In addition to quitting smoking and practicing physical activity to boost our lung capacity, hydration is also very important to help reduce infections.
The health of our lungs is essential to have a good quality of life. Most of the problems associated with these organs are related to tobacco and environmental pollutants that can seriously affect our well-being. We suggest you know a series of simple keys to take care of your lungs.
The need to maintain adequate lung health
A large part of doctor visits are due to respiratory and lung problems. Let’s think that this category includes, for example, asthma, COPD, tobacco-related problems, viral respiratory infections, pneumonia, lung cancer or respiratory disorders during sleep.
It is clear that as we get older we will suffer from this type of problem, but beware, we do not associate it only with the age factor. The problems associated with tobacco can reach us as early as 30 with asthma, and being overweight also causes many risks in our lives.
In the event of any health problem affecting the respiratory system, it is mandatory to go to a doctor and follow the indicated treatment. In any case, the keys that we present here can complement these measures.
A fact to be taken into account: according to the WHO, childhood and adult asthma take millions of lives every year. Maybe it’s due to environmental pollution? To pollution? There are many investigations that are being carried out and, little by little, they will clarify this reality for us. Meanwhile, let’s take into account the following tips:
1. Simple cardiovascular exercises
No need to go out every day to run a marathon. Nor is it about going to the gym to lift weights and beat us up with various machines. Absolutely.
The professionals indicate that just half an hour a day: walk briskly without run- cycling, some swimming… it is simply to work our respiratory system and cardiovascular.
Likewise, taking a walk, climbing stairs, doing aerobic exercises and simple things every day will make your lungs get used to breathing normally, filling with oxygen, cleansing and becoming more efficient.
2. How about we stop smoking?
If you are one of those who still maintain the cigarette habit, you must take into account one thing: your lung health suffers from each puff of tobacco you inhale. The World Health Organization itself says so.
Day by day you will get sick until the time comes when the damage done to your lungs (or other organs) is irreparable. Worth it? Of course not. You have to become aware, take enough will to quit tobacco, which is taking years off your life.
3. Get used to breathing through your nose
It may sound silly to you, but it is actually essential. The hairs on the nose act as a filter with the air we take in, which thus reaches our lungs much cleaner and free of toxic elements.
4. Ideal food for your lungs: broccoli
Do you like broccoli? With a little oil and vinegar, or even baked cheese gratin, they are delicious! But you may be surprised to know how good they are for our lungs. Thus, scientists have discovered that broccoli have a component that helps us eliminate harmful bacteria that affect the lungs.
It is sulforaphane, a chemical that reduces infections of these organs. Although, as pointed out in this last cited study, its effects still need to be investigated in greater depth, it is worth including it in our diet as indicated by a professional.
5. Be careful what you inhale
You may have a job where you have to inhale certain chemicals. If so, use appropriate protection for your workplace, such as masks. Also take into account those everyday elements that can harm our lungs, such as the following:
- Gasoline leaking from cars.
- The smoke snuff: passive smokers can also suffer serious problems.
- Paints, enamels with various chemical compounds.
- Fiberglass or ceramic and other breathable microparticles.
6. The importance of drinking two liters of water a day
It is very important that we drink water, that we consume abundant liquids throughout the day. This publication, among many others, confirms that water helps to fulfill various fundamental functions for the body, but how does water help our lungs?
Well, the simple act of drinking the recommended amount of water per day helps us lower the chances of viral infections, as indicated in this article in the Journal of Noncommunicable Diseases.
In addition, other publications recommend good hydration for asthmatics specifically, as this contributes to the proper functioning of the respiratory system in general.
To conclude, it is worth following these simple keys to take care of the health of the lungs. You know that the essential thing is that, if this is your case, quit the tobacco habit as soon as possible. And it is highly recommended to also do a little exercise every day. These are simple habits that take care of our health.