Our lungs are often exposed to various contaminants like smoke, pollutants, chemicals, and pollens. Whether you have respiratory issues like asthma or COPD, or you believe your lungs are healthy, these tips can help improve your lung health and capacity.
- Change Your Air Filters: Routinely changing your air filters can reduce the amount of dirt and pollutants that your lungs have to filter.
- Be Aware of Air Fresheners and Candles: While they may smell pleasant, these items often contain harsh chemicals that can harm your lungs.
- Spend Time Outdoors: Exercising outdoors increases your cardiovascular health and lets your lungs breathe in fresh air. If the air quality in your area is poor, consider wearing an air-purifying mask.
- Practice Deep Breathing Exercises: Deep breathing exercises can help build up lung capacity. Try to breathe from your abdomen, not your chest muscles, for effective deep breathing.
- Get Percussive or Vibratory Massage: These types of massage can stimulate the lungs and help get rid of excessive mucus, which is particularly beneficial after a cold.
- Use a Heating Pad: Using a heating pad on your back can increase circulation and loosen up the intercostal muscles, making breathing easier.
- Consume Ginger: Ginger can help detoxify your lungs and eliminate air pollutants from your air passages.
- Consume Licorice: Licorice has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that can reduce inflammation of the bronchial tubes.
- Use a Facial Steamer with Eucalyptus Oil: Steam and Eucalyptus oil can cleanse the lungs and open up the respiratory system.
- Limit Sugar and Dairy Intake: Sugar can cause increased inflammation, and dairy products can produce excessive mucus.
- Add More Oregano to Your Diet: Oregano contains carvacrol and rosmarinic acid, both of which are natural decongestants and histamine reducers.
- Start Your Day with Lemon Water: Drinking a glass of water with lemon juice first thing in the morning can cleanse the lungs.
- Consume Antioxidants: Foods rich in antioxidants, like blueberries, broccoli, and green tea, can boost the vitality and capacity of your lungs.
- Consume Peppermint: Peppermint is a natural decongestant that can fight infection-causing bacteria in the lungs.
- Ensure Adequate Vitamin D Intake: Studies have shown that vitamin D can benefit many lung conditions.
- Stay Hydrated: Drinking plenty of water can accelerate the healing process of the lungs.
- Lower Your Sodium Intake: Sodium can cause fluid retention, which can make breathing more difficult.
- Maintain a Healthy Weight: Excessive weight can put a strain on the heart and diaphragm, making breathing more difficult.
Improving your lung health requires a combination of lifestyle changes, dietary adjustments, and certain exercises. By following these tips, you can help detoxify and strengthen your lungs, improving your overall health and well-being.
References:
Plant-derived foods for the attenuation of allergic airway inflammation