Good Habits for Healthy Lungs

Don’t Smoke

This is the first and foremost step towards healthy lungs because smoking is the number one cause of lung disease and contributes to COPD and lung cancer. Smoking causes chronic inflammation in the lungs which can make it difficult for you to breathe and destroys lung tissue. If you are a smoker, talk to your doctor at FirstCure Health for smoking cessation aids which can help you quit.

Breath clean air

Breathe in as much fresh air as possible; when indoors ensure that your house is mold-free, avoid second hand smoke; dust your indoors regularly with a vacuum cleaner; use natural and fragrance-free products for cleansing and avoid aerosol sprays. While outdoors, wear a face mask to filter the air you breathe, avoid busy roads which expose you to vehicle exhaust.

Liquids for the lungs

Consume on a daily basis freshly made ginger-honey-lemon tea, green tea and turmeric water to reduce congestion, detox the lungs, heal a sore throat and boost immunity to keep respiratory-infection germs at bay.

Eat the right foods

Certain foods contain nutrients which help protect your lungs and optimize lung function. Eat atleast five apples a week, blueberries, peppers, pumpkin, yogurt, lentils and beets to improve lung functioning to a great extent. Plus, foods rich in antioxidants, Vitamin C and beta carotene are beneficial for the lungs.

Maintain good oral hygiene

Germs and bacteria can build up in the mouth, cause not just tooth decay but also contribute to illnesses such as pneumonia and bronchitis that increase risk for lung diseases. Be mindful of the surfaces you touch with your hands and avoid touching your eyes, mouth or nose if you cannot wash your hands right away. Use of sanitizers also reduces the possibilities of infection to your respiratory tract.

Exercise Regularly

Exercise strengthens your lungs and boosts your immune system. Certain exercises can also strengthen the diaphragm and the muscles between the ribs that help you breathe. Combine cardio exercises such as running, walking and swimming with strength training exercises to strengthen your lungs and breathing muscles.

Introduce breathing exercises for improved lung function

The three common breathing exercises include:

Pursed lip breathing –

Sit straight, purse the lips as if you are about to kiss. Breathe in from your nose (say for 5 seconds) but breathe out for double the time of inhalation (10 seconds) through your pursed lips. Doing this for about 5 minutes daily is useful especially for those who lead a sedentary life.

Diaphragm breathing –

Place your hand gently on your stomach, breathe in from your nose and breathe out from your mouth. Be aware that your inhalation and exhalation makes your stomach rise and fall respectively. Doing this for 5 to 10 minutes a day can increase the rate at which the lungs filter the air.

If you already have asthma, COPD or any other respiratory disorder, consult a medical expert before incorporating the aforementioned habits. To get in touch with a renowned pulmonologist, visit FirstCure Health.