What crosses your mind when you hear the words “healthy living?” Some of us would tend to think about diet and how it affects the heart’s health or the risk of developing chronic diseases.
Ways to Keep Your Lungs Healthy
Others might think about how physical fitness can help achieve a slender waist and healthy physique.
And while it’s imperative to exercise regularly and be in good shape. However, did you know these healthy lifestyle recommendations go way beyond keeping the body and heart strong?
Although the heart gets a great deal of attention; however, healthy lungs are also vital for overall well-being, even more so during the ongoing pandemic.
That’s because our lungs allow the body to remove carbon dioxide and breathe oxygen to various cells in the body. Without sufficient oxygen, our lungs might not work optimally and become susceptible to chronic illnesses.
Here are some of the ways you can incorporate or avoid to keep this vital organ in the tip-top shape:
Visit doctor frequently
If you wish to be in the best of your health, visit your doctor and get regular check-ups done. And this becomes even more important in the case of lung diseases, which often go unnoticed till they get severe.
For instance, you might have previously worked at a workplace that exposed you to asbestos significantly. The inhalation of asbestos fiber may have caused scarring and inflammation. As a result, your body might have developed a malignant lung cancer called mesothelioma.
Since the symptoms of this deadly disease appear years after the asbestos exposure, you might now be experiencing severe breathing issues. Mention these symptoms to your healthcare provider.
The diagnosis of mesothelioma might be a life-altering situation for you. And while it’s crucial to get your medical treatment done. However, you can still receive a mesothelioma settlement from filing a lawsuit against the responsible party. That way, you can receive the compensation you deserve and bear the medical expenses.
Avoid exposure to pollutants
Harmful waste from industries, toxic substances and chemicals at the workplace, vehicle exhaust, and mines can undoubtedly wreak havoc in the lungs. While these pollutants impact everyone differently; however, they always leave pernicious effects on the lungs.
Tiny airborne particles get deposited in the respiratory system and precipitate inflammatory issues. Not only this, breathing such toxins damages the lung tissues. Therefore, ensure to make your home smoke-free and check it for radon, too. And try to avoid exercising outdoors on days when there’s visible smog.
The air quality outside can vary from one day to another and, at times, can prove unhealthy to inhale. Of course, it’s beyond your control what you inhale. However, wearing face masks when the outdoor air quality reaches a hazardous range can be helpful.
Also, the US Consumer Product Safety Commission states that indoor air pollution is even worse than outdoor pollution. So, it’s wise to reduce exposure to known indoor pollutants such as pesticides, oil-based plants, and scented candles.
Avoid smoking – Ways to Keep Your Lungs Healthy
You probably might have heard it before; however, pulmonologists can stress this enough – quit smoking. It is the primary cause of lung cancer.
But that’s not it. Smoking also increases the risk of developing other lung diseases such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), asthma, idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis.
Also, it’s relevant to note that marijuana smoke isn’t a better replacement. It contains the same cancer-causing particles and other hazardous chemicals as tobacco smoke.
That goes the same for vaping, but on the other hand, vaping has proven to be an effective method for quitting nicotine. It can help soothe the cravings and provide hand-to-mouth motion, and you can buy disposable bundles and packages to give it a try to eventually release yourself from any smoke.
Therefore, it’s never too late to put a stop to smoking. Although it can take several attempts to quit, your efforts will most certainly pay off in the long run.
Sweat it out
Physical activity is crucial for the health of the lungs. According to the CDC, adults should perform 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise or 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity activity every week.
During exercise, the muscles that reside between your ribs continually go through expansion and contraction. Thus, allowing the air sacs in the lungs to clear carbon dioxide and breathe oxygen.
The more you work out, the more your lungs become healthy, efficient, and strong. And this, in turn, can help you prevent diseases and resist aging. But, not only this, there are two other things that you can also achieve – a healthy heart and a cheerful mood.
So, aim for consistent physical activities daily. It could be any exercise such as a brisk walk, a bike ride, cycling, swimming – anything that gets your heart beating faster. Additionally, you can try yoga exercises. Stretching and breathing can help improve function and enhance the lung’s capacity.
Final Words – Ways to Keep Your Lungs Healthy
Our body encompasses a natural defense system to safeguard the lungs. While it works well in most cases; however, unhealthy habits and hazardous substances can be a detriment to airways and pose a threat to lung health.
Therefore, try incorporating healthy habits into your routine – workout daily, avoid exposure to pollutants, and eat a nutritional diet. Remember, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.
