Basic Steps to Healthy Lungs

What are lungs?

The lungs are a pair of organs in the chest, which are responsible for the exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide between the air we breathe and our blood. The lungs draw in oxygen from air and redistribute it into the blood stream, where it is used by the cells in the body.

What do the lungs do?

The cells in the body constantly need a new supply of oxygen to produce energy for the body. Without oxygen entering the lungs to create energy and carbon dioxide leaving the body as waste, we die. When lack of oxygen occurs, cellular functions are damaged and cell death may occur. As we use energy, waste products are created, including carbon dioxide, a gas. Eliminating carbon dioxide from the body detoxifies it. The lungs help clean the air we breathe as well.

Basic Steps to Healthy Lungs

Here are some basic steps to take to keep your lungs healthy.

1. Don’t smoke! This is the best protection you can give your lungs. Quitting smoking reduces the incidences of all lung diseases, especially lung cancer. More women die of lung cancer than of breast cancer each year. Smoking is the primary cause of lung cancer. Talk to your doctor about the best smoking-cessation program for you. He can recommend prescription drugs to help you kick the habit or refer you to a respiratory therapist or a smoking-cessation counselor.

2. See a doctor immediately if you have a chronic cough, shortness of breath, or other abnormal lung symptoms. Follow his advice.

3. Avoid air pollution, secondhand cigarette smoke, and toxic fumes. Ozone in smog, a common pollutant, impairs lung function and aggravates asthma and allergies. Particulate matter in the air can also harm you.

4. Exercise. The more you exercise, the more air you breathe, and the stronger your lungs will become.

5. Get enough vitamin C, vitamin D, and magnesium in your diet to improve your lung function. Magnesium is found in leafy, green vegetables, such as: spinach, cucumber, green beans, chard, and celery. Oranges, lemons, tomatoes, grapefruit, and strawberries are wonderful sources of vitamin C. Vitamin D is available in milk products and made by the body when you spend time in the sun.

6. Get immunized for flu and pneumonia if you are over age 65 or have a chronic health problem, such as heart disease, asthma, or diabetes.

Follow these basic steps for healthy lungs. And, once again, DON”T SMOKE!

Please always consult your doctor about your health problems. This blog is for information only - Not for diagnosing health conditions.

Image Courtesy of Wikipedia