There are ways to prevent common diseases just by following some recommendations, which come from both natural medicine and scientific medicine, and which help keep the organs of the human body in perfect working order, such as the respiratory system.
On this occasion, we present you with an article where we explain the different ways to clean your lungs naturally.
1. Consume enough water
One of the first recommendations is to stay constantly hydrated , so that the body has enough water to carry out its metabolic and chemical functions efficiently. (1)
In the case of the lungs, water allows you to eliminate the toxins and impurities that you have absorbed during the day, and if you have been a smoker, it helps to release and eliminate the nicotine and tar that you have in the bronchi.
Note: The recommendation is to drink around 8 glasses of water per day, which is equivalent to 2 liters.
2. Consume foods rich in vitamin C and E
The consumption of antioxidant vitamins such as vitamin C and vitamin E, promote respiratory health by strengthening the immune system , thanks to the fact that they fight free radicals that can cause some type of disease such as respiratory diseases .
In view of the above, to clean the lungs, the recommendation is to consume fruits rich in vitamin C such as camu camu, lemons , oranges , grapefruit , or vegetables such as broccoli and tomato that can protect you from diseases such as the flu, in the same way way nuts and vegetable oils to obtain vitamin E. (2)
To highlight: Camu camu is a fruit that has 100 times more vitamin C than any of the existing fruits and vegetables, ideal for lung health.
3. Avoid processed foods, high in fat and sugar
Foods rich in saturated fats and refined carbohydrates only lead to the obstruction of the veins and arteries that carry blood to the lungs and keep their tissues oxygenated and sufficiently nourished for proper functioning.
You should know: The consumption of foods with good fats and healthy carbohydrates from natural sources is the recommendation to maintain respiratory health.
4. Practice physical activities regularly
Carrying out physical and sports activities, especially those that have an aerobic impact on the body , is the best option, since they help improve the body’s cardiorespiratory capacity and discard carbon dioxide.
Note: The recommendation is to carry out aerobic activities in the open air, in spaces without pollution, at least 3 to 5 times a week and combine them with resistance sports of moderate intensity.
5. Perform steam inhalations with essential oils
Direct inhalation is one of the direct methods to cleanse the lungs , using natural remedies, such as essential oils from plants.
For example, inhaling vapors with essential oil of eucalyptus, lavender , sweet clove, mint or rosemary would be some interesting options to cleanse your lungs, which contributes to the elimination of phlegm and cleansing of the bronchi .
To highlight: This type of therapy represents a quick relief option for the respiratory tract, in some obstructive cases.
6. Practice controlled coughing
Coughing is a defense mechanism that the body has to expel foreign elements that are in the lungs.
In this sense, controlled coughing helps to eliminate phlegm trapped in the lungs through the airways (3) . It is a widely used technique, in those people with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), due to tobacco smoke . (4)
You should know: Patients with COPD, cystic fibrosis or asthma should consult their treating physician before starting the controlled cough technique.
7. Practice postural drainage techniques
When there is excess mucus in the lungs, there is a technique called “Posture Drainage Technique” (5) , which consists of lying on a bed for example and placing yourself in different positions, using gravity to remove mucus from the lungs.
Note: This practice may improve breathing by removing excess phlegm and thereby help prevent lung infections .
8. Consume natural infusions
Natural medicine has used medicinal plants and herbs for years to treat different conditions in the body, including respiratory ones.
For example, thyme tea contains thymol , an ingredient that cleanses and promotes relaxation of the bronchi; green tea contains antioxidants that protect the lungs from some diseases.
To highlight: The mint infusion contains menthol , an ingredient that helps reduce inflammation in the respiratory tract.
9. Keep the air in your home purified
At home, cleaning products are used, the smell of which is trapped in the spaces of the house and many of them trigger allergic processes in the lungs, as well as other chemical substances.
You should know: It is advisable to leave the windows of the house open at least twice a day, to recycle the internal air for new air. It is also favorable to eliminate allergen spaces and prohibit tobacco smokers, as well as placing plants that oxygenate the environment .
10. Avoid toxic and contaminated places
Another recommendation to keep the lungs clean and healthy is to avoid places that contain toxic substances or polluting products in cities.
The chemical industry, construction, garbage cans, open sewage canals and carbon monoxide, for example, would be situations to avoid and if this is not possible, it is appropriate to use masks against particles and dust for as long as necessary . contaminants.
Note: Pharmaceutical medicines are also part of the range of options to clean the lungs, after medical recommendation .
Key takeaways
- The lungs are one of the main organs of the human body.
- Cleaning the lungs is a basic and important task for the survival of human beings.
- Natural therapy is suitable as a preventive practice, to maintain respiratory health.
- A good diet, together with sufficient hydration and constant sports practice, contribute to the natural cleaning of the lungs.
University Professional in the area of Human Resources, Postgraduate in Occupational Health and Hygiene of the Work Environment, 14 years of experience in the area of health. Interested in topics of Psychology, Occupational Health, and General Medicine.