Breathe Easy: Simple Tips to Boost Your Lung Health and Live Better!

Taking a deep breath is essential and becomes more important when one considers the significant number of people affected by lung disease. In fact, lung disease is among the world’s top killers, yet it doesn’t receive as much attention as cancer, cardiovascular disease, dementia, and other chronic diseases. Most lung problems arise from smoking, pollution, and respiratory infections, which are manageable factors.

There’s a growing body of research that reveals numerous connections between respiratory illnesses and other diseases such as dementia, heart failure, digestive conditions, autoimmune diseases, neurological conditions, and obesity. Lung conditions are typically classified into three main categories:

Airway disease: Includes chronic bronchitis and emphysema, where airways become narrow or blocked.
Lung tissue disease: Includes pulmonary fibrosis where the structure and function of lung tissue is progressively damaged from inflammation and scarring.
Circulation disease: Affects the respiratory system. Includes vascular scarring, blood clots and other circulatory blockages which impair blood flow to the lungs.

The most common lung conditions include pulmonary edema (excessive fluid accumulation in the lungs), lung cancer, pneumonia, emphysema, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, bronchitis, and asthma. At present, conventional treatments for these conditions are limited.

Targeted Supplements

Many lung conditions show positive responses to high antioxidant intake and foods rich in specific phytonutrients. Research has demonstrated that the mushroom Cordyceps significantly addresses airway inflammation and supports respiratory immunity, in addition to providing critical clinical support for asthma and inflammatory lung disease.

Vitamin D3 is essential for lung and respiratory health, as it enhances immunity, reduces inflammation, and supports lung function. Research has shown that it can control the progression of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and asthma.

Probiotics also have an important role in lung health. Due to their immune-enhancing and anti-inflammatory benefits, probiotic bacteria support respiratory function and may prevent lung deterioration in patients with cystic fibrosis. They’re also beneficial for people with asthma and other lung diseases.

Vitamins A, C, and E have been proven to offer some lung protection in clinical trials. Additionally, antioxidant-rich foods and beverages, such as apples, red wine, and green tea, can help reduce inflammation and support respiratory function.

Modified Citrus Pectin is an important supplement that has been proven in preclinical research to inhibit inflammation and fibrosis by blocking rogue protein galectin-3. Chronic inflammation and fibrosis are characteristic of various life-threatening diseases related to the lungs, including cardiovascular disease, cystic fibrosis, and pulmonary fibrosis. Modified citrus pectin also actively combats cancer and significantly boosts immunity, while safely chelating heavy metals and toxins, which is critical for lung health.

Diet And Lifestyle

For those with lung conditions such as asthma, regular exercise can be challenging. Nonetheless, it’s crucial to engage in some form of physical activity daily to get your circulation flowing. Low-impact exercises like yoga and tai chi provide a good workout, increase oxygen capacity, reduce inflammation, and avoid wear and tear on your body.

Practicing deep breathing can also help strengthen the lungs. Unfortunately, many of us have forgotten how to breathe deeply and fill the lower diaphragm first before filling the upper lungs. It’s worth taking a few minutes to practice deep breathing and notice the calm and energized feeling it brings.

The lungs are one of our most vital organ systems, and our efforts to care for them often take a backseat to other health concerns. All systems in our bodies are interconnected, and breathing gives life to every cell throughout the body.