Being kind to our lungs involves a short list of dos and do nots. Let’s take a look at ways to promote healthy lung function naturally.
Keeping our lungs healthy is an ongoing process and some of these tips will involve daily routines, while others can be used as the need arises. So let’s get started!
1. AVOID SMOKE
Avoiding smoke is the most important way to promote healthy lung function naturally! Avoiding smoke includes not smoking, not breathing second-hand smoke, and clearly not standing downwind of the marshmallow roasting fire! People with lung problems should also stay away from areas where fields, brush, and leaves are burning.
2. EXERCISE
Number two on our list of ways to promote healthy lung function naturally is to exercise.
We breath harder when we exercise. Exercise keeps our hearts healthy and keeps our lungs in shape as well. As we exercise, our bodies need more oxygen to fuel our muscles and our lungs provide that. As our lungs send new oxygen to our muscles, it also expels carbon dioxide.
3. HOT SHOWERS
Third on the list of ways to promote healthy lung function naturally is to take hot showers.
Steam has been shown to help people with breathing problems. To add to the benefit of a hot shower, try adding a few drops of eucalyptus oil and inhale the vapor in the steam. Breathing eucalyptus oil can loosen phlegm and ease congestion.
In 2006, The Clinical Microbiology and Infection published a study that suggested that eucalyptus oil may have antibacterial effects on bacteria in the upper respiratory tract. Eucalyptus oil acts as an expectorant and helps with congestion.
4. LAUGH
According to Jennifer M Ryan PT, MS, DPT, CCS, a certified specialist in cardiovascular and pulmonary physical therapy at Rush University Medical Center, says that …”laughing is a great exercise to work the abdominal muscles and increase lung capacity.” She adds, “It clears out your lungs by forcing enough stale air out that allows fresh air to enter more areas of the lung.”
So laughing not only does your heart good, its great for exercising your lungs!
5. PURIFY YOUR INDOOR AIR
Adding indoor plants will remove many toxins from your indoor air. Plants with large leaf surfaces are better.
Electric air purifiers are great for cleaning our indoor air and many are very affordable. They can be purchased at almost all the variety superstores as well as online. Here are some examples of air purifiers:
Himalayan Salt Purifiers are another way to clean and deodorize the inside of your home. They work by attracting water molecules and any foreign particles that may be attached to them. A light bulb inside the sea crystal warms the salt, allowing the water to be evaporated back into the air, but the particles such as dust, pollen, and other toxins stay trapped within the salt. Here are some examples of Himalayan Salt Purifiers.
6. ELIMINATE HOUSEHOLD CHEMICALS
Getting rid of household chemicals such as cleaners, bleaches, and air fresheners that contain harmful toxins. Replace them with products that have more natural, non-toxic ingredients. There are many recipes online for household cleaners using vinegar, lemons, and essential oils. Google “natural cleaners” and “natural cleaner recipes”. Many companies now offer a more “green” line of cleaners.
7. EAT FRUITS AND VEGETABLES
Good nutrition is a given when trying to stay healthy, but foods rich in antioxidants have been shown to aid in efficient lung function.
A study by the National Cancer Institute found that people who ate at least 5 servings of cruciferous vegetables a week cut their risk of lung cancers by 50% in contrast to that group that consumed low amounts of cruciferous vegetables.
Eating foods rich in Vitamins A, C, and B Complex is another great way to promote healthy lung function. These food include apples, carrots, citrus fruits, and leafy green vegetables.
8. EAT OMEGA-3-RICH FOODS
Omega-3 fatty acid-rich foods such as flaxseed, nuts, coconut oil, and wild-caught salmon help reduce inflammation of the body and help repair lung injury from exposure to smoke.
Avoid processed foods that contain harmful food additives like nitrites, nitrates, BHT, and aspartame. These additives have been found to be associated with COPD, lung cancer, and asthma attacks. Read labels, and choose whole unprocessed foods when possible.
Be Kind to Your Lungs
Our lungs play a significant role in our immune systems. When our lungs don’t function as they should, the rest of our body suffers. It’s important to do what we can to promote healthy lung function.
Do you know other ways to promote healthy lung function? If so, share it with us here in the comments section. Would love to hear from you!
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