People who maintain healthy lungs are sure to be from respiratory disorders. Toxic elements and pollution in the environment are not friendly to the lungs. If not well managed, they may eventually cause lung disorders. There are lung-friendly foods, let’s discuss them.
Foods that Keep the Lungs Healthy
Apples
A regular consumption of apples ensures that there is a reduction in the risk of having asthma. It actually reduces the risk by 32%. Flavonoids and khellin, compounds in apple, open up airways to ensure there is breathing without any difficulty.
Garlic
Because garlic contains anti-inflammatory properties, it clears lung problems. It also prevents inflammations that affect your lungs.
Avocado
Avocado enhances respiratory health in more ways than you can think of. It is bursting with an antioxidant known as glutathione, one that fights free radicals, preventing them from damaging essential cells in the body.
Carrots
The beta-carotene in carrots is beneficial for the health of the lungs. Beta-carotene converts into vitamin A that ensures the prevention of various respiratory diseases such as asthma. Now you know why there has been much emphasis on the consumption of carrots.
Turmeric
Turmeric has got anti-inflammatory properties that protect the lungs from inflammations that are caused by toxic substances. Adding it to your meals will do you some good.
Berries
Dark berries are particularly known for their various healthy properties and compounds. They’ve got antioxidants, making them sure to combat cancerous cells. They’re lovely when added to fruit salads, no doubt.
Cantaloupe
Free radicals damage the lungs, and it is necessary to prevent them from maturing into terrible health conditions such as lung cancer. Consuming cantaloupe helps combat free radicals. People who have a family history of asthma find cantaloupe a healthy option.
Flax seeds
Omega-3 fatty acid enriched foods, no doubt, are essential to maintaining strong lungs. Flax seeds fall in this category. Salmon and oily fish do too. They ward off symptoms of asthma. They’re great at it.
Coffee
Every time you drink coffee, you keep respiratory problems away. Lung issues are easily eliminated as a result of the antioxidants and other minerals it contains.
Foods the Lungs Frown at
Shellfish
Shellfish, as a result of its components, causes allergies, and add to lung issues. Crayfish, crab, and shrimp are as unhelpful as shellfish, as far as lung matters are concerned.
Wine
Wine is notorious for triggering asthmatic symptoms. In it is a preservative known as sulfide. Sulfite causes severe lung issues.
Eggs
Eggs can lead to asthma and some allergies, especially in children.
Peanuts
Peanuts and products that contain them have components that trigger allergic reactions. They’re not cool at all for people who have asthma.
Salt
Salt, as useful as it seems, it not cool for everyone. Do you have breathing issues? Then you really should consider limiting your salt intake.
Facts about the Lungs
- The structure of the left lung differs slightly from that of the right lung. The left lung contains a cardiac notch. A cardiac notch is a small place designed to accommodate the heart.
- The left lung is lighter than the right lung. The left lung has two lobes, and it is slightly smaller than the right lung. The right lung, however, has three lobes.
- The total length of the airways running through the two lungs is 1,500 miles or 2,400 kilometers.
- Both lungs together contain 300 to 500 million alveoli. Alveoli are tiny and spongy air sacks which are just as thick as the typical cell (the human cell, really, cannot be seen without a microscope). The alveoli are at the end of the smallest of airways and are the true sites of carbon dioxide and oxygen exchange.
- The total internal surface area of lungs in adult humans vary between 30-50 sq. meters and 70-10 sq. meters estimated to be equal to the total area of one side of a tennis court.
- The alveoli in lungs are surrounded by capillaries. Capillaries are the smallest of blood vessels in the human body. If all capillaries surrounding the alveoli are unwound and placed end to end, they would cover a staggering 616 miles or 992 kilometers.
- Just like the heart, the lungs are protected by the rib cage in the chest. The lungs are connected to the spinal cord and the chest bone (sternum).
- When one breathes in or inhales, the lungs expand because the diaphragm squeezes. The diaphragm is a small dome-shaped muscle below the lungs. A malfunction of the diaphragm causes breathing difficulties.
- The mouth is directly connected to the lungs. How? In the throat, there is a large tube — the windpipe, or the trachea. Behind the windpipe is a tube that runs down from our mouth to the stomach — the esophagus. Both the trachea and the esophagus share the same opening, making it possible to breathe through the mouth.
- The lungs consist of special cells which are responsible for the production of mucus. This mucous is pushed up and out of the lungs by a special tiny hair. The mucous is the first line of defense against dangerous microbes that penetrate the body while breathing. The mucous also captures the microbes and prevents them from getting into the lungs.
- The lungs, no matter how hard one exhales, always retains a liter of air in the airways. This is why the lungs are the only organs that can float on water.
- Human lungs breathe in and out about 2,100 to 2,400 gallons (8,000 to 9,000 liters) of air each day.
- The rate at which the lungs inhale and exhale is directed by the brain. The brain is capable of sensing oxygen concentration in air, thereby increasing or decreasing respiration rate accordingly.
- Lungs play a crucial role in speech. Here’s how: The larynx, placed right above the windpipe, is the voice box. It contains two small ridges known as vocal cords that open and close to produce sound. The amount of air pushed through the vocal cords from the lungs control the volume and pitch during speech.
- The lungs are the only place where blood picks up oxygen.
- Carbon dioxide is absorbed from the blood by the lungs. This carbon dioxide is expelled from the body by exhaling.
- The lungs have taste receptors. Whenever these taste receptors encounter a bitter taste, they help the airways to relax.
How to Care for the Lungs
Avoid Lung-Damaging Pollutants
Secondhand smoke and outdoor air pollution cause and worsen lung disease. Ensure you have a smoke-free home and office and don’t exercise outdoors on bad air days.
Don’t Smoke
Cigarette smoking is the major cause of lung cancer and Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), chronic bronchitis and emphysema inclusive. Cigarette smoke narrows the air passages and makes breathing difficult. After years of smoking, cigarette smoke destroys lung tissue and may trigger changes that grow into cancer. There’s never a time like now to stop smoking.
Prevent Infection
Cold or other respiratory infections can be challenging to good health. Here are so safety tips:
- Maintain good oral hygiene, as it prevents germs, thereby reducing the chances of having infections.
- Brush your teeth at least twice daily and see your dentist at least every six months.
- Wash your hands regularly with soap and water. Alcohol-based cleaners are safe when the aforementioned washing can’t be done.
- Avoids crowds during the cold and flu season.
- Get regular health care
- Regular check-ups help prevent diseases, even when you are feeling well. This is especially true for lung disease, which sometimes goes undetected until it is serious. During a check-up, your healthcare provider will listen to your breathing and listen to your concerns.
Exercise Regularly
Aerobic exercise helps improve your lung capacity. Specific breathing exercises can also help improve your lung function if you have certain lung diseases, like COPD. Exercise and breathing techniques are also great for improving your mood and helping you relax.
