Our lungs do a lot for us. Although most people don’t consider the lungs something they can exercise, you can take steps to improve their performance.
The air we breathe can be contaminated with many kinds of pollutants. All kinds of pollutants, including chemicals and secondhand smoke, can get into our lungs.
Although our lungs are largely self-cleaning, there are some things you can do that will help them function at their best.
A lung could benefit people with breathing problems such as asthma, chronic or obstructive lung disease (COPD), cystic fibrosis, or chronic obstructive airway disease (COPD). A lung cleanse may be beneficial if you are a smoker or take inhaled medication.
You can do lung health improvements in many ways.
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Get an air purifier.
You can purify your lungs by increasing the air quality in your home. You can purchase an air purifier that you can place in individual rooms. Or you can also purchase a household cleaner.
Clean or Change All Filters
Along with getting an air purifier, you should clean or change your home’s filters and vents, such as those in the bathroom or your air conditioning or heating vents.
You should also make sure that your furnace filter is replaced every six months.
Remove artificial scents
It may seem like you are improving the air quality in your home by using candles, air fresheners, or wax candle warmers. These fragrances can irritate your lungs and are often made with harmful chemicals.
Even household cleaners can cause irritations. Online therapy can be a great option for long-term support of addiction.
Spend more time outdoors
Fresh air is good for your lungs. You should check the local pollution forecasts. Avoid going outside when the pollution levels are high and avoid burning trash, wood, or any other type of smoke.
An air filter mask is a good option if you are concerned about pollution or live in an area with high levels of pollutants.
Breathing exercises are a good idea.
Some breathing exercises can help improve the function of your lungs, particularly for those who smoke.
Some tools can help you practice your breathing, such as a spirometer. This device is used to aid in the healing process after surgery.
Other breathing exercises do not require assistive devices. These techniques include:
- pursed-lip breathing
- belly breathing, which is also known as diaphragmatic breathing
Talk to your doctor if you smoke or have lung damage. They should be able to refer you to a respiratory clinic, where therapists can put you in a special program to assist you.
Practice percussion
The technique of chest percussion (or percussion) can drain fluid from your lungs. It involves lying down with your head lower and lightly tapping your back to work from top to bottom.
It’s often combined with postural drainage, a technique where you change your body’s position so that it’s easier for fluid to move out of the lungs. It could be your stomach, back, or side.
Many people with cystic fibrosis or pneumonia use percussion and postural drainage. To loosen secretions, the individual taps their back with cupped hands. The secretions will move upwards and outwards when the tip is in place.
Change your diet
Lung health can be affected by your diet in many ways.
Vitamin D: Eating vitamin-D-rich foods may improve your lung health. In 2017, a study that looked at people with asthma found that healthy vitamin D levels significantly reduced the need for corticosteroid treatment.
Animal products such as eggs, salmon, sardines, and sardines are the best sources of vitamin D. However, breakfast cereals and other products that don’t naturally contain the vitamin may be fortified with it.
Drinks and foods that are anti-inflammatory: Certain foods and drinks contain anti-inflammatory antioxidants. Antioxidants can help reduce inflammation and improve your ability to breathe.
Try green tea. In a Korean study, consuming green tea just twice a day reduced COPD risk in people 40 years old and older.
You can also try dark chocolate, broccoli, turmeric, and other anti-inflammatory foods.
Healthy fats: You can also choose a diet that’s lower in carbohydrates and higher in healthy fats. Metabolizing carbohydrates creates more carbon dioxide and requires more oxygen than metabolizing oils.
Do more aerobic exercise.
An exercise routine that incorporates aerobic activity can help improve your lung capacity. Aerobic exercise includes:
- walking
- running
- cycling, whether outdoors or indoors
- swimming
- dancing or dance-inspired workouts such as Zumba
- boxing
- Tennis is one example of a sport that you can enjoy.
Talk to your doctor if you have a chronic pulmonary disease. Before you start an exercise program, make sure to consult your doctor.
