-being. Let’s break down what happens from the moment you quit and how your body heals itself.
These Positive Changes Happen to Your Body When You Quit Vaping
Within the First 20 Minutes
Your body starts to recover almost immediately. Within the first 20 minutes after you stop vaping, your heart rate drops to a more normal level. This is because nicotine, a stimulant found in vapes, increases your heart rate. So, as the nicotine levels in your body begin to decrease, your heart rate settles down.
After 12 Hours
Nicotine and the various chemicals in vaping products affect your lungs and the oxygen levels in your blood. Just 12 hours after your last vape, the carbon monoxide levels in your blood drop, and oxygen levels return to normal. Carbon monoxide is a harmful gas that can reduce the amount of oxygen your blood can carry. Without the constant intake of it from vaping, your body begins to function more efficiently.
After 24 Hours
After a day without vaping, your body has already made significant progress. The nicotine levels in your bloodstream have significantly decreased, reducing your risk of heart-related issues. You may start to notice withdrawal symptoms, such as cravings, irritability, or anxiety, as your body adjusts to the absence of nicotine.
Within 2 to 3 Days
Your sense of taste and smell begin to improve. Vaping can dull these senses, so when you quit, you might notice that foods taste better and smells are more pronounced.
After 1 Month
By this time, many people report feeling a significant improvement in their lung function. You might find it easier to breathe during activities where you once struggled, such as climbing stairs or exercising. This is because your lungs are healing from the irritation and damage caused by vaping.
After 3 to 9 Months
Continued improvement in lung function leads to fewer respiratory issues, such as coughing and shortness of breath. This period allows the cilia in your lungs (tiny hair-like structures) to recover and function better, helping to clear out mucus and reduce the risk of infection.
After 1 Year
One year after quitting vaping, your risk of heart disease is about half that of a person who is still vaping. This is due to the reduction in exposure to harmful chemicals and nicotine, which affect heart health.
Beyond a Year
The benefits continue to accumulate over the years. Quitting vaping reduces your risk of developing smoking-related illnesses, such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), heart disease, and certain types of cancer.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Will I gain weight if I quit vaping?
Some people might experience weight gain after quitting vaping, mainly due to increased appetite and the tendency to replace vaping with snacking. However, you can manage this by maintaining a healthy diet and staying active.
2. Is it normal to feel worse before feeling better after quitting?
Yes, withdrawal symptoms can make you feel worse temporarily. Symptoms like irritability, difficulty concentrating, and increased appetite are common but will decrease over time as your body adjusts.
3. How can I handle cravings and withdrawal symptoms?
Strategies include staying hydrated, using nicotine replacement therapies (under medical advice), keeping yourself busy, exercising, and seeking support from friends, family, or support groups.
Quitting vaping is undoubtedly challenging, but the benefits to your health start almost immediately and continue to grow over time. With each passing day, your body heals, reducing your risk of chronic diseases and improving your overall quality of life.
