Tips for Keeping your Lungs Healthy

It's never too late to start taking care of your lungs, and since it's Healthy Lung Month, we thought we would share some tips that will help keep your lungs healthy and strong.

1. Don't Smoke

Smoking is one of the worst things you can do for your lungs. According to the American Lung Association (ALA), cigarette smoke can narrow your air passages, which worsens your ability to breathe. If you are a smoker, it's never too late to quit. The ALA has multiple resources available to help you do just that.

2. Stay Active

Exercise doesn't just keep your body fit, it also keeps your lungs fit. Aerobic activities like walking, biking, or swimming are all great ways to strengthen your lungs. If you're an oxygen patient, be sure to consult your healthcare provider, so you can select an exercise that works best for your treatment.

3. Exercise your Lungs

Pursed lip breathing and belly breathing, or diaphragmatic breathing, are both excellent ways to exercise your lungs. Pursed lip breathing relieves shortness of breath, eases breathing, and releases any trapped air in your lungs. Diaphragmatic breathing also helps restore your breathing and decreases your demand for oxygen.

4. Avoid Harmful Air Pollutants

Take care of your lungs by avoiding harmful pollutants like secondhand smoke and harmful chemicals. You can visit AirNow to see what the air quality is like in your area. Avoid exercising in high traffic areas, and check the AirNow map to see what the air forecast is prior to going outside.

5. Eat Healthy

In one study, conducted at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, it was revealed that eating right can actually improve your lung health. Your diet plays an important role in your lung function, and consuming large amounts of processed foods have been linked to declining lung function, according to Mercola Health News. Consuming Vitamin C and/or flavonoid-rich foods like berries, tea, apples, onions, and garlic, are especially good for your lungs.

6. Stay Hydrated

Dehydration can put a big strain on your lungs, so it's important that you drink enough water. Besides drinking water, eat foods with high water content, like fruits. This will help you breathe better!

We hope you enjoyed our healthy lung tips! Post any comments or questions you have below.