Senses Return
Nerve endings start to regrow. Your sense of taste and smell begin to improve.
What happens to your body 48 hours after quitting smoking
At the 48-hour mark, damaged nerve endings begin to regrow. This is when many ex-smokers first notice a real, tangible difference — food starts to taste better and smells become more vivid. The chemicals in cigarette smoke damage the taste buds and olfactory receptors over time. Once you stop exposing them to these toxins, they begin regenerating. Many people describe this as one of the first rewarding moments of quitting.
Frequently asked questions
Why can't smokers taste food properly?
Smoking flattens your taste buds and reduces their ability to regenerate. The toxic chemicals also inflame the nasal passages, dulling your sense of smell — which is closely linked to taste. After 48 hours, these receptors begin recovering.
How long until taste and smell fully return?
Most people notice significant improvements within the first week. Full recovery of taste and smell typically happens within a few weeks to a month, depending on how long and heavily you smoked.