Happy Lungs
Your lungs are key to a healthy body. Damage to the lungs can lead to chronic health conditions. Research from the World Health Organization (WHO) shows that over four million deaths each year are due to air pollutant exposures. Cigarette smoking is the cause of death for one out of every five people in the United States alone. The good news is that the lungs are a self-cleaning organ and can heal themselves once the exposure to the pollutants stop.
To support your lung functions, avoid harmful toxins and include regular exercise, especially in fresh air when possible. It is very important to avoid secondhand smoke as well. Breathing the smoke from smokers contains hundreds of toxic chemicals and can harm your lungs as if you were the smoker. Vaping is on the rise, however, research has discovered this reduces the lungs ability to create mucus which can lead to infection. Also vaping scars the lungs making them less able to expand and contract. Steering clear of these air toxins will help to reduce your chances of developing chronic diseases.
Eating and drinking healthy plant based foods is key for a healthy body including your lungs. Plant foods such as blueberries, fruits, kale, green leafy vegetables, for example, are high in antioxidants which can help to protect your lungs from damage created by the toxins in the air. Using an air purifier has shown to improve the quality of the air you breath, thus reducing exposure to toxins. In addition, changing your home’s air filters, cleaning the vents and ducts helps to reduce exposure. Using filters that are structured to remove the tiny particulates will aid in improving the quality of air in the home. Recommendation is to change the filter every six months or sooner, depending on the “dust” in your home. Another cause of toxin producers in your home are artificial scents. Candles, air fresheners, candle warmers, etc. contain harmful chemicals that cause irritation to your lungs. Many of the cleaning products used in the home also cause irritation to your lungs. It is recommended to switch to all natural products as you can to reduce and eliminate these toxins. And an obvious way to improve your lung health is to spend time outside, exercising, walking, in the fresh air especially in an area filled with trees.