When people discuss the importance of health, they will typically say drink water, eat vegetables, fruits and get exercise. We might also think about how exercising keeps our waistlines thin and our hearts strong and healthy. However, one of the potentially obvious factors of our health gets overlooked and if it doesn't get overlooked the importance may also be misunderstood. If you guessed lungs, you guessed correctly. Healthy lungs and great lung capacity help us live a comfortable life especially when we are sick.
After our mid-20s, our lung capacity and lung function typically decrease slowly. The lung capacity is the total amount of air that your lungs can hold.
The bottom line is, no one can deny just how vital this organ system really is. Composed of our airways, lungs, and the muscles and blood vessels connected to them, the respiratory system carries oxygen throughout our body and makes everything we do possible.
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There are many conditions like chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) that can significantly speed up these reductions in lung capacity and functioning. This leads to difficulty in breathing and shortness of breath. Lucky for us, there are exercises that can help maintain and increase lung capacity, making it easier to keep your lungs healthy and get your body the oxygen it needs. If you are now concerned and wondering what you can do to keep your lungs healthy, here is the list!
Add Plant Life To Your Home
First things first, make sure you purchase real plants. When you add plants to your home it increases the oxygen and air quality in our living areas thanks to plants’ natural abilities to remove certain toxins from the air. This is especially important during the winter months when we spend most of our time indoors because of the weather outside.
Breathe Easier: 10 Everyday Ways To Open Your Lungs
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Pursed-lips breathing
If you’re looking to slow down your breathing, reduce the work of breathing by keeping your airways open longer. This makes it easier for the lungs to function and improves the exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide.
Breathing exercises like this one is perfect for beginners and can be done from home without much practice. Here are some tips for techniques.
- Breathe in slowly through your nostrils.
- Purse your lips, like you are pouting or about to blow on something.
- Breathe out as slow as you can through your pursed lips. This should take at least twice as long as it did to breathe in.
- Repeat.
Stay Clean
Things like breathing exercises and washing your hands can seem like a very trivial way of maintaining healthy lungs.
Simply washing your hands and good hygiene is a great way to keep healthy lungs, especially during flu season.
Your lungs can be severely irritated by viruses and bacteria, especially the ones that can cause colds or the flu.
RELATED: 6 Common Ways You’re Damaging Your Lungs
Avoid Tobacco Products
Smoking and chewing tobacco are not good for the lungs or your overall health.
Avoiding tobacco products is the number one most efficient way to keep your respiratory system strong and healthy.
Things like persistent coughing, shortness of breath, and fatigue can all stem from smoking tobacco products. If you deem these side effects uncomfortable you should avoid smoking at all costs.
Stay Hydrated
Water can do wonders for the body. It helps clear your skin and organs. It can also help thin mucus secretions that build up in your lungs each day, which can help you to breathe more easily.
