Protecting lung health is an important step in maintaining a healthy body in the long term. Over time, the toxins produced by fungi and bacteria can damage the lungs and cause serious illnesses, such as Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD). Fortunately, there are various natural remedies that can be used to help keep your lungs healthy so that you can breathe more easily.
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Method 1 of 5: Improves Overall Health
Step 1. Eat foods rich in antioxidants
Although adopting a healthy diet in general strengthens the lungs, eating antioxidant-rich foods is very beneficial because antioxidants have been shown to be effective in increasing lung capacity and breathing quality.
Foods rich in antioxidants include blueberries, broccoli, spinach, grapes, sweet potatoes, green tea, and fish
Step 2. Exercise regularly
Regular exercise helps maintain lung strength. Do cardio exercise (eg walking, running, or swimming) for at least 30 minutes 4-5 times per week.
Step 3. Don't smoke
Smoking is one of the main causes of COPD. In addition, smoking can also cause emphysema and lung cancer. Toxins from tobacco cause inflammation and damage the bronchial walls, making it difficult for the patient to breathe.
- Do not use smokeless tobacco products, such as chewing or inhaled tobacco, as these products increase the risk of lung cancer, as well as gum disease, cavities, and oral cancer.
- E-cigarettes also harm lung health. To detoxify the lungs, you absolutely should not smoke or use tobacco products.
Step 4. Prevent disease
One of the best ways to prevent lung damage is to get the flu vaccine every year. The flu can damage the lungs. Preventing lung damage from the constant wheezing and coughing caused by the flu helps maintain the long-term health of the lungs.
Method 2 of 5: Minimizing Environmental Factors
Step 1. Get enough air
Make sure the place you are in, such as your office or home, is well ventilated. If you have to interact with hazardous materials, such as paint fumes, construction site dust, or chemicals from dyes or hair care products, make sure you get enough clean air.
- Make sure there are vents and windows open so fresh air can circulate. If necessary, wear a half-face respirator to prevent hazardous materials from entering the lungs.
- If using cleaning products that contain strong chemicals, such as bleach, open windows or leave the room to get fresh air in your lungs.
- Do not use fireplaces or wood-burning stoves indoors as they can allow harmful toxins to enter the lungs.
Step 2. Be aware of sensitivity to plants
Some plants release spores, pollen, and other irritants into the air. Make sure there are no plants in the house that can irritate the lungs.
Step 3. Use a HEPA air filter
The HEPA air filter filters out tiny particles of dirt and allergens in the air, helping to keep your lungs healthy.
Using an ozone air purifier is not as effective as minimizing allergens and other particulate matter in the environment, and it can also cause lung irritation. So, don't use an ozone air purifier
Step 4. Campaign for clean air
There are many areas of the United States where the air is highly polluted due to pollution. While you may feel that this is not something you can change, research local environmental regulations to ensure local governments are working to improve air quality.
Join an environmental advocacy group in your area. Also, if you have asthma, find people who also have the condition so they can share advice on how to live in an area with polluted air
Method 3 of 5: Breathe Well
Step 1. Breathe properly
Breathing properly is one of the best ways to naturally strengthen your lungs. Inhale from the diaphragm, stretch and push out the lower abdominal muscles. Then, on exhaling, the lower abdominal muscles should come back in.
Breathing from the diaphragm, instead of the throat, helps strengthen and increase lung capacity
Step 2. Count the breaths
Inhale, then exhale. Count each time you inhale or exhale. Try to gradually increase the number of counts needed to breathe by 1-2 counts.
Don't push yourself too hard or hold your breath for too long as this can deplete the brain of oxygen, which in turn can trigger dizziness, fainting, or other more serious damage
Step 3. Improve your posture
Sitting and standing up straight can help you breathe better, increasing lung strength. Sitting up straight while stretching your arms up can also help increase lung capacity.
Method 4 of 5: Try Alternative Medicine Methods
Step 1. Have an open mind
Some of the following suggestions have not been scientifically tested or require further research. However, if you have weak lungs, but don't want to take medication, the following suggestions may help.
