Five simple changes to make to improve your lung health including posture and nutrition

Given they’re hard at work 24/7, there’s a lot to love about your lungs. Absorbing oxygen and exhaling CO2 from the body by breathing in and out between 17,000 and 30,000 times a day, the spongy pink organs keep us alive without us thinking twice. “The lungs’ major role is to transfer oxygen from the air into our circulatory system.They also remove waste products and are part of our respiratory system,” says Dr Aashish Vyas, consultant respiratory physician at Nuffield Health. “In adulthood, our lungs are fully formed, and from our mid-thirties our lung capacity starts to reduce.

It is important therefore to maintain optimal lung functionality, which includes retaining our ‘best’ lung capacity as we age in order to maintain a high quality of life.” Studies have shown poor air quality and pollution can be linked to asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and can also increase the likelihood of getting lung infections.

While we may not be able to control all external factors like fumes or fires, there are small changes we can make to minimise its impact. “Having a clean home helps, and simple tips include washing bedding regularly in a high temperature wash, ensuring floors are clean and keeping homes dust-free,” says Dr Vyas. “If you live in an area with low air pollution, good ventilation is important.

Keep windows open as much as possible and have an air filtration system to reduce exposure to any pollution.” From eating certain foods to having good posture, here are some other ways we can all show our lungs some love… Get active It’s not new information that staying active has a positive impact on our health, but certain exercises are particularly lung-friendly. “Any exercise is better than none, and.