Due to pollution and other environmental impurities, multiple diseases arise from time to time. Most common lung diseases such as asthma, lung cancer, respiratory infections, and more are related to the lungs.
To work through the hypothesis, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) conducted a study showing that respiratory diseases including chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and emphysema rank as the 6th leading cause of death in the United States.
It shows how important it is for you to take your lung health seriously. Although supplements like siporex syrup and others can be used to treat respiratory infections along with other medicines as per their use.
But you must know how to the precautions to prevent yourself from getting those diseases in the first place. That is why, we bring you the top medically proven ways to keep your lungs healthy.
8 Proven Ways to Keep Your Lungs Healthy
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Avoid Smoking and Exposure to Smoke
Smoking is one of the leading causes of lung cancer and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). It damages the airways and alveoli which leads to decreased lung function and increased risk of lung infections.
If you smoke, then quitting is the best thing you can do for your lungs. Not only smoking but also exposure to secondhand smoke can be harmful, so you should try to avoid environments where others are smoking.
Tips to Quit Smoking
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Set a quiet day and make a plan.
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Seek the support of your friends and family. Surround yourself with non-smokers.
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Replace smoking with healthier habits.
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Stay physically active
Regular physical activity can specifically improve your lung health. The exercise helps to increase your lung capacity and strengthens the muscles that are involved in breathing. You can choose activities like;
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Walking
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Jogging
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Swimming
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Cycling
As they are an excellent choice for lung health. You should aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate exercise most days of the week.
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Maintain Good Indoor Air Quality
Indoor air pollution is as harmful as outdoor pollution. That is why you must keep your indoor air clean, regularly change your HAVC filters, use air purifiers, and make sure that your home is well-ventilated.
In addition to this, you must also avoid using harsh chemicals and go for natural cleaning products whenever possible. Also, houseplants can help purify the air by absorbing toxins.
Houseplants to Purify Indoor Air
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Spider Plant (Chlorophytum Comosum)
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Snake Plant (Sansevieria trifoliate)
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Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum)
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Boston Fern (Nephrolepis exaltata)
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Aloe Vera (Aleo barbadensis miller)
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Practice Deep Breathing Exercises
Deep breathing exercises can help in increasing lung capacity and improving oxygen delivery throughout your body. Techniques such as diaphragmatic breathing or pursed-lip breathing can be particularly beneficial.
Set aside a few minutes each day to practice these exercises and you will be able to feel the difference in your lung function over time.
Some Techniques for Proactive Deep Breathing Exercise
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Deep yawn stretch
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Hummin bee breath (Bhramari)
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Equal Breathing (Sama Vritti)
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Alternate Nostril Breathing (Nadi Shodhana)
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Rib Strech
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Stay Hydrated
Staying well-hydrated is compulsory if you want to maintain a healthy respiratory system. Water helps thin the mucus that lines your airways and lungs and makes it easy to breathe. You should aim for at least eight glasses of water a day and more if you are physically active or live in a hot climate.
Drinks to Stay Hydrated for Healthy Lungs
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Water
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Herbal tea
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Green tea
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Ginger tea
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Lemon water
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Coconut water
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Smoothies with leafy greens
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Aloe vera
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Avoid Pollutants and Allergens
Pollutants and allergens can irritate your lungs and worsen respiratory conditions. You should try to limit your exposure to outdoor air pollution by staying indoors on days with poor air quality. Furthermore, you must also keep your home free from dust, mold, and pet dander, and use an air purifier if necessary. If you have allergies, managing them effectively can also help you in reducing lung irritation.
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Eat a Balanced Diet
A healthy diet that is rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins can also support your lung health. Foods that are high in antioxidants such as berries, leafy greens, and nuts are good for protecting your lungs from damage.
Other than that, Omega-3 fatty acids – easily found in fish like salmon and flaxseeds have anti-inflammatory properties that can benefit your respiratory system.
Conclusion
So, no doubt it is essential that if you want to be listed as a healthy individual, you have to take care of the little details. The lungs play an important role in keeping you going and as a vital organ, it needs attention to keep going healthy. The ways mentioned above are clinically proven and help you keep the lungs in shape.
