Learn how you can make your lungs strong and healthy. Check out the article we found over at Top 10 Home Remedies.
The lungs are an essential respiratory organ, located near the backbone on either side of the heart. Their main function is to transport oxygen from the atmosphere into the bloodstream and to release carbon dioxide from the bloodstream into the atmosphere. The body’s cells need the oxygen to work and grow.
The lungs never rest. In just one day, a healthy person breathes nearly 25,000 times.
The body has a natural defense system designed to protect the lungs. This works very well most of the time, keeping out dirt and fighting off germs. However, several harmful substances can damage the airways and threaten the lungs’ ability to work properly, which can lead to lung disease.
Some common lung diseases are asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), bronchitis, pneumonia, emphysema, cystic fibrosis, tuberculosis, lung cancer and acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). People with lung disease have difficulty breathing and some diseases can even lead to respiratory failure.
There are many things that you can do to keep your lungs functioning properly. Simple lifestyle changes, dietary changes and healthy habits can be highly beneficial for your lungs.
Here are some of the ways to keep your lungs strong and healthy.
1. Quit Smoking
If you smoke, it is time to quit to improve the condition of your lungs. Cigarette smoke contains thousands of harmful chemicals, some of which can cause health problems. In fact, smoking is the major cause of serious lung diseases like lung cancer and COPD.
Cigarette smoke can narrow the air passages and make breathing more difficult. It causes chronic inflammation or swelling in the lungs. With time, cigarette smoke can destroy lung tissues, which in turn increases your risk of lung cancer.
If you suffer from any kind of lung disease, giving up smoking can help manage your condition and improve your quality of life.
Be determined to quit smoking and get help from professionals if needed.
2. Avoid Secondhand Smoke
Non-smokers must avoid exposure to secondhand smoke to improve the condition of their lungs. Secondhand smoke is highly toxic and can cause havoc to your lungs and your overall health. Here are some things you can do to avoid secondhand smoke:
- Do not allow other people to smoke in your home, car or workplace.
- Support businesses and activities that are smoke-free.
- Avoid public places that permit smoking.
- Stay at smoke-free hotels when traveling to avoid residual smoke from previous patrons.
3. Limit Your Exposure to Pollutants
In addition to cigarette smoke, there are various other pollutants present in the air that are harmful for your lungs as well as overall health. Even the synthetic fragrances used in various laundry products and air fresheners emit toxic chemicals.
- Avoid highly polluted and industrialized areas.
- Do your bit to minimize outdoor pollution and help create a cleaner environment. For example, whenever possible, walk or ride your bicycle instead of driving.
- When building or remodeling your house, opt for eco-friendly options like formaldehyde-free cabinetry, linoleum instead of vinyl flooring, low or no VOC paints, etc.
4. Improve Indoor Air
In a late 1980s NASA study, it was found that several houseplants act as natural air purifiers as they filter out common volatile organic compounds (VOCs) including formaldehyde, benzene and trichloroethylene.
Use at least 2 houseplants per 100 square feet of space. These plants should be in 10- to 12-inch pots.
- Get indoor plants such as a fern, spider plant, peace lily, bamboo palm, aloe vera, English Ivy, dracaena, and others. Make sure to keep the foliage dust-free. Also, do not overwater the plants as it may lead to mold growth.
- Minimize the use of harsh cleaners and cleaners with strong fragrances.
- Avoid using aerosol sprays.
- Ensure adequate ventilation.
Read full article: How to Keep Your Lungs Strong and Healthy
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