We all know how important it is to have a healthy diet and lifestyle to protect our heart, avoid diabetes and enjoy a better quality of life. But we rarely give our respiratory system much thought and do not tend to focus much on the health of our lungs.
It might be hard to believe, but simple lifestyle changes can significantly impact the health of your lungs. Our lungs are exposed to the air around us, affecting the overall quality of our life. The air around us makes a significant difference to our energy level. Generally, air constitutes various chemicals, from household chemicals to dangerous allergens. Thus, there are plenty of things we are exposed to every day that can cause long-term harm to our respiratory system.
If you’re looking to improve your health, start taking steps to monitor and protect your lungs. In these few steps, you will learn how to increase your odds of a healthy pair of lungs.
1. Protect Yourself From Airborne Pollutants
Toxins and pollutants are present in most industries, but some are common causes for developing lung disease and even lung cancer. Hazardous materials like asbestos lead to diseases like mesothelioma, which are commonly found in occupations related to construction and shipyard. Most workers do not have any respiratory protection and the only time they are given any is when they are being tested for certain diseases like asbestosis.
Asbestos is a dangerous and toxic substance found in various construction materials, such as insulation and cement. If you have been exposed to asbestos, there is a lung disease that you may suffer from called mesothelioma. If you have been diagnosed with mesothelioma, reach out to platforms like mesotheliomahope.com to help you with treatment.
Companies dealing in health-risk material provide their workforce equipment and safety gear. Furthermore, these companies also offer health benefits to their employees for regular medical checkups for preventive care.
2. Consume Immunity-Boosting Foods
Foods such as apples, beetroots, pumpkin, tomatoes, and leafy greens are great for boosting immunity against chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Additionally, foods high in potassium, healthy fats, proteins, complex carbs, and fresh are commonly recommended by doctors to boost lung function.
Alternatively, it’s important to note that processed foods high on salts, beer, and cold cuts have contributed to lung inflammation.
3. Do Plenty of Exercises
Regular exercise contributes to a healthier body and lifestyle. It helps the lungs by keeping them in good shape, leading to a better breathing system. Exercises like running or jogging also help strengthen lung capacity. There are different exercises without hitting the gym, especially if you have limited time and energy to go there every day.
You can build stronger lungs through deep breathing exercises. Panting and pruning are effective exercises that help strengthen the lungs since they require you to inhale more than usual breath. Inhale deeply, then exhale loudly through your mouth until you feel your stomach expand. You can do this for at least five minutes and repeat it several times a day.
Deep breathing exercises are also helpful for those who suffer from lung problems like asthma or emphysema as they help relax the diaphragm muscles. Running, jogging, and cardio-based activities are highly recommended to improve your lung capacity.
4. Go for Regular Check-Ups
Unfortunately, many people overlook preventive care until they feel symptoms and check in with doctors for screening tests. Screening tests are necessary because they can detect problems before they become serious.
Early lung disease detection can improve recovery chances significantly. Consider visiting a general physician or a pulmonologist if you’re dealing with prolonged cough, shortness of breath, or pain when inhaling.
According to a 2017 study published on The Royal Society, “However, most patients (approx. 75%) have advanced disease at the time of diagnosis (stage III/IV), and despite significant developments in the oncological management of late-stage lung cancer over recent years, survival remains poor. “ We can conclude from this that early detection has more significance than late detection.
The Key Takeaway
The lungs are crucial for our existence and maintaining our quality of life. Hence, taking care of this organ is vital, whether it’s through maintaining a healthy diet, keeping an active lifestyle, and adopting protective measures such as wearing masks when visiting polluted areas. Most importantly, build a conscious habit of screening your lungs for preventive care. It may be expensive, but it’s a better option than dealing with late detection of a life-threatening infection.
