The ever-increasing population, industrialization, deforestation, and pollution have placed our lungs on the guillotine of
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several respiratory diseases. Some of the common respiratory diseases include asthma, tuberculosis, pneumonia, bronchitis, and in worse cases, even diseases such as lung cancer. Here are some tips to keep Healthy Lungs.
Is there a way to strengthen our respiratory system and make it capable of warding off diseases? The equation is simple. Our lungs take in oxygen and give out carbon dioxide. So, greater the lung capacity, more oxygen it will pull, and less are the chances of respiratory diseases. Therefore, taking care of our lungs should be our top priority. The good news is that we can increase the lung breathing capacity by some simple changes in the lifestyle, dietary patterns, and exercise routines and keep Healthy Lungs.
Given below are some easy and beneficial tips to get stronger and healthy lungs:
Quit Smoking
Are you aware that every cigarette packet carries a statutory warning that ‘Cigarette smoking is injurious to health?’ Yes, right?
A burning cigarette contains more than 4000 chemicals, which include more than 43 cancer causing compounds. Some of these ingredients include nicotine, tar, and carbon monoxide. These harmful chemicals not only narrow the air passage but also make breathing more difficult. Cigarette smoking slows down the functioning of cilia which is responsible for cleaning your lungs. If you don’t stop smoking in time, your lungs can be destroyed completely by these chemicals.
Therefore, quit smoking before your lungs quit you!
Avoid Pollution
The worst outcome of globalization and industrialization is pollution. Limit your exposure to pollutants. Toxic chemicals emitted from the industries mix into the air and make it harmful to our inhalation. Follow these basic steps to avoid pollution:
- Avoid going to industrial areas. Start walking in the fresh air early in the morning.
- Make an effort to keep your environment pollution free by planting more trees.
- Wear a face mask whenever you travel in polluted and congested environs.
- Use an air purifier at home.
Trust the Power of Yoga
Yoga is the gift of Indian spirituality and tradition to the entire world. Strengthen your lungs by performing various yoga asanas (exercises). All the yoga asanas are associated with deep breathing, which makes them the best remedy to increase the capacity of the lungs. Thus, yoga allows easier air passage to the lungs, improves air resistance, increases the lung volume, and enhances exercise tolerance. Also, deep breathing helps feed oxygen to each and every cell in the body. With regular breathing exercises, you can aim not only to strengthen your lungs but also clear toxins out of the lungs.
Just Keep Swimming
Knowing how to swim is an essential life skill which every individual should master!
Swimming is an aerobic exercise which helps the lungs use oxygen efficiently. Swimming elevates the heart rate. As a result, your breathing hastens, and your lungs have to work harder. This action causes an enhancement of the lung capacity. Thus, regular swimming not only builds your stamina and lung capacity but also enhances cardiovascular health.
Play Musical Instruments
Is there a connection between musical instruments and lung capacity? Yes.
Playing a musical instrument, such as a flute, mouth organ, or saxophone has been shown to be very effective for lungs. You need to use your lung capacity to the maximum while playing these instruments. Thus, these instruments give a regular workout to your lungs, thereby improving the lung capacity. Also, music is a wonderful stress buster. Moreover, instrumental music can be recorded and used for guided meditation exercises with deep breathing.
Fuel Your Lungs with Good Food
Foods which are excellent for your healthy lungs include:
Fatty fish:
Fatty fishes, such as salmon (rawas), sardine (tarli), and mackerel (bangda) are rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which are linked with lung health.
Chicken:
Chicken meat is rich in vitamin A which helps boost lung health.
Vitamin-rich foods:
Good lung function can be associated with an optimum intake of foods rich in vitamin C (guava, oranges, lemons, strawberries, broccoli, etc.), vitamin E (safflower oil, almonds, peanuts, sweet potato, etc.), and a precursor of vitamin A known as beta-carotene (carrots, spinach, mangoes, etc.).
Walnuts:
Regular consumption of even a handful of walnuts may help fight asthma and other respiratory disorders according to a popular journal.
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