Lungs are air-filled organs that play a vital role in the overall functioning of the body. Apart from this, they transfer oxygen from the environment to our bloodstream. They also protect the heart by acting as a shock absorber in certain types of collisions.
Having said that, it is a truism that most of us don’t realise this organ’s value until we develop a breathing problem. We all have experienced shortness of breath at some point in our lives, and it really doesn’t feel good.
In this post, we shall see some of those vital life strategies that would support excellent respiratory health to breathe easy. So let us begin by talking about the role of physicality in overall lung health.
Body Posture
Researches have shown that slumped sitting significantly decreases lung capacity, as this position tends to squeeze the lungs. This eventually makes the lung smaller. So it is important for every individual to practise sitting straight . Exercises like plank and free squats are great to build a good posture. Having a good posture will have a positive impact on your personality too.
Start Being Active
One of the best ways to increase your lung capacity is by being constantly physically active. Even daily exercises like jogging and brisk walking would be more than enough. The primary reason for this is because exercising improves the functioning of the lungs, making it more efficient. Laughing is another sort of exercise that works on the abdominal muscles, which in turn enhances the overall lung capacity.
Get Enough Vitamin D
A study revealed that higher levels of Vitamin D were linked with better lung functioning. While in summers you may not have to worry as you will get enough Vitamin D from the sunshine, in winter, it might be a problem. So it suggested that you take Vitamin D rich foods like milk, mushrooms, egg yolks, and fishes like Salmon and Herring. Also, adopt an overall balanced diet if possible, as it will only improve your respiratory health.
Keep Good Air Quality at Home
You can’t have a good respiratory system if you have bad air and dust accumulated in your home. Daily cleaning of your home is a must if you are serious about breathing some good air. If you are living in cities, you may need to tackle the menace of air pollution too. It is advised, in this case, that you buy a good air purifier which filters away harmful pollutants from your house, thus keeping your house clean.
Drop the Habit of Smoking
One of the biggest threats to overall lung health, cigarettes can be deadly, especially for those who are dealing with asthma and other respiratory disorders. Smoking reduces the number of airspaces and blood vessels in the lungs, leading to less oxygen to critical parts of the body. While it is highly difficult to drop the cigarette at once, you may, therefore, try some better alternatives. E-cigarettes for example are gadgets that mimic the standard cigarettes while effectively avoiding the harmful tobacco from it. Several studies have shown that vaping is considered generally safer, in comparison to smoking
Drink Plenty of Water
Staying hydrated is key to an excellent functioning of the lungs, as it keeps the mucosal lining thin. Drinking enough water is crucial if you have Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) as it makes it easier for you to cough up the mucus, helping you to breathe easier. While plain water is the best source of hydration, it is also good if you drink fruit juice, decaffeinated coffee, and milk on a regular basis.
Visit Your Doctor Regularly
Writing off smaller breathing discomfort can be highly detrimental, as many respiratory diseases start with wheezing. It is recommended that you visit your doctor on a regular basis. A lung specialist or a pulmonologist can detect minor issues in the lungs that otherwise may deteriorate if left unchecked. Talk to your doctor if you experience shortness of breath, wheezing, lingering cough, or pain while breathing.
All in All,
Breathing is the essence of life and how well we breathe determines the quality of our living. It becomes paramount to take care of the wonderful respiratory organs called lungs to continue enjoying our life. These strategies will hopefully help you to stay away from all kinds of problems that hamper your breathing and also your peace of mind.
