November is National Lung Cancer Awareness Month, which makes it a perfect time to focus on maintaining healthy lungs for life. There are many factors that play a role in lung health, and thankfully you can take control of many of them. Keep reading to learn 4 steps you can take to achieve and maintain healthy lungs for life.
4 Steps to Help Protect Healthy Lungs for Life
Don’t Smoke
Smoking can cause COPD and cancer, which is the second leading cause of death in the U.S. In fact, lung cancer accounts for more deaths than any other type. When it comes to keeping your lungs healthy for life, one of the first and most obvious steps is to stop (or never start) smoking. This includes vaping as well as cigarettes, since both have been proven to cause damage and increase overall health risks. The good news is that once you quit, Research shows your lungs can notably heal as soon as four weeks after your last cigarette.
Get Exercise
When you exercise, you cause your body to breathe harder, bringing in more oxygen to fuel the increase in activity. Typically, our bodies use only a small amount of what our lungs are capable of. However, when we engage in cardiovascular activity, we force our lungs to work harder, increasing circulation and pulmonary stamina.
Breathe Deeply
The simple practice of deep breathing can stretch and clear the lungs, causing them to engage fully. The American Lung Association has shown that deep breathing can increase your vital capacity, or the amount of air you’re capable of taking in. When done regularly, breathing exercises can help your body expel stale air and train your diaphragm to contract efficiently, bringing in a greater volume of fresh, clean air.
Avoid Pollutants
If you work in a field with chemicals, or are regularly around dust and fumes, it’s crucial to wear safety gear designed to protect your lungs for life. To keep the air in your home cleaner, open the windows regularly and dust and vacuum weekly. If you typically use synthetic candles, air fresheners, and cleaning products, consider switching to natural options that are free of chemicals. Brands like Mrs Meyer’s Clean Day and Zum offer natural cleaning and fragrance products with a variety of fresh scents and no harmful chemicals.
Supplements for Lung Health
In addition to the steps listed above, you may also want to consider adding dietary supplements designed to support healthy lung function. Here are a few products and brands we recommend:
Lung Formula from Banyan Botanicals
Lung Formula from Banyan Botanicals is created from organic herbs and is designed to nourish lung tissue while boosting your body’s natural defenses. Using a proprietary blend of Ayurvedic herbs, this supplement may support a normal immune response and improved breathing.
Respiratory Support & Defense from Nature’s Secret
Respiratory Support & Defense from Nature’s Secret is a supplement designed to nourish and support the respiratory system. Each dose contains a robust blend of 14 botanicals, including fenugreek and marshmallow root, as well as a powerful amino acid to help maintain clear bronchial airways.
How do you maintain healthy lungs for life? Share your wellness plan with us in the comments section below.
