Health

Negative Effect

Positive effect

Skin

Reduces oxygen to the skin ageing it more quickly.

Stopping smoking has been found to reduce the appearance of wrinkles. The skin of a non-smoker gets more nutrients, including oxygen, which reverses the sallow, lined complexion that smokers often have.

Mouth

Increases risk of mouth cancer and gum disease.

Kicking the smoking habit gives the sense of smell and taste a real boost, as the body recovers from being dulled by the hundreds of toxic chemicals in cigarettes.

Throat

Increases the risk of throat cancer.

Reduces the chance of developing a cough caused by the hundreds of toxic chemicals in cigarettes.

Heart

Clogs the arteries, causes heart attacks and strokes.

Within a year of stopping, the risk of a heart attack falls to about half that of a continuing smoker. After ten years, the risk falls to the same level as someone who never smoked.

Lungs

Causes lung cancer and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

Stop smoking and lung capacity could improve by up to 10% within nine months. Lung capacity naturally diminishes with age so not smoking can make all the difference when it comes to having an active and healthy old age.

Fertility

Increases chances of miscarriage, cervical cancer, and complications during pregnancy and delivery.

Quitting smoking improves the lining of the womb increasing the possibility of conceiving and reducing the likelihood of having a miscarriage. Most important, it improves the chances of giving birth to a healthy baby.

Sex

May reduce blood flow and cause impotence, and can damage sperm.

Men who quit may get better erections and women may find orgasms improved and become aroused more easily. The body's blood flow improves and this heightens sensitivity.

Fitness

Carbon monoxide in cigarette smoke can lead to breathlessness.

Within two to 12 weeks of stopping smoking, the circulation improves making all physical activities much easier. The boost to the immune system makes it easier to fight off colds and flu.