How to Keep Your Lungs Healthy

The lungs are an essential respiratory organ. Their main function is to transport oxygen from the atmosphere into the bloodstream and to release carbon dioxide from the bloodstream into the atmosphere. The lungs never rest. In just one day, a healthy person breathes nearly 25,000 times. The body has a natural defence system designed to protect the lungs. This works very well most of the time, keeping out dirt and fighting off germs. However, several harmful substances can damage the airways and threaten the lungs’ ability to work properly, which can lead to lung disease.

Some common lung diseases are asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), bronchitis, pneumonia, emphysema, cystic fibrosis, tuberculosis, lung cancer and acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). People with lung disease have difficulty breathing and some diseases can even lead to respiratory failure. There are many things that you can do to keep your lungs functioning properly. Simple lifestyle changes, dietary changes and healthy habits can be highly beneficial for your lungs.

how to make lungs healthy

Here are some of the ways to keep your lungs strong and healthy.

1. Quit Smoking

If you smoke, it is time to quit to improve the condition of your lungs. Cigarette smoke contains thousands of harmful chemicals, some of which can cause health problems. In fact, smoking is the major cause of serious lung diseases like lung cancer and COPD. Cigarette smoke can narrow the air passages and make breathing more difficult. It causes chronic inflammation or swelling in the lungs. With time, cigarette smoke can destroy lung tissues, which in turn increases your risk of lung cancer. If you suffer from any kind of lung disease, giving up smoking can help manage your condition and improve your quality of life. Be determined to quit smoking and get help from professionals if needed.

 2. Avoid Second hand Smoke

Non-smokers must avoid exposure to second hand smoke to improve the condition of their lungs. Second hand smoke is highly toxic and can cause havoc to your lungs and your overall health. 

Here are some things you can do to avoid second hand smoke:

Do not allow other people to smoke in your home, car or workplace.

Support businesses and activities that are smoke-free.

Avoid public places that permit smoking.

Stay at smoke-free hotels when travelling to avoid residual smoke from previous patrons.

3. Limit Your Exposure to Pollutants

In addition to cigarette smoke, there are various other pollutants present in the air that are harmful for your lungs as well as overall health. Even the synthetic fragrances used in various laundry products and air fresheners emit toxic chemicals. Avoid highly polluted and industrialized areas. Do your bit to minimize outdoor pollution and help create a cleaner environment. For example, whenever possible, walk or ride your bicycle instead of driving.

When building or remodelling your house, opt for eco-friendly options like formaldehyde-free cabinetry, linoleum instead of vinyl flooring, low or no VOC paints, etc.

4. Improve Indoor Air

In a late 1980s NASA study, it was found that several houseplants act as natural air purifiers as they filter out common volatile organic compounds (VOCs) including formaldehyde, benzene and trichloroethylene. Use at least 2 houseplants per 100 square feet of space. These plants should be in 10- to 12-inch pots. Get indoor plants such as a fern, spider plant, peace lily, bamboo palm, aloevera, English Ivy, dracaena, and others. Make sure to keep the foliage dust-free. Also, do not overwater the plants as it may lead to mold growth.

Minimize the use of harsh cleaners and cleaners with strong fragrances. Avoid using aerosol sprays. Ensure adequate ventilation.

5. Do Deep Breathing Exercises Daily

Breathing feeds oxygen to every cell in the body. Without sufficient oxygen, people are more prone to lung problems and even heart disease. With regular deep breathing exercises, you can easily strengthen your lungs. It can also help clear out toxins that may have built up in the lungs. This in turn helps improve lung performance and clear airways. Sit down in a relaxing and quiet place. Close your eyes, and breathe in deeply through your nose. Count to five, slowly inhaling the entire time. Hold your breath for a few seconds, then exhale slowly. Repeat this breathing exercise 6 to 8 times.

Perform this deep breathing exercise on a daily basis to help cleanse your lungs and keep you stress free. If you are not able to master the art of deep breathing, join a breathing club where people with lung and breathing problems can learn about this technique.

6. Play a Wind Instrument

You can play a wind instrument like a flute, oboe, tuba, saxophone, mouth organ or clarinet to improve your lung health. You need to use your lungs’ capacity to the fullest to play any of these instruments. This gives your lungs a regular workout and helps improve their air capacity.

Learn how to play a wind instrument to increase your lung capacity. Also, singing works the diaphragm and keeps your lungs healthy. If music and singing are not for you, try to blow a balloon using deep breaths to increase lung capacity. Blow a few balloons daily to improve your lungs’ ability to pump more air, stronger and longer.