The respiratory system consists of our bodies airways, lungs, and the muscles and blood vessels that transports oxygen throughout the human body, allowing us to breathe. As a result when our respiratory system is compromised it affects our entire body.
Ways to improve and enhance our lung health include...
1. Stop smoking: Smoking is associated with most lung disorders, including COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease), and asthma. Additionally, it exacerbates the severity of specific diseases. For example, smokers are more likely to die of COPD than nonsmokers.
Every time you smoke a cigarette, thousands of chemicals, including nicotine and carbon monoxide are inhaled into your lungs causing injury and destruction to the organ. The chemicals also promote mucus production, irritate and inflame tissues, thus making it more difficult for your lungs to function properly. As a result your airways begin narrowing, making breathing more difficult.
2. Eat a healthy diet: A balanced healthy and nutrient rich diet is very important for lung health. Deficiencies in essential nutrients can be associated with various lung diseases.
Consuming foods enriched in vitamins A, C, and E and potassium, zinc, selenium, and magnesium all contribute to maintaining optimal respiratory health. Check out our Dietitian services at www.londondietitians.ca for more information!
3. Drink lots of water: Optimal hydration is critical for lung health as drinking water helps thin the mucus secretions that build up in the lungs allowing you to breathe more easily. It is recommended you get at least 6 to 8 cups of water per day. You should make a point to try and spread this out through the day and also try drinking water with meals to aide in digestion.
4. Keeping active: exercise is an essential contributor to optimal blood circulation while also enhancing muscle strength. Your diaphragm is a muscle that needs to be trained, and your lung capacity can grow and adapt to the conditions you are putting yourself through. Check out our performance tests to see what your VO2 max is and aim to improve upon it! www.medpointfitness.ca
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