Can smoking affect your immune system? Tips to quit

How does smoking affect your body and behaviour?

Does smoking make your immune system worse? In a nutshell, yes.

Your immune system works to protect your body. A strong immune system is important for fighting off colds, flu, and infections. When your immune system is impacted by smoking, illnesses can be more severe.

Quitting smoking will improve your health

It is universally known that stopping smoking will lower your risk of developing illnesses such as heart disease and cancer. Quitting also lowers your risk of diabetes, and helps your blood vessels, heart, and lungs to work better.

London GP, Dr Emma Eade, explains: “Smokers often pick up viruses and colds more easily and these can last for longer than non-smokers. When my patients first start their quit journey, some of them tell me that they feel disappointed as they expect to feel healthier immediately.”

“The good news is by using support and stop smoking aids you can stay smoke free. Being smoke free will lead to improved circulation, increased oxygen levels in the blood, and you’ll have lower inflammation in the body.”

To help you to succeed at quitting smoking so you can boost your immune system, take a look at these stop smoking tips.

How can I boost my immune system to recover from smoking?

Use Stop Smoking aids

Many people ask; “does quitting smoking make your immune system stronger?” and the simple answer is yes!

When you stop smoking, you cut off your nicotine supply. This can lead to withdrawal symptoms.

Using quit smoking medications, nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) or vapes can help. It will double, and in some cases triple, your chances of stopping for good. You’ll also immediately feel better too!

Exercise helps stop smoking attempts

Research has shown that exercise immediately helps the immune system to recover from smoking.

Becoming more active, even if it is just a short, brisk walk will boost your mood, reduce stress, and help you sleep better. It will also help reduce your urge to smoke!

Get quit support from Stop Smoking London

There’s no one way to stop smoking. Simply put, you need to get the right support in place that works best for you and your individual needs.

Research has shown that you’re much more likely to succeed at quitting with support. If you’d like help at any stage of your quit smoking journey, search for your local stop smoking service. Or speak to one of our telephone stop smoking advisers.

Good sleep helps stop smoking attempts

Poor sleep is a common side effect of nicotine withdrawal when stopping smoking.

A prolonged lack of sleep can also disrupt your immune system. So, it’s particularly important to get on top of any sleep problems you may encounter as you quit.

For advice on how to get a good night’s sleep as you quit smoking, visit the Good Thinking website.

Get free help from a Stop Smoking London adviser

If you want to quit to support your immune system, we are here to help you start your journey today.

Find your local face-to-face stop smoking service in your borough. Or speak to a Stop Smoking London telephone adviser today at 300 123 1044 to enrol in our free telephone programme.

Find out more about the support available to you.