6 Ways to Keep Your Lungs Healthy

Our lungs must be in their healthiest condition all the time. It will be difficult to recover when the lungs are weak and disease-stricken. So how can you keep your lungs healthy? What can you do to keep your lungs as healthy as possible?

Tips to Keep Your Lungs Healthy

Most of the time, we pay no attention to our lungs. When we experience breathing problems or difficulty breathing, we appreciate how vital our lungs are. Breathing provides oxygen to the cells of your body. Without enough oxygen, we become more prone to health problems. And when the lungs are affected, diseases like respiratory illnesses, chronic pulmonary diseases, and even heart diseases are experienced. 

To keep the lungs healthy and free from diseases, we must care for them. These tips will help improve your lung health and keep your vital organs strong. 

Practice breathing exercises

Breathing exercises are essential in keeping your lungs healthy. It naturally stretches and expands the capacity of your lungs properly. One of the best exercises for breathing is simple deep breathing. 

To do this, you must slowly exhale as you expand your belly, being aware of lowering your diaphragm. Next, allow your ribs to expand, picture it like a floating pair of open wings. Lastly, open your upper chest, allowing it to lift and expand. 

As you exhale, let the chest fall and contract the ribs. Bring your stomach muscles in and upwards to help lift the diaphragm as you expel the last bit of air. 

Diaphragmatic breathing is another breathing exercise that you must learn by heart. This easy breathing technique will help in keeping your lungs functioning properly. Diaphragmatic breathing is beneficial if you have asthma, emphysema, and chronic bronchitis. What happens when you practice diaphragmatic breathing? It uses the diaphragm muscles as you breathe and helps increase lung capacity. 

Counting your breaths

Lengthening your inhalation and exhalation also increases lung capacity. You can do this by counting how long a natural breath takes. For example, if it took you to the count of five to inhale, it would also take you to the count of five to exhale. Keeping it balanced is the goal. 

Once you’ve counted your average breath, add one more count to each inhale and exhale. Do this until you’re comfortable enough to extend the time it takes to empty or fill your lungs.

The goal is to avoid straining or discomfort. It should also be gradual until you can adjust your breathing pattern to the amount you need. 

Keep your lungs hydrated all the time

Drinking water is essential to your lungs. It keeps your lungs moist and helps the mucosal lining in your lungs thin. The thinner the lungs are, the better they can function. So, always keep yourself hydrated, drink plenty of water, and help your lungs function better. 

Pulmonary rehabilitation

People with chronic lung diseases like asthma, lung cancer, or post Covid-19 lung disease must go through pulmonary rehab. This program helps in lung recovery so individuals affected by lung diseases can return to a more active lifestyle. 

Pulmonary rehabilitation includes a personalized course of exercises that could last up to 18 weeks. It also provides counseling, education, and support designed to help individuals regain their lung strength and physical stamina and address the emotional barriers affecting their health and well-being. 

Correcting your posture

The lungs have soft structures and take the shape of the room you provide. If you have a bad posture (slouched or hunched back most of the time), you will also have difficulty breathing. If you want to reach your lungs’ total capacity, a simple technique would be to lean back slightly in a stable chair. Lift your chest and help open the front part of your body. Breathe slowly and deeply, and you will feel your lungs expand, giving them more space for oxygen. 

Be active

Exercising regularly gives your lungs the boost it needs. It increases your lungs’ elasticity, and breathing feels more natural. When you are active, you get three benefits: healthier lungs, heart, and better mood. Aim to do at least 20 minutes of exercise daily. Increase the movement gradually and choose alternatives like biking, walking, jogging, or running.