How does the body repair itself after quitting tobacco? Doctor told about the changes from 24 hours to a year

World No Tobacco Day is celebrated every year on 31 May. Do you know that the body starts the process of repairing itself as soon as you quit tobacco? If not, then this article is for you. Here we will tell you with the help of a doctor how after this, slowly every hour, every day your body starts getting into a better condition. Let's find out.

Quitting cigarettes is definitely difficult, but it can prove to be the best decision of your life. Yes, as soon as you quit tobacco, your body starts repairing itself. This improvement happens slowly, but every hour, every day you feel better. On the occasion of World No Tobacco Day 2025 being celebrated on 31 May, let's know from Dr. Akshay Budhraja, Senior Consultant and Head of Respiratory and Sleep Medicine, Aakash Healthcare, what good changes come in your body after quitting tobacco.

In the first 24 hours
As soon as you quit tobacco, your body starts recovering within the first 24 hours. Your blood pressure and heart rate start becoming normal. Your lungs start cleaning themselves, and you may cough or have a little mucus, which is a sign that the lungs are cleaning from the inside. During this time the risk of heart attack also starts decreasing.
After 1 week
Within just a week, you will see many improvements. Your sense of smell and taste improves. You will feel ease in breathing and energy levels will also start increasing. By this time, the effect of nicotine is almost gone from your body, although you may feel a little craving.
After 3 months
After three months, there is a significant improvement in the functioning of your lungs. Now you will feel less tired while walking, running or climbing stairs. Blood circulation in your body improves, which delivers oxygen to the heart properly. In women, the possibility of pregnancy can also increase.
After 1 year
After staying away from tobacco for a year, major changes take place in your body. The risk of heart-related diseases is reduced by half, and your immune system becomes stronger. The complexion and glow of your skin also starts to improve. Your body starts compensating for the long-term damage caused by tobacco, such as breathing capacity and the risk of cancer gradually decreases.
Doctor's advice
Dr. Akshay Budhraja, Senior Consultant and Head of Respiratory and Sleep Medicine, Aakash Healthcare, says that mental and emotional support is very important in this journey of quitting tobacco. This journey can become easier with nicotine replacement therapy (NRT), counseling and medical help.