Our lungs do a lot for us. The most obvious and clear use of them is to help us to breathe which is quite vital if you ask us. There are a lot of toxins and pollutants in the air which can damage the lungs or cause health conditions so here are some tips on how to clear your lungs.
For people that suffer from asthma, pulmonary fibrosis or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) this article could be useful for you as it will help to cleanse your lungs and breathe a lot easier. There are many ways to cleanse the lungs including lifestyle changes and exercises to train your lungs as well.
Get outside!
The first thing you can do to help clear your lungs is so simple you don’t even need to go through any exercises to even do it. Simply going outside and getting some fresh air will help to exercise your lungs and keep them working. Make sure to check the air pollution in your area and avoid exercise in highly polluted areas.
Steam therapy
This type of therapy involves inhaling water vapour to help drain mucus and open up the airways and has been found to be beneficial for people with COPD.
To carry this out boil some water and then pour it into a large container that is a similar size to your face. Place a towel over your head and hang your head over the bowl or container with the water in it and make sure that no air is coming out of the towel. Hold this for 10 minutes.
Change your diet
Certain foods and drinking more water can help to reduce inflammation and decrease dehydration which is a factor that contributes to increase in mucus in the lungs. Increase your intake of Vitamin D by consuming foods such as salmon and eggs to help reduce the number of asthma attacks you may experience. Alternatively drink green tea as an anti-inflammatory or eat lemon, garlic or berries to reduce mucus production.
Breathing exercises
Certain breathing exercises can improve lung function and increase the capacity of your lungs that are used. Diaphragmic breathing exercises only require you to lie on your back and doesn’t need any equipment to perform.
- Lie on your back with a pillow underneath your head and knees. Place one hand on your chest and the other on your belly.
- Breathe in slowly through your nose so that you can feel your belly lifting on the hand resting upon it. The hand on your chest should stay as still as possible.
- Tighten your stomach muscles and breathe out through your mouth lowering the hand resting upon it. Ensure that you keep the hand on your chest as still as possible.
Get an air purifier
Improve the quality of your home life as well with an air purifier. This will reduce the toxins that are in the air and aid in the cleanliness of your lungs. This can reduce the amount of coughing and build up of mucus that can occur in the airways.
This article was written by our team of specialist therapists at Perfect Balance Clinic. If you would like more specific advice about how our team can help you with this condition or symptoms you may be having, please complete the contact form below and one of the team will get back to you shortly.
