Lungs are a vital part of our respiratory system. They have a lot of essential functions, such as moving fresh air around our bodies and removing waste gases – so we do not become ill. Looking after your lung health should always be a number one priority, but it is something that so many of us fail to do. If you want to improve your lung health, you have come to the right place. Below – are nine tips that will help you get your lung health back on track. This guide will discuss it all, from avoiding infections like pneumonia to ditching bad habits like smoking.
Avoid Bad Habits Like Smoking
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Our lungs allow oxygen to flow around our bodies. So, when something tries to attack the air sacs in the lungs, it can get in the way of its daily functions. Soon, our lungs will become damaged, affecting our breathing and giving us symptoms like a persistent sore throat. Smoking is a bad habit that is detrimental to our lung health. It contains a deadly gas that deprives our organs of vital oxygen. Understandably, quitting smoking can be tough. However, there are plenty of aids that can help, like nicotine patches and quit smoking tips online that you can refer to. There are even online forums where you can speak to past smokers to gain some valuable advice.
Practice Breathing Exercises
You may be surprised to know that breathing exercises can help to improve your lung health. This is because it enables you to get rid of stale air accumulating in your lungs. After practising some breathing exercises, you will find that your oxygen levels have increased. This allows your lungs to go back to helping you breathe effectively. There are plenty of activities that you can try out. You will find plenty by conducting a quick online search. Ideally, you want to try and engage in breathing exercises for at least 5-10 minutes each day. Doing them in the morning can help get your day off to the right start.
Better Your Posture
Many of us do not realise that we have bad posture. Unfortunately, this could be affecting your lung health and your ability to breathe. When we have bad posture, our lungs cannot do their job and fully inflate. The muscles in your upper body start to weaken. Luckily, there are some things that you can do to improve your posture. Daily exercises like back extensions are highly effective. If you sit down a lot throughout the day, you should try and regularly stand up and walk around for 20 minutes if you feel like your back is hunched over. Small changes like this can end up making a huge difference. Take a look at some more posture tips online to help you improve.
Eat Foods Rich In Antioxidants
Foods that are rich in antioxidants are essential contributors to good lung health. This is because they contain anti-inflammatories that minimise your risk of lung inflammation. If you want to promote good overall lung health, there are certain foods that you should start incorporating into your diet. Peppers, apples, swiss chards and beets are just some foods to add to your list. If you dislike fruits and vegetables, try blending them up into a smoothie or soup – so they are easily digestible. As well as knowing what foods to incorporate into your diet, you should also be aware of foods to avoid. Processed meats and too much alcohol contain ingredients like ethanol that can negatively impact your lungs.
Learn How To Prevent Lung Infections
Unfortunately, lung infections can occur, making it difficult to breathe. Pneumonia is a common condition caused by an inflammation of lung tissue. It can affect your body in many ways, making you feel very unwell. To avoid conditions like pneumonia, we must learn how to prevent them. Try to avoid toxic fumes and gases where possible and avoid getting in close contact with people who have the flu. Pneumonia, in particular, is a condition that stems from bronchitis. Therefore, you must avoid being around people who are infected at all costs. Practising the breathing exercises that we previously discussed can also help keep your lungs happy and healthy.
Reduce Air Pollution In The Home
It can be difficult to avoid air pollution around the home. After all, it is caused by gas devices such as your oven. Air pollution can have a damaging effect on our lungs. So, although we cannot eliminate it altogether, there are a few steps that we can all follow to help reduce it. For example, if you smoke, avoid doing this around the home. If you have gas appliances like an oven, ensure adequate ventilation surrounds it. When cooking, keep a window open so any fumes can escape. You may be surprised to know that cleaning supplies can also contribute to air pollution. Therefore, you must ensure your home is well-ventilated when using them.
Engage In Frequent Exercise
Exercise offers your lung health many great benefits. It increases lung capacity as the blood flow to your lungs improves. The thought of exercise can be a daunting thought for some. However, it doesn’t have to be a challenge. Even those with the busiest lifestyles can fit exercise into their day by engaging in a home workout. You certainly don’t need a gym membership to get the fitness fix that your lungs need. There are an array of free home workouts available at the click of a button. Try out a few to find something that works for you. If you don’t find something that you enjoy, why not engage in a sport instead? There is sure to be a form of exercise out there to suit everyone’s interests.
Attend Regular Check Ups
If you have a busy lifestyle, it can be easy to push essential doctor’s appointments to the side. However, even though you may feel well within yourself, you never know if you have an underlying health issue. Therefore, you should always attend regular check-ups to ensure that you are healthy and leading a lifestyle that is kind to your body. For example, if you are a smoker and are struggling to quit, you can talk to your doctor, who will offer you some valuable advice. If you have anxiety about attending doctors’ appointments, you are not alone. Take a look at some top tips online to help you overcome these fears so you can place your health as a number one priority.
Get Vaccinated
There are many vaccines available to protect yourself against respiratory diseases. Although the thought of a vaccination can be daunting, it can help reduce your chances of specific illnesses like pneumonia. These vaccinations are nothing to worry about most of the time, and they are over in seconds. If you are nervous, consider taking someone with you to help put your mind at ease while in the waiting room. Remember, vaccinations are there to help us, and they have helped save many lives. Talk to your doctor about the available vaccinations and get them scheduled as soon as possible. Trust us when we say – your lungs will thank you.
