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Whether you have asthma, are prone to respiratory infections, or want to make sure your lungs are in top shape, there are actions you can take to keep your respiratory health at its very best.
First, take our GR8 quiz to see if your lungs need a detox. Even if your results show that you’re taking care of your respiratory system, there are many more things that you can do to maintain that health. Use these x tips starting today to see benefits well into the future.
1. Eat the Right Foods
That’s right. It’s more than just the air you breathe that helps maintain your respiratory health. Some foods help protect your lungs as well. They include foods rich in fiber, such as whole-grains and protein-packed foods like fish and chicken. Make sure to drink plenty of water and avoid a high-sodium diet.
Check out the full list of foods that help your respiratory health.
2. Practice Breathing Exercises
Breathing exercises that help clear the lungs and increase air capacity can help keep your respiratory system in excellent shape. Practice these exercises daily. The best thing about them is that they can be done anywhere, any time, and take just a few minutes.
Learn more about how breathwork transforms your health.
3. Avoid Pollutants
Environments with lots of pollution can damage your airways and lead to respiratory problems down the road. You may receive notifications that there is a poor air quality warning in your area. When you see these warnings, it’s best to stay inside as much as possible to protect your lungs. Additionally, avoid inhaling toxic fumes.
Learn more about the effects of breathing toxic fumes and see how air pollution can affect your health.
4. Pay Attention to Posture
Many of us find ourselves slumped over at desks all day, which can put stress on the respiratory system. Your respiratory system is like a machine. It relies on multiple parts to function correctly. Studies show that those who slouch or frequently tilt their heads down, like we do when looking at our cellphones, put more strain on their respiratory systems compared to those sitting upright.
5. Maintain a Healthy Weight
Just as it’s essential to maintain good posture to keep all the parts of your respiratory system working efficiently, it’s also important to maintain a healthy weight. Studies show that excess weight causes inflammation in the body that affects how well the respiratory system functions. COPD and asthma are linked to more significant troubles breathing.
Learn how to kickstart your weight loss journey today.
6. Exercise Regularly
According to the American Lung Association, exercising regularly is one of the best ways to maintain lung health. Not only can it help prevent weight gain, but it makes your lungs stronger and improves oxygen circulation throughout the body. It can also help strengthen muscles that surround the diaphragm and ribs, which are essential to the process of inhaling and exhaling.
Check out these exercise routines that double as strength training and cardio.
7. Practice Breathing Properly
Yes, there’s a proper way to breathe. Use your nose and diaphragm, make sure you’re relaxed, and monitor whether or not your body makes any sound as you breathe. Wheezing, snoring, or coughing are all signs that your respiratory system isn’t functioning at an optimal level.
Learn more about the right way to breathe.
Maintaining a Healthy Respiratory System
Just as maintaining a fitness routine helps us stay in shape, or practicing a skill keeps us sharp, you need to put these tips into action every day for the best respiratory health. Get into a habit of checking in with yourself to see how you’re doing.
You may need a posture corrector or lumbar support pillow to help keep your body appropriately aligned at work, or you may need to set aside some time each day to work on breathing exercises. Whatever you do, don’t give up. Your lungs need you just as much as you need them.
Maintaining a healthy respiratory system now, even if you don’t currently have any breathing problems, can help prevent health issues down the road. Additionally, check out these eight tips for keeping healthy lungs.
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