Your risk of developing Coronary Heart Disease reduces by 50 percent 1 year after your last cigarette. In 5 to 15 years, your risk of developing heart disease and stroke reduces to that of someone who never smoked. The actual effect of nicotine and other tobacco related substances may not be the only factor figuring into the high risk of disease smokers experience. Smokers typically eat fewer amounts of foods that are the primary providers of antioxidants that protect our bodies from chronic disease and toxins such as nicotine. They also have a low intake of folate, a vitamin that helps reduce the risk of heart disease by keeping homocysteine levels in check.
Smokers also have higher intakes of fats, increasing their risk of heart disease.
And their lower intake of fiber can also increase the risk of heart disease. The key to staying physically healthy when quitting smoking is being prepared. Understanding the physical and psychological dependence, habit, and pleasure that you experienced when smoking is the first step. Many smokers report that they enjoy the taste, smell and feel of cigarettes. Finding an adequate replacement for cigarettes that will avoid excess calories can help.