Blueberries, broccoli, spinach, grapes, sweet potatoes, green tea, and fish in particularly are high in anti-oxidants.
At least 30 minutes of moderate aerobic activity (like walking, swimming or golf), four to five times a week. OR At least 25 minutes of vigorous aerobic activity (like jogging/running, biking or playing basketball) at least three days per week.
To protect your lungs, do not use smokeless tobacco products such as chewing tobacco or snuff. These increase your risk of mouth cancer, as well as gum disease, tooth decay, and pancreatic cancer. [2] X Trustworthy Source American Cancer Society Nonprofit devoted to promoting cancer research, education, and support Go to source E-cigarettes may also be dangerous to your lung health [3] X Trustworthy Source American Lung Association Nonprofit health organization dedicated to improving lung health through education, advocacy, and research Go to source New studies have found that some companies use a flavouring in e-cigarettes which comes from a toxic chemical called Diacetyl. This chemical has been linked to constrictive bronchiolitis, a rare and life-threatening form of non-reversible obstructive lung disease in which the bronchioles are compressed and narrowed by scar tissue and/or inflammation. [4] X Research source To detox your lungs, don’t use any kind of smoking or tobacco product.
Make sure that you have open vents and windows to keep fresh air circulating. Consider wearing a respirator when working in a small space. If you are cleaning with strong chemicals such as bleach, be sure that you have open windows in the room, and that you have the opportunity to leave the space and give your lungs a break. Avoid using fireplaces and wood-burning stoves indoors as these can also put harmful toxins in your lungs.
Ozone air purifiers are not as effective at reducing allergens and other particles in the environment, and may even irritate the lungs. [6] X Trustworthy Source Mayo Clinic Educational website from one of the world’s leading hospitals Go to source
Be sure not to strain yourself or hold your breath for too long. This could cause you to deprive oxygen to the brain, which could cause dizziness, or fainting
An exercise to help expand the capacity of your lung, is to sit on a chair with your back straight, and lift your arms above your head while breathing deeply. [8] X Research source
The volatile oils in oregano, thymol and carvacol, have been shown to inhibit the growth of harmful bacteria like staphylococcus aureus and pseudomonas aeruginosa. Oregano can be consume in fresh or dried forms, and two to three drops of oregano oil can be added to milk or juice daily.
To use as a steam inhalation, add a few drops of eucalyptus oil to hot water and inhale steam for up to 15 minutes. [10] X Research source Elaissi A, Rouis Z, Salem NA, Mabrouk S, ben Salem Y, Salah KB, Aouni M, Farhat F, Chemli R, Harzallah-Skhiri F, Khouja ML. Chemical composition of 8 eucalyptus species’ essential oils and the evaluation of their anti-bacterial, anti-funal and anti-viral activities. BMC Complement Altern Med. 2012 Jun 28;12:81. doi: 10. 1186/1472-6882-12-81. Be aware: Eucalyptus oil may decrease how quickly the liver breaks down some medications. Taking eucalyptus oil along with some medications can increase their effects and side effects. Before using eucalyptus oil, talk to your healthcare provider to determine if you take any medications that may be effected, Medications such as Voltaren, Ibuprofen, Motrin, Celebrex, Warfarin, Allegra, and others.
Be sure to drink water after you take a long shower or spend time in a sauna because you do not want to risk becoming dehydrated. Ensure any hot tubs are properly cleaned to avoid any infections. High heat encourages bacterial growth, and although the water or surroundings may smell strongly of chlorine, it is hard to maintain bactericidal levels of dissolved chlorine gas in hot water. On testing, the bath may be found to contain high levels of chlorine, but most of it may be in a form that has little effect on contaminating organisms.
Paired with the antihistamine effect of peppermint, menthol is a fantastic decongestant. Consider chewing two to three peppermint leaves (as opposed to candied versions) in order to get the most immediate benefits. [11] X Research source Rakover Y, Ben-Arye E, Goldstein LH. The treatment of respiratory ailments with essential oils of some aromatic medicinal plants. Harefuah. 2008 Oct;147(10):783-8, 838.
Mullein is used by herbal practitioners to clear excess mucus from the lungs, cleanse the bronchial tubes, and reduce inflammation present in the respiratory tract. You can make a tea can from one teaspoon of the dried herb and one cup of boiled water. [12] X Research source Turker AU, Camper ND. Biological activity of common mullien, a medicinal plant. J Ethnopharmacol. 2002 Oct; 82(2-3):117-25.
Licorice may help to thin the phlegm in the respiratory tract, aiding in the expulsion of mucus. It is also thought to have antibacterial and antiviral effects which may help fight off viral and bacterial infections.
Consuming ginger root tea mixed with lemon can facilitate less laborious breathing. Raw or cooked ginger can also improve digestion.
Shortness of breath Pain while breathing Persistent cough Cough during exercise Wheezing Dizziness during activity
You can still get the flu even if you’ve had a flu shot. However, most people who get the flu after receiving the shot will recover more quickly than if they didn’t get the flu shot. In addition to the flu vaccine, your doctor may recommend a pneumonia vaccine.
