Heart Disease

Within 12 hours after you have had your last cigarette, your body will begin to heal itself. The levels of carbon monoxide and nicotine in your system will decline rapidly, and your heart and lungs will begin to repair the damage caused by cigarette smoke. Within a few days, you will probably begin to notice some remarkable changes in your body. Your sense of smell and taste may improve. You will breathe more easily, and your smoker's cough may begin to disappear.

It is important to understand that, as your body begins to repair itself, you may feel some withdrawal symptoms, such as temporary weight gain caused by fluid retention, irregularity, coughing, and dry, sore gums or tongue. You may feel irritable, hungry, tired, or more short-tempered than usual. These symptoms are the result of your body clearing itself of the powerful addictive chemical nicotine. Most nicotine is gone from the body within two to three days, but the craving will last longer.

• For dry mouth or sore throat, gums, or tongue, try sipping cold water or fruit juice, or chew gum.
  
  
• For headaches, take a warm bath or shower, and try relaxation or meditation techniques.
  
  
• If you have trouble sleeping, do not drink coffee, tea, or soda with caffeine after 6:00 PM. Again, try relaxation or meditation techniques.
  
  
• Irregularity can be avoided by adding roughage to your diet, such as raw fruit, vegetables, and whole-grain cereals. Try drinking six to eight glasses of water a day.
  
  
• For fatigue, take a nap, if possible, and try not to push yourself too much. Your body needs a chance to heal itself.
  
  
• If you experience excess hunger, drink water or a low-calorie drink. Eat low-fat, low-calorie snacks.
  
  
• For tenseness and irritability, take a walk, soak in a hot bath, or try relaxation and meditation techniques.
  
  
• For cough, sip warm herbal tea. Suck on cough drops or sugarless hard candy.