Living for Your Lung Health
By Brandi Goodman
Your lungs can suffer from so many things. Secondhand smoke, poor air quality, dust and pollen, and much more can affect the way our lungs work. You need to start living for your lung health and taking care of these vital organs if you want to maintain your respiratory system and keep breathing easy.
Stay Indoors on High-Pollen Days
Look at a pollen or air quality tracker to determine whether you should spend time outdoors or not. Quickly walking to your car may be fine, but staying outdoors and trying to enjoy an outside activity will not be under these circumstances. You can look online or on a mobile app to determine the current pollen level. If it's high and in the red -- or even toward the orange -- then you should not be outside more than you can help it. Poor air quality can greatly impact your lungs.
Avoid Crowds
You don't want to end up with a cold that puts serious strain on your lungs and chest. Avoid crowds during flu season so your own body does not become overwhelmed. You should go out when less people are around, or stick with online shopping from home. Look to local stores rather than big box stores that have hundreds of patrons in and out all day.
Stop Smoking
Smoking is one of the worst things you can do for your lungs. It introduces so many toxins and harmful chemicals that can lead to major complications. Stop smoking if you have any hope of reducing some of the effects after a while. Although, some damage will be irreparable.
Try Aerobic Exercises
Exercises that have you breathing hard really work your lungs. This is great for them. They strengthen as they get used. Perform aerobic exercises and cardio throughout the week. Swimming, walking, jogging, and biking are a few great choices.
Eat a Lung-Healthy Diet
Certain foods fight inflammation and work to keep your lungs healthy. Enjoy this range of foods daily. Beets, peppers, apples, berries, leafy greens, and even green tea can help your lungs. You should always focus on eating nutritious foods -- particularly fruits and vegetables -- if you want to maintain your health.
November is Lung Cancer Awareness Month. Don't let your lungs suffer. Take the time to learn about proper lung health now so you can do what it takes to keep them healthy and thriving. Your well-being depends on it.
To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Augusta, Ga.