Lung cancer kills more Americans each year than any other type of cancer. While it is less common than skin cancer, breast cancer (in women), and prostate cancer (in men), lung cancer kills around 131,000 each year in the United States. So take a doctor’s guide to keep your lungs healthy. According to estimates from the American Cancer Society, around 235,000 cases of lung cancer will be detected in the US in 2021.
In addition to cancer, there exists a wide variety of lung diseases. COVID-19 is a respiratory disease, as is pneumonia. Other diseases include asthma, bronchitis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and pneumothorax.
In this post, we will look at five ways to keep your lungs healthy and limiting your chances of contracting a serious lung-related illness.
1. Exercise More
Physical activity and exercise are great ways to keep your lungs healthy, regardless of your age. Simply by going for a walk, you will be providing your lungs with a healthy exercise that boosts oxygen supply and removes carbon dioxide.
Aim to get at least 150 minutes of moderate exercise each week, whether that is walking, running, or swimming. These are great, natural ways to keep your lungs healthy.
2. Don’t Smoke
Smoking, as we all know, is the number one cause of lung cancer deaths. Whether you smoke yourself or are frequently taking in second-hand smoke, you are negatively impacting your lungs.
Whether you smoke regular cigarettes, marijuana, or e-cigarettes, you will experience irresistible damage to your lungs over time. Quitting smoking is one of the best things to do to keep your lungs healthy.
Click here for more information on helping someone quit smoking.
3. Avoid Air Pollution
Living in built-up cities with poor air quality can have a serious impact on our health. Try to avoid exercising outdoors in areas where pollution is high. Where possible, walk instead of using cars which provide dangerous emissions.
If you suffer from allergies, consider wearing a facemask to limit the number of allergens you inhale. In this age of coronavirus, a facemask is essential when in public spaces.
4. Get Regular Check-Ups
Even if you feel well, take the time to see a medical professional for a check-up. Lung diseases often go undetected until more serious, which makes recovery more difficult in the long term. Should a doctor notice any breathing issues, they will be able to proscribe a proper course of action.
5. Eat Healthier
Following a nutrient-rich diet can help to protect your lungs and fight off potential infections. Healthy foods keeping lungs healthy include:
- Beets
- Peppers
- Apples
- Pumpkins
- Green tea
- Red cabbage
- Olive oil
- Nuts
Making smart changes to your overall diet can have a huge effect on your overall health, including your lungs. Avoid fatty foods and over-processed foods.
Take Smart Steps to Keep Your Lungs Healthy
Keeping lungs healthy is important for everyone, regardless of their age. By improving your diet, exercising more, and avoiding smoking and pollution, you can improve your overall lung health. Small steps, taken together, can ensure your remain healthy.
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