I have smoked about 20 a day for 10 yrs, and also used salt like it is going out of fashion is it reversible?

Question

I am 45, 6'00" tall weigh 19.5 stones and totally unfit, I would like to lose weight and become fit again (I found the extent of my non fitness, new years eve after 10 mins of dancing I thought I was going to die) anyway the point is after 10 yrs of smoking and a lifetime of high salt consumption, I was wondering if it would be possible to regain my fitness with dieting and excercise,or if my arteries are so clogged up that all I am likely to do is be miserable and not gain any benefit as the damage has been done.

Happy new year to you all.

Answer 1

my dad was kind of similar to you. he's around 50 though, and he has been smoking since he was 15. [i know its a long time]. He also eats a high amount of salt, even though hes not suppose to. My dad cant excercise for 10 either. he gets so tired so esily. this new years hes decided to quit smoking as step 1. Quiting smoking enables oxygen to flow more easier areound the body and though the lungs. So If you quit smoking first, you'll start to feel better, and be able to breathe better as well. there are many support sites available, and presciption medications too. My father is also reducing his salt consumption. in stead of marinating his steak with salt and pepper, he uses herbs and spices. they give food a strong, delicious taste, without too much salt. My advise is:

You first should stop smoking. Then you should exerciseo n a daily basis [like when you first start, about 10-15 minutes each day, and as you get used to it, you can increase it by 15-3 0 minutes a day] then put your self on a diet. dont starve your self though. They say eating more smaller maeals is better than 3 smaller meals. I hope my advise has help you at least the slightest bit.

Answer 2

I'm putting you at 273 pounds and that is too much for your height for sure.

Can you reverse it? To a degree and enough that it is worth trying.

I smoked more than that for 21 years and have been a non-smoker for 10. My lungs look Like I never smoked. Once you stop, they begin to clear immedately and 5-10 years later they are usually very healthy.

You are out of shape and should be 200# or less, really.

I am 5'7" and once weighed 225. I'm no taller now, but weigh 171, and work out three times a week. Very Very little red meat, I eat just til I'm full and no more. I am now in shape and feel great.
I am 49 and can do anything I could do at 18. SERiously.

I do the South beach diet mostly, but modify that, too. I do 15-20 minutes of Cardio and then 30 minutes of machine weights, again three times a week. I bench over 300 on the machine and Leg press 700 (Machine). That and the cardio keeps me in shape. I could not have done that 4 yrs ago, but can easily today.

You can correct damage, you have to change you mindset and eat to live instead of live to eat.

Check with your Dr. before you begin and I wish you well!

Answer 3

Go see a physician if you're planning to do a program. :) And oh, make a few lifestyle adjustments. Like making your food tastier with spices instead of salt. And exercising when you feel like smoking. Get a hobby. Be more involved. Watch the news and spit invectives on politicians. They keep your mind from thoughts of salt and smoke.

So anyway, it's all about finding the right exercises and eating attitude that would fit your lifestyle. Remember, health requires a holistic lifestyle. It's not just about your body. Never look back!!! Oh dear!!! This is what keeps me yoyoing my weight.

I think visualizing how you look like in the end will keep you motivated. If that's not enough, think of the people most important to you. What cool things could you only do in a fitter state that you can't do in your present state? I don't recommend diets and pills, but supplements are helpful especially for your immune system. (I take Berocca--not sure where it's available)

You can never compromise these three though: exercise, pray and meditate. It keeps your body, spirit and mind in shape respectively. n_n

Answer 4

Yes it is. Give up the ciggies, you CAN do it. I gave up 40 a day and I never thought I would. Cut down on the salt. Look at the Gi Diet and give it a go. Its a good diet and it works. Walk every day as exercise, building up gradually.
I have followed my own advice and have lost 5 stone in 6 months been a non smoker for 8 years and I walk around 3 - 5 miles most days. Oh yeah, I still have another 10stone to lose so Im not there yet!!! lol;

Answer 5

If you started smoking at 35 and only did so for 10 years, smoking would hardly have done any damage to you.

The combination of what you eat and the weight that you are carrying around is what will get you. Believe me... it is not the cigarettes which got you out of breath... even so... the combination of the two would not help.

You are at least overweight by 6 stones.

You are going to need more than exercise to loose that much weight. You need to go on a diet and be physically active 8 hours a day. Even if you did that... it probably would take you close to two years to loose 6 stones.

Answer 6

Likely, the salt consumption is partly owing to the ruination of your taste buds from smoking - if you quit smoking, your taste buds will work better and you won't need as much salt to amplify the taste of things.

Quitting smoking is the single greatest thing you can do for your health, even if you do not otherwise diet and exercise. But be aware that your metabolism will slow down from having been cranked up by smoking, and you will tend to gain weight.

So exercise and some degree of calorie restriction dieting will be in order.

It is very hard to conquer the smoking addiction and requires constant vigilance. And doing regular exercise and sticking to a diet is a further discipline to master.

It all comes down to self-discipline and motivation.

And you should go to a doctor and get a cholesterol test and get advice on lowering it if it is high, and I can't imagine that it isn't.

Good luck.

Answer 7

10 years ago I was the same age as I am now.... oh wait that is not possible.. are you sure 1999 was that long ago? I mean I am still putting 1997 on my checks. Well I guess I was not wondering, I was too busy living every moment at the moment and didn't(and don't) do too much worrying, every moment of life is a chance to change the road you are on, only you have the power to do that, my advice, stop worrying and start living. no I am not the least bit concerned about 2019, I may have fibbed a bit My biggest concern is how we treat others and the earth. and I stay mindful of those

Answer 8

It will definitely benefit you. Apparantly, for every cigarette you have,it takes 10 minutes off your life, how true that is I don't know, but i'm sure it's not far from the truth. I believe it takes 5yrs for all the tar/nicotine etc to be completely removed from your system.
Also,definitely cut down on your salt intake and get some exercise,slowly at first. The doctor will be able to help you with the smoking and dieting. Go on,go for it,it's never too late!!!
Happy new year to you too!!

Answer 9

You ain't going to be 18 again. When you get to your mid forties, bits start falling off. Giving up the fags and improving your diet will improve your quality of life, and at least some of the damage is reversible.

And lay off the dancing. You might be able to get away with a bit of ballroom, but an overweight 45 year old chucking it about is dangerous to you and the building, and embarrassing for the kids.

Answer 10

It is partially reversible. Your lungs can regain some lost function if you quit smoking. Your blood vessels can regain better function as well if you begin to exercise. Just walking is a good way to start. Do not do too much too soon. This has been, as you describe it, years of neglect, so do not expect fast results. However, be faithful to quitting and walking and changing your diet and you will see results slowly but surely.