Like all other body parts, lungs too suffer wear and tear during our lifetime. However, some steps taken early on and followed consistently over the years can help maintain optimal lung function even as you step into your golden years.
Breathing is one of the most basic and life-sustaining processes in a well-functioning body, and your lungs are at its epicenter. As per medical literature, lungs continue to develop up to the age of 25 years and are in their most perfect state for the following ten years. As the years pass by, the efficiency of your lungs and their capacity diminishes considerably. Such deterioration occurs as a result of hardening of airways and blood carriers with age. Similarly, the air sacs that are responsible for holding inhaled air begin losing their elasticity too, making it more difficult for oxygen to pass into the blood. Due to these changes, tasks that you were once able to complete easily like climbing a flight of stairs and walking short distances may now leave you gasping for breath.
Preserving your respiratory function by fortifying your lungs through a set of healthy habits is a great place to start - try these tips:
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Drink Plenty of Water – Sipping on water and other unsweetened fluids throughout the day is an excellent way to keep the mucosal lining in your lungs soft and moisturized, therefore, improving the elasticity and consequently, lung function.
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Protect Yourself from Pollutants – Poor air quality is the topmost external cause for hampered lung activity. Installing an air purifier at home and avoiding outdoor exercises on days when the level of pollution is exceptionally high are two ways to keep harmful pollutants from damaging your lungs.
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Do Some Weight Training – Exercises that toughen your core and upper body are helpful in improving your overall posture which is an essential element when it comes to breathing properly and deeply.
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Get Your Vaccinations on Time – Respiratory infections can damage your lungs and hinder their ability to work well. Pneumonia vaccines, flu shots and other similar interventions that keep such issues at bay are a worthwhile investment.
- Make Fruits and Nuts Your New Best Friends – Most fruits and nuts are rich in antioxidants and flavonoids, both of which are good at strengthening the lungs and help to slow down age-related degeneration. Bananas, apples, apricots, walnuts, and berries are some examples of foods that you should add to your diet for healthier lungs.
Aside from the most apparent measures like giving up smoking and doing regular cardio-workouts, the tips mentioned above can give your lungs a fresh breath of life. It does not take much to keep your respiratory system in good shape, but the returns you receive are enormous and can help you lead a good quality life even in your later years.
