DETOXIFY THE LUNGS: 8 MUST-DO STRATEGIES TO CURE RESPIRATORY PROBLEMS
The lungs are one of the most important organs in the body, and most of us don’t realize how quickly the lungs can be polluted by toxins from our food, lifestyle or the atmosphere. What goes into our lungs eventually ends up in the bloodstream, so it’s important to keep in mind that our lungs must be free of toxins to stay healthy.
There are simple, natural things you can do to detoxify the lungs regularly and increase lung capacity, reduce the risk of lung cancer and improve overall airway health.
HOW TO CLEAR YOUR LUNGS WITH THESE EIGHT NATURAL STRATEGIES…
1. Water
Drinking water is good for almost every aspect of health, including improving lung health!
You can’t go wrong by drinking water regularly – by drinking a minimum of 8 to 10 glasses a day, you’ll keep yourself well hydrated and your lungs will work better to aerate your blood.
Keeping the lungs hydrated can help clear mucus and fight bacterial infections. Also, adding fruits and vegetables to your water can help motivate you to drink more.
Lemon and cucumber detox water
- 1 pitcher of water
- 6 to 10 cucumber slices
- Slices of half a lemon
- A small handful of mint leaves
Let stand in the water overnight to allow the flavours to diffuse.
2. Lemon, ginger and peppermint
Lemon water is one of the most common natural cleansers, detoxifying the body by acting as a diuretic that also contains antioxidants.
Drink lemon water first thing in the morning for a cleansing boost early in the day. Ginger and peppermint work in the same way, decongesting the airways and removing toxins from the lungs.
Peppermint and ginger tea before bedtime will do the trick, otherwise choose to chew 3 to 5 peppermint leaves to fight lung infections.
3. Breathing exercises
The intentional practice of deep breathing can help keep the lungs free of toxins because it increases blood flow to the lungs. It is recommended to include exercises that involve holding the breath and releasing it in one long, strong exhalation.
In addition to breathing exercises, physical movements can help open the lungs. Stimulating an increase in heart rate and oxygen-deprived muscles through intense exercise, your lungs will develop an increased ability to filter pure oxygen for the muscles.
4. Natural cleaning products
Many household cleaning products contain toxins we don’t know about. Products such as air fresheners, bleach, furniture and floor polishes, and aerosols may contain toxic substances that can contribute to asthma and other respiratory problems.
Be sure to read the labels on your cleaning products and choose cleaners that do not contain perfumes or flammable ingredients.
Also, when cleaning, be sure to keep the room or area ventilated by keeping windows and doors open to allow circulation and ventilation.
5. Take a hot shower with Eucalyptus
Inhaling hot steam in your daily shower can help rid your lungs of toxins.
Eucalyptus is a powerful antiseptic and antioxidant that can help eliminate the risk of coughs and colds and strengthen the respiratory system. Hanging a bouquet of eucalyptus in your shower room can help soothe a sore throat or reduce congestion or blocked sinuses.
6. Quit Smoking
This should be obvious, but it may be the most important way to start the process of cleaning your lungs. If you smoke, it’s time to quit smoking and regain control of your lung health.
Cigarettes contain tar, which is a carcinogen. It can contaminate the lungs and contribute to increased colds, coughing and wheezing. Smoking causes 84% of lung cancer deaths, and this statistic should be enough incentive to motivate you to quit smoking and start being kind to your lungs.
7. Cleaning of grape juice
Drinking fresh grape juice once a day for a week will help cleanse the lungs of toxin build-up. The skin of grapes has a high antioxidant capacity that helps limit inflammation of the lungs, which may help reduce the severity of asthma and the risk of lung cancer.
8. Avoid foods that produce sugars
Foods such as dairy products, meat, soy and wheat can cause mucus build-up in the lungs because they are harder to digest. Instead, focus on foods high in fibre and antioxidants to cleanse your body and help it digest your food.
The lungs are one of the most important organs in the body, and maintaining them can be easy once you know the right steps to follow. Going for fresh air, eating a predominantly plant-based diet and including some of the tips outlined will help you detoxify your lungs naturally.
