10 Ways to Boost Your Lung Power
The lung is the center of the respiratory system and is always hard at work without even noticing. People take about 23,000 breaths a day, and with each breath, the lungs filter out waste and continually move vital oxygen into the bloodstream and to every cell in the body. As humans age, lung capacity decreases, making this necessary gas exchange more difficult. However, here are helpful prevention tips to keep lungs healthy and even increase capacity.
1. Stop smoking and avoid secondhand smoke
Quitting smoking is the fastest way to improve lung health for people who are currently using tobacco. Tobacco smoke can narrow the air passages and make breathing more difficult.
The longer you smoke, the more you risk causing chronic inflammation or swelling in the lungs and the greater your risk of developing lung cancer, including lung cancer and COPD. Inhaling secondhand smoke can also cause a wide range of problems that can lead to respiratory infections and chronic diseases.
However, just 24 hours after quitting smoking, your body starts to repair the damaged areas, and the longer you resist smoking, the lower your risk of disease.
2. Exercise regularly
In a physically active state, a human’s heart and lungs work harder to supply additional oxygen to the muscles. Regular exercise strengthens your lungs and heart. You may find breathing easier during exercise over time because your body becomes more efficient at bringing oxygen into the bloodstream and transporting it to the working muscles.
3. Maintain a healthy diet and stay hydrated
Our body uses food as fuel, and food turning into energy with the help of oxygen or metabolism is only possible with the help of the lungs. No single food provides all the necessary nutrients. Drinking water thins the mucus layers of the airways and lungs, making breathing easier.
Conversely, when dehydrated, mucus can become thick and sticky, slowing respiration and increasing the likelihood of getting sick or exacerbating allergies.
4. Get screened annually
Visiting the hospital regularly for health screenings can help prevent diseases, so keep your medical appointments even when you feel well. This is especially true for lung diseases, which are sometimes not detected until they progress. It would be best if you were the first to hear about any breathing problems you may experience.
5. Stay up-to-date on vaccinations
Infectious respiratory diseases like influenza, COVID-19, pneumococcal pneumonia, and RSV are transmitted from person to person, and vaccination is the best way to prevent their spread. Vaccines are essential for people with lung diseases, as they can help prevent serious diseases.
6. Avoid exposure to outdoor air pollution
While outdoor air can be cleaner than indoor air, many pollutants can make outdoor air unhealthy. More than one in three people live in areas with unhealthy outdoor air. Ozone and particulate pollution are the most widespread pollutants and among the most dangerous. Learn more about the outdoor air quality in your area and how to protect your family with our air quality reports.
7. Improve your indoor air quality
Secondhand smoke, household chemicals, mold, and radon can all affect indoor air quality and cause lung problems. Indoor air pollutants can be hazardous for those with chronic lung diseases. Regular dusting, changing air filters, and ensuring no smoke in the house are just a few tips to improve indoor air quality.
8. Practice deep breathing
Various deep breathing techniques can improve lung function and help manage stressful situations. These breathing exercises can enhance the strength and endurance of the lungs, increasing the amount of air you can inhale and exhale.
9. Maintain good hygiene
Washing hands regularly for at least 20 seconds can help avoid infections. Hand sanitizer may be a backup when you can’t quickly get running water to prevent disease or spread by maintaining social distancing or wearing a mask when sick or at high risk of infection.
10. Get screened for lung cancer
Low-dose CT scans can detect lung cancer before symptoms appear, reducing mortality in high-risk groups. This test is not recommended for everyone, so check with your hospital to see if you are eligible.
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