We are in a pandemic where healthy lungs can mean the difference between life and death. As we age, our massive organs become less flexible, losing their strength and making it more difficult for us to breathe. In our present daily battle against the world evil pathogen, COVID-19, fortunately, there are a few ways to fight back by strengthening and preserving our lungs’ health.
Healthline.com gives us 5 ways to keep our lungs in optimum shape, perhaps, more urgent today than ever before:
1. DON’T SMOKE OR STOP SMOKING. Smoking is linked to COPD, asthma, pulmonary fibrosis, and lung cancer. But no matter how old you are, quitting can help. Within 12 hours of quitting, the carbon monoxide level found in your blood can drop to normal. In addition, within a year, coronary heart disease risk can become half of that of a smoker’s. The longer that you remain smoke-free, the healthier your lungs will become.
2. EXERCISE TO BREATHE HARDER. Aerobic exercise, found during continuous physical activity, gives your two lungs the best workout. Healthline states, “The muscles between your ribs expand and contract, and the air sacs inside your lungs work quickly to exchange oxygen for carbon dioxide. The more you exercise, the more efficient your lungs become.”
3. AVOID EXPOSURE TO POLLUTANTS. Air lung irritants may be found outside in the form of secondhand smoke such as car exhausts. Adequate fans, exhaust hoods, and other ventilation methods should be found inside your homes for prevention of air pollutants there.
4. PREVENT INFECTIONS. As we age infections can be particularly dangerous to our lungs, as seen in COPD and Coronavirus patients. The best way to avoid lung infections is heard from WHO (World Health Organization) and CDC (Centers for Disease Control) in their multiple warnings to our global community these days: “Keep your hands clean. Wash regularly with warm water and soap, and avoid touching your face as much as possible.” If you are 65 or over, a pneumonia vaccination can also be helpful.
5. BREATHE DEEPLY. Most people take shallow breaths from their chest area only. This practice only incorporates the use of a small portion of their lungs. The American Lung Association advises us to practice deep breathing exercises as often as possible. Researchers have discovered that even for just a few minutes, deep breathing originating from the diaphragm (positioned on top of your stomach area), can make you feel less stressed and more relaxed.
***An Important Additional Aid: CONSUME HEALTHY FOODS/LIQUIDS TO REDUCE INFLAMMATION. These foods should include nutrients like omega fatty acids and vitamins D and E. Walnuts, berries, and broccoli are strongly recommended on this list. Use herbs like turmeric, eucalyptus, rosemary, ginger, and oregano, and don’t forget to add green tea. As also instructed by WHO and CDC, 6 to 8 glasses of water daily is the best way to detoxify our body processes. An adequate amount of this all important liquid also replaces the lung’s supply lost in the form of moisture as we breathe. Moreover, dry lungs are prone to irritation and increased inflammation making them easier victims of COVID-19.
