The lungs are one of the most important organs in the body. Healthy lungs can improve stamina and mental functioning, while unhealthy lungs can make every action a chore. Lung health is actually determined by a number of factors including your genetics, but there are several ways to improve lung health as an adult.
Perform Aerobic Exercise Regularly
The best way to improve lung health is to start performing aerobic exercises every day. Exercise forces the lungs to work a little harder. This will increase the strength and capacity of the lungs over time. Aerobic exercise includes running or walking, playing sports, and swimming. People who are living in a Sunshine retirement living community can try to get aerobic exercise by walking outside for 30 minutes each day. It doesn’t have to be difficult and the key is important to ease into aerobic exercise gradually. Even starting with just 15 minutes of exercise can start to help the lungs. The goal should be to perform up to an hour of aerobic exercise every day.
Get the Right Vitamins and Nutrients
Vitamins and nutrients can help to improve the health of the lungs as well. Vitamin D, vitamin C, zinc and magnesium can all make the lungs preform better. Omega-3 fatty acids and foods high in antioxidants will have a positive effect, as well as leafy greens, salmon, nuts like almonds and fresh fruits. Try as much as possible to avoid an abundance of dairy, as these products trigger the creation of mucus that can harm the health of the lungs in large quantities.
Improve Indoor Air Quality
Taking steps to improve indoor air quality will strengthen the lungs. Dust, allergens, and other particles in the air all reduce lung functioning and can lead to respiratory problems. The same is true of volatile organic compounds in some cleaners and other household products. Keeping the house clean by vacuuming carpets, wiping down surfaces and circulating the air with fans will help the lungs. It is also a good idea to purchase green household products that do not contain volatile organic compounds.
Develop Good Posture
Posture can affect the health of the lungs, and bad posture restricts the movement of the lungs and muscles surrounding them. Hunching over every day causes the lungs to become weaker over the course of several years. Developing good posture provides the lungs with the necessary space to move normally, increase capacity and stay healthy.
Improving lung health can take time especially after quitting smoking. It is important to stick with a healthy routine for several weeks. Most people start to see improvements in as little as a week or two. Following a good diet, performing regular exercise and a maintaining a clean home will make the lungs healthier.
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