Step 2. Eat more oregano
Oregano contains rosmarinic acid and carvacrol, both natural decongestants and antihistamines that have a positive and direct effect on the smooth flow of air through the nasal passages and breathing.
- The strong oils in oregano, namely thymol and carvacrol, have been shown to be effective in inhibiting the growth of harmful bacteria, such as Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa, which often multiply in the lungs of animals.
- Oregano can be consumed fresh or dried. Oregano oil can also be mixed as much as 2-3 drops into milk or fruit juice every day.
Step 3. Breathe in eucalyptus vapors, which contain an expectorant
Eucalyptus is a common ingredient in lozenges and cough syrups. Eucalyptus contains an expectorant, cineole, which is effective in relieving coughs, removing blockages, and relieving sinus tract irritation.
Mix a few drops of eucalyptus oil in hot water and inhale the steam for 15 minutes every day to clear your lungs
Step 4. Take a hot bath to soothe the lungs
Sauna or bathing with hot water increases sweat secretion and helps remove harmful substances from the lungs.
Drink water after a sauna or hot bath to avoid the risk of becoming dehydrated
Step 5. Use peppermint to relax the respiratory muscles
Peppermint and peppermint oil contain menthol, a substance that effectively relaxes the smooth muscles of the airways and makes it easier for you to breathe.
- Along with the antihistamine that is also present in peppermint, menthol is a great decongestant. Chew 2-3 peppermint leaves (rather than peppermint gum) for maximum relief.
- Many people use therapeutic chest balms and other inhaled products that contain menthol to relieve congestion in the airways.
Step 6. Drink mullein tea
Mullein (Verbascum thapsus) is believed to be effective in removing mucus and cleaning the bronchi. Mullein flowers and leaves are used to make herbal extracts that can help strengthen the lungs.
- Mullein is used by practitioners of herbal medicine to remove mucus in the lungs, clear the bronchi, and relieve inflammation in the respiratory tract.
- To make mullein tea, brew 1 tsp of dried mullein herb in 240 ml of boiling water.
Step 7. Consume liquorice
If the airways are blocked, liquorice tea may help. Licorice root is believed to relax the mucous membranes in the throat, lungs, and stomach.
- Licorice breaks down mucus / phlegm in the respiratory tract so that it can be removed by the lungs.
- Licorice root also has antibacterial and antiviral properties that are effective in killing viruses and bacteria that cause lung infections.
Step 8. Increase ginger consumption
Ginger is great for detoxification as well as preventing lung cancer. Ginger has been shown to be effective at inhibiting the growth of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC).[Image:Detox Your Lungs Naturally Step 15.jpg|center]
- Consume ginger root tea mixed with lemon to improve breathing and eliminate toxins in the respiratory tract.
- Or, just eat a piece of raw or cooked ginger with every meal. Ginger is also good for the digestive system.
Method 5 of 5: Understanding Risk Factors
Step 1. Watch out for symptoms of lung disease
We are usually not aware of the performance of the lungs. If your lungs are working properly, breathing feels like something normal and automatic. However, if you have a cough that lasts for more than 1 month or are short of breath after light activities (such as walking), you may have a lung disease that requires treatment.
If coughing up phlegm or blood, consult a doctor immediately
Step 2. Learn about COPD
COPD is a broad term for a variety of dangerous lung diseases. Diseases categorized as COPD are usually “progressive,” meaning they get worse over time. COPD is the fourth leading cause of death in the United States.
The lungs consist of air sacs that are insulated by walls. In COPD, the walls between the air sacs are often damaged. As a result, the lungs produce more mucus so that the airways become blocked and it is difficult for air to reach the lungs
Step 3. Know the groups that are vulnerable to COPD
Although COPD can happen to anyone, there are certain groups that are more susceptible to developing the disease. COPD tends to occur in adults, especially those aged 40 years and over, than children.
- The number of male patients is equal to that of women. However, smokers are at very high risk of developing COPD.
- Genetic factors also influence the occurrence of COPD. A small group of populations with alpha-1-antitypsin deficiency are at risk of developing COPD, which generally appears at a younger age.
