What do raspberries, peas, lentils and black beans have in common? They are all high in fibre, which is excellent for the lungs. Research suggests that people who eat more fibre have better functioning lungs than those who don't eat much fibre. Other fibre-rich foods include whole grain spaghetti, baked beans, chia seeds, quinoa, pears and broccoli. It is a good idea to vacuum carpets three times a week and steam clean them every year.
This is because they can trap mould, cockroach droppings, dust mites, dirt and dust that get into the air and into your lungs. Even the chemicals used to make and install carpets can cause lung problems. If vacuuming is too much for you, consider hard-surface floors, such as tiles or wood, which are easier to keep clean. It's great exercise for the stomach muscles and helps increase the amount of air the lungs can take in.
Like sport, jogging or breathing exercises, a good laugh clears out stale air to make room for fresh air that can reach more parts of the lungs. They are a good way to detect illnesses before they get out of hand. This can be especially important in the case of lung diseases, which may not cause obvious symptoms until they are well advanced. Report any changes you notice in your breathing to your doctor.
He or she will listen to your lungs and can do tests to help find out what is going on. Diaphragmatic breathing uses awareness of the diaphragm muscle, which separates the organs in the abdomen from the lungs. The American Lung Association offers Better Breathers Clubs throughout Illinois and across the country. Visit the American Lung Association website or call (800) LUNG-USA (586-487) to find one near you.
Fresh fruits and vegetables include minerals, vitamins and fibre that help keep the body healthy and fit. However, some produce is better for lung health than others. Opt for berries, pineapples and grapes instead of apples, apricots and peaches, which can cause bloating. The more you exercise, the easier it is for your lungs to maintain oxygen supply to your heart and muscles.
Exercise does not necessarily make your lungs stronger, but it helps them work better. Eating a diet rich in nutritious foods and drinks is a smart way to support and protect lung health. Evidence suggests that smokers may have 25% lower concentrations of carotenoid antioxidants than non-smokers, which can damage lung health (1). For those with poor lung health, beer is a poor choice, particularly because it is also carbonated and can cause bloating, which puts extra pressure on the lungs and can make breathing difficult.
Try incorporating some of the above foods and drinks into your diet to help support your lung health. This is the basis of breathing exercises designed to help people with lung diseases such as asthma and COPD, which can trap stale air and impair the natural elasticity of the lungs. A cold or respiratory illness affects lung health immediately, but can also lead to serious complications. Due to the presence of the antioxidant quercetin, apples have been shown to reduce lung deterioration and even lung damage caused by smoking.
Antioxidants found in whole grains, such as flavonoids and vitamin E, also support lung health and protect against cell damage (...). This therapy may be an effective temporary solution, but researchers need to conduct more research before fully understanding the benefits of vapour therapy on lung health. Bilberries are loaded with nutrients, and their consumption has been associated with a number of health benefits, including protection and preservation of lung function (20). Lung-cleansing techniques such as postural drainage, chest percussion and breathing exercises can help clear mucus from the lungs and airways.
However, research has shown that lifestyle modifications, including following a nutrient-rich diet, can help protect the lungs and even reduce lung damage and disease symptoms. Breathing air pollution, cigarette smoke and other toxins can damage the lungs and even cause disease. A study of 839 veterans found that blueberry intake was associated with the slowest rate of lung function decline and that consuming 2 or more servings of blueberries per week slowed lung function decline by up to 38%, compared to little or no blueberry intake (2.Avoiding fried and high-calorie foods can help you maintain your overall health while alleviating the symptoms of lung disease. Whether you have chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) such as emphysema or bronchitis, asthma, or are dealing with lung pain from a mesothelioma diagnosis, lung disease can be uncomfortable and affect your quality of life.
