Our lungs function constantly and diligently to maintain overall health. Lungs are unsung heroes and maintaining lung health is of prime importance. Breathing facilitated by the lungs is the most important bodily function as this process helps supply oxygen to our cells, without which we become susceptible to various health conditions, ranging from respiratory conditions to heart diseases.
To optimise lung function, it is recommended to engage in intense activities. You should also support the lungs in their self-cleansing process to avoid the build-up of toxins caused by dust, pollutants, smoking, and allergens. Read on to get an insight into strategies that will help keep this vital organ strong.
How to Maintain Lung Health?
Lung Care is important because just like the joints, heart, and various other parts of your body, lungs too age over time. Flexibility and strength of your lungs deteriorate over time and you may experience breathing difficulties.
Healthy habits and lifestyle contribute significantly to maintaining lung health and ensuring optimum functioning even as you age. Here are some tips that will help maintain lung health.
1. Avoid Smoking
Cigarette smoking introduces nicotine, carbon monoxide, and tar into your lungs, which are harmful chemicals and can damage your lungs to a great extent. These toxins hinder the self-cleansing process of the lungs by thickening mucus. This will also cause irritation and inflammation of tissues.
With continuous smoking, the airways narrow further and cause breathing difficulties. Smoking also accelerates the ageing of the lungs and the toxins may transform healthy cells of the lungs into cancerous ones
2. Exercise Regularly
Besides avoiding smoking, regular exercise is equally important to preserve lung health. There will be more demand for oxygen to fuel your muscles when you exercise. This will elevate the heart rate and your lungs will have to work harder to make up for the oxygen supply. Your breathing rate may increase from 15 to about 40 to 60 times a minute.
High-intensity exercises like aerobic exercises make you breathe heavily and are a good workout for the lungs. The muscles between your ribs are engaged, which optimises the exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide into your lungs’ air sacs. Regular exercises will strengthen and enhance your lung health and boost your resistance to diseases.
3. Avoid Exposure to Pollutants
Environmental pollutants can harm and age your lungs. As your lungs age, they become vulnerable to various health issues. Follow these steps to protect your lungs from pollutants:
- Avoid active as well as passive smoking
- Resist outdoor activities in a polluted environment
- Exercise safety measures at work, especially when you are involved in high-risk jobs
- Keep your home smoke-free
- Ventilate and regularly clean your homes
- Use air fresheners if necessary
- Keep your home dust and mould-free
- Use natural cleaning products
4. Prevent Lung Infections
As you age, the resistance to infections also deteriorates. Infections can impact your lungs greatly. Prevent lung infections by following a few tips
- Keep your hands clean by washing them with warm water and soap regularly.
- Enhance water consumption and eat fruits and vegetables to derive nutrients that boost your immune system.
5. Practise Deep Breathing
A small portion of the lungs will be activated if you are taking short breaths from your chest area. Practising deep breathing will help clear the lungs and maximise oxygen exchange. To practise deep breathing, inhale and exhale through your nose.
Exhalation should be twice as long as your inhalation. Shallow breaths come from the chest, whereas deep breaths come from your belly, where your diaphragm is located. You will feel relaxed with this exercise.
Weak Lung Symptoms
Some of the common weak lung symptoms are:
- Shortness of breath
- A cough that would not go away
- Difficulty while exercising
- Fatigue or tiredness
- Weight Loss
- Recurring lung infections like acute bronchitis
- Wheezing
Foods Good for Lungs
Preserving lung health is important to maintain your quality of life. Here are some healthy lungs food. Incorporate it into your diet for better lung functioning:
- Beets and beet greens
- Apples
- Pepper
- Tomato and tomato products
- Pumpkin
- Blueberries
- Red Cabbage
- Edamame
- Oysters
- Yogurt
- Brazil Nuts
- Coffee
- Barley
- Swiss Chards
Conclusion
Preserving lung health is extremely important for better living. By following a few tips like exercising regularly, avoiding exposure to pollutants and smoking, preventing infections, and practicing deep breathing, you can maintain your lung health. Also, incorporating food good for lungs into your diet will improve your lung functioning.
You should also watch for weak lung symptoms like shortness of breath, fatigue, persistent cough, etc. and seek immediate medical attention to prevent complicated lung issues that will hamper your daily activities.
