From air pollution, allergies, illness, and cigarette smoke, your lungs are often exposed to harmful conditions and materials that can damage their lining and negatively impact their function. In order to stay healthy, your lungs must be in working order, too. Below are a few ways you can help cleanse your lungs and ensure they are healthy and functional.
Controlled Coughing
Harmful toxins can become trapped in your body when they are absorbed into mucus. In order to expel the toxins, you can use your body’s natural behavior to help. Your body uses coughing to loosen any mucus that has accumulated in the lungs. By forcing yourself to cough in a controlled environment, you can effectively rid your lungs of excess, toxin-laced mucus. It is advised that you perform the controlled coughing exercise while seated with your feet firmly planted on the floor. Doing so and following additional instructions will help prevent harm or overexertion.
Chest Percussion
One step further beyond controlled coughing involves a practice known as chest percussion. This exercise requires the aid of another individual, and it is advised that you seek the aid of your primary care provider. Chest percussion requires you to sit or lie in certain positions while the other individual strategically drums your chest or back to dislodge mucus from your lungs.
Steam Therapy
More of a temporary solution, steam therapy promotes clearer passageways to help drain mucus from the lungs. Cold, dry air can agitate the lungs and dry out mucous membranes. Inhaling steam can help make breathing easier for individuals with lung conditions as it rehydrates the system and provides warmth.
Similarly, using essential oils could be beneficial in their aromatherapeutic properties. With a diffuser or humidifier, adding drops of oils such as oregano, tea tree, and eucalyptus could boost the immune system and assist in repelling harmful bacteria or toxins.
Healthy Diet
While the practices listed above can help affect the physical symptoms, ensuring that your diet is composed of foods that are high in antioxidants will help your body prevent the production of excess mucus in the first place. Eating plenty of raw fruits and vegetables will provide you with a good foundation.
Maintaining healthy lungs is essential to your overall health. By effectively cleansing or detoxing your lungs, you can ensure your body operates at its optimal performance.