Keep Your Lungs Healthy With These 7 Tips
Our lungs are vital organs in the body. Without them, we will not survive; it is also the reason why you should keep your lungs healthy so you can live a longer, healthier life.
7 Ways to Keep Your Lungs Healthy
It is easy to forget that your lungs are doing all the work when you are breathing normally. Now, if you want to keep your lungs healthy and free from any respiratory issues, here’s what you need to do:
1. Stop smoking
This reminder is one of the simplest and the hardest to follow. It is easy – STOP. How tough could that be? Of course, it is easy for me because I don’t smoke, but withdrawing from smoking is problematic for smokers, which is more reason why you should do it.
Cigarettes contain nicotine, narrowing your airways and making it harder to breathe. It also contributes to lung irritation and a nagging cough. Over time, this destroys your lungs and may develop into (COPD) Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease, and lung cancer [1].
As you age, your lungs do too. Taking care of it is crucial at this point. Quitting smoking is one of the best steps that you can take to keep yourself healthy.
2. Breathing exercises help
Another way to keep your lungs healthy is to practice breathing exercises regularly. It helps keep your lungs strong and healthy. If you suffer from COPD, breathing exercises can provide relief.
Simple breathing exercises like nose breathing, pursed-lip breathing, or belly breathing are good exercises to practice. Working with trained experts in this field can also help you do them correctly if you want to be safe.
3. Workout for better lungs
Speaking of exercises, doing or having a routine workout can also play a role in your lung health. Keeping an active lifestyle is also good for your lungs.
Walking or jogging can also do the trick if you don’t want to go to the gym. Take time to be active for at least 30 minutes, five times a week. Make sure to talk to your physician about this exercise plan if you already have respiratory issues.
4. Avoid pollutants
As you get older, your lung’s resistance and elasticity become vulnerable. Being exposed to air pollutants can damage your lungs and speed up aging. Keep in mind that your body may not always respond to these toxins the way it did when you were younger. So avoiding them is the best thing you can do.
Air pollutants like secondhand smoke, smoke coming from vehicles’ exhaust, chemicals, air fresheners, and other irritants that create fumes must also be avoided.
5. Stay hydrated
The lungs have a thin mucus lining called the pleura that keeps them from sticking together. Drinking enough water allows these linings to remain thin, helping your lungs to do their work [2].
If you already have COPD, staying hydrated helps in secreting the mucus from your lungs which causes discomfort and breathing problems. So, drink your water to maintain healthy lungs.
6. Wash your hands
Lung infection is one of the most common problems among people with breathing issues. As you age, your lungs are more prone to infections and washing your hands often can prevent that.
Washing your hands with antibacterial soap and warm water can remove dirt and germs from your hands. Avoid touching your face when your hands are dirty too. Make sure to update your vaccinations, especially during flu season. It will help prevent the occurrence of URTI or upper respiratory tract infections.
7. Keep your home clean and dust-free
Lung irritants are everywhere, and if you have a weak immune system, it is easy to get airway infections. Keeping your house clean and free of dust can help keep your lungs healthy.
Clean your house at least every three days, and make sure that your carpets are cleaned and vacuumed properly. Check your curtains and make sure they do not accumulate dust. Wipe counters and keep everything dust-free when you can.
If you are busy with work, schedule your weekly cleaning. And if you have pets around the house, make sure that you take care of the fur they shed. Having plants around the house can also help purify the air inside your home. They also give off oxygen which helps in your lung health.
BONUS
Checking for gas leaks and house pests can also help you breathe better air inside your home. Gas leaks are invisible, but you can smell them; this could irritate your lungs and lead you to URTI.
Rodent infestation and cockroaches also emit irritants that can trigger your allergies and make it harder to breathe. Check for them so you know that your home is safe from anything that could trigger your asthma and other lung problems.
If you use humidifiers or ACs, clean them regularly to avoid dust build-up. It will also ensure that you are breathing clean air in your home.
In Closing
Our lungs are essential in our survival, just like the other major organs in our body. When the lungs are healthy, so are the others. In short, they all work together to keep you alive and breathing. Taking care of yourself and your surroundings is the best step to keep them healthy.
