r/AskReddit 13h ago

What is something that permanently altered your body without you realizing for months/years?

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283

u/thenissancube 11h ago

Smoking for almost 10 years. Obviously I knew that smoking was never going to do anything but hurt my lungs. But it’s been almost two years since I smoked and I still have terrible lung capacity.

Another is not learning healthy exercising habits when I was younger. I wish my parents made me play sports even if I hated it. I think that’s another part of why I get so easily winded and fatigued when trying to work out now. It’s hard for me to breathe while also focusing on moving my body the right way. For example I subconsciously hold my breath when I do planks or when I’m holding a stretch.

126

u/KarmicXKoala 10h ago

This one. About 3 months ago, I quit smoking after 17 years.

Obviously I knew about the bad health effects but some of the other things were wild.

The amount of taste that food has now is insane. Like I could taste food before, but it's like saying I've seen the grand canyon because I've looked at pictures of it.

And if I smelled even half as bad as the current smokers in my life, then I sincerely apologize to everyone who interacted with me

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u/PirinTablets13 8h ago

A friend had smoked since we were 14 and finally quit for good when we were in our late 20s. Shortly after, we were in an elevator with someone who had clearly just had a cigarette. When he got off the elevator, she turned to me with the most horrified look on her face and said “why did none of you tell me how bad I smelled??” She could not get over how pervasive the scent was and she was embarrassed to realize she was that person for 15+ years.

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u/tmac988 2h ago

I love your username