Your lungs are the most important organs in your body. They’re responsible for getting oxygen into your body and keeping it there, which is why it’s important that you make sure they’re as healthy as possible.
Drink Plenty Of Water
Drinking plenty of water is one of the best things you can do for your body. It helps flush out toxins, keeps your skin and hair healthy, prevents dehydration and helps maintain a healthy weight.
But how much water should you drink? That depends on age and activity level:
- Infants 0-12 months should have breast milk or formula with added vitamins (if necessary) in addition to breastfeeding or bottle feeding every two hours during waking hours. They should be allowed to drink from a cup at least once per day.
- Children 1 year old through 3 years old need about 2 cups per day; 4 through 8 year olds need about 3 cups per day; 9 through 13 year olds need about 4 cups per day; 14 through 18 year olds need 5 cups per day.
Avoid Secondhand Smoke
Secondhand smoke is a known human carcinogen and can cause lung cancer, heart disease, and other conditions, says Dr. Jon Kiev. It’s especially dangerous for children, who are more likely than adults to develop asthma as a result of exposure to secondhand smoke.
If you’re around someone who smokes–and especially if they’re smoking inside your home or car–avoid being near them as much as possible. If that isn’t possible (e.g., if you live with a smoker), make sure to open windows whenever they light up so that the smoke gets sucked outside instead of lingering in your living space for hours on end.
Eat A Healthy Diet That’s Low In Sodium And High In Fiber
Eating a healthy diet that’s low in sodium and high in fiber can help keep your lungs healthy, according to Dr. Jon Kiev. A diet that is low in sodium helps to reduce fluid retention, which can make it easier for you to breathe. High-fiber foods also have been shown to help keep bowels healthy, which may reduce the risk of lung infections such as pneumonia or bronchitis (1).
If you have asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), it’s particularly important to follow these guidelines because these conditions make it harder for your body to clear out mucus from the airways (2). Research shows that eating more fruits and vegetables may improve lung function by increasing antioxidants; however, more research needs to be done before we know exactly how much benefit there is from eating these foods specifically (3).
Stop Smoking, If You Smoke
The first thing you can do to keep your lungs healthy is to stop smoking, if you smoke. Smoking is bad for your lungs and can lead to lung cancer, emphysema and chronic bronchitis. It’s also one of the main causes of pneumonia when a person has an underlying condition like COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease).
Expose Yourself To Fresh Air
You can also use the outdoors to your advantage by exposing yourself to fresh air whenever possible, especially when exercising. The more time you spend outside, the better off your lungs will be.
If possible, open windows and doors in your home during the warm months so that cool air flows through it. This allows for better circulation and can help prevent stuffy rooms from forming–which is especially important if someone in your household suffers from allergies or asthma.