lungs breathing

When compared to other organs of the body – kidney, heart, brain, digestive system, lungs are least neglected organ.

We take our lungs for granted. But, lungs keeps us alive every second as they are responsible for our breathing.

Lungs keep away germs and dirt at bay.

Pollution and sedentary life can damage lungs.

To reduce risk of lung disease we should take care of lungs by good habits.

Some tips to take care Lungs:

• Don’t smoke: Smoking is injurious to lungs and overall health. It can cause lung cancer and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease or COPD. It can narrow air passages and makes breathing difficult. It also caused inflammation and swelling of lungs and it will result in chronic bronchitis. Lung tissues will damage and results in cancer. Give up on smoking. Take the help you need by contacting your doctor. Understand how to quit. Because quitting smoking is not easy.
• Avoid exposure to pollutants: If you are in outdoor and exposed to severe pollution – dust, chemicals, smoke etc. – it can make lungs work hard and worsen lungs health. Test your home for radon, wear mask when you have to travel in polluted area. If the air quality is poor then take preventive action. In some areas, especially in the summer, ozone and other pollutants can make working out or even spending time outdoors an unhealthy proposition.
• Prevent lung Infection: Respiratory infection can become serious and damage lungs. Keep your home, work place desk, toilet etc. clean. Wash your hands whenever it is needed. Keep it clean. Alcohol based cleaners are good substitute for water. Keep a bottle of sanitizer handy. Avoid crowds and gathering during cold and flu season. Good oral hygiene helps in protecting oral health and lungs. If you are sick take rest and keep a distance from other individuals. Prevention is better than cure.
• Exercise for lungs: To increase lung capacity go for aerobic exercise. Yogic pranayama and breathing techniques can help improve lung function. There are specific breathing techniques that are very helpful in strengthening lungs capacity to work. If your cardio-respiratory fitness exercise is better, easier it is for lungs to keep both heart and muscles supplied with oxygen.
• Food for lungs: Including following vegetables and fruits in your food to keep lungs in healthy condition: Fruits – blueberries, cranberries, prunes, apple, pear, peaches, apricots, nectarines, cherries, plums, pineapple, oranges, mango. Eat fruits that are available in that particular season. Similarly select vegetables that are available in the season and go with organic produces to avoid pesticides – Bell peppers, asparagus, cabbage, tomatoes, broccoli, artichokes, kale and spinach.
• Lungs checkup: If your family have a history of any type of lung disease, then contact your doctor and go for regular checkups. Test your lungs for conditions that is in your family and make sure your lungs are working properly.

Consult your doctor if you have respiratory problem or history of lung diseases in your family. Take proper precautions.

References:

http://www.lung.org

https://www.unitypoint.org

Image credit: Photo by Robina Weermeijer on Unsplash (Free for commercial)