Lungs are one of the most vital organs of the human body taking the responsibility of body ’s important function: Respiration. Any abnormal or reduced functioning of the lungs affects the amount of oxygen supply in our body, leading to shutting down, but the lowest damage that can occur is affecting the working of the other internal organs. The lungs start functioning right from birth and continue pumping in oxygen right until our ’last breath’.
In the present day scenario, where inhalation of contaminated air has become a norm, our lungs are at an increased risk of all kinds of diseases. The rise in our exposure to pollution-filled air and unfiltered addictions is resulting in the decline of lung functions rapidly. It is, therefore, no wonder that today the prevalence of almost all the lung disorders are increasing steadily.
In the face of this serious concern, the need for lung detoxification (lung detox) has become an urgent necessity. Thus, it is important for everyone today to know how to detox lungs or in other words, how to clean your lungs.
How to detox your lungs?
Exercising regularly, avoiding unnecessary exposure to pollution and cessation of smoking are a few of the most important steps towards lung detox. Along with these, to cleanse lungs naturally, science suggests that consumption of foods that are rich in flavonoid-containing compounds such as catechins, quercetin and kaempferol is an absolute must.
Given below, are a few food items that can be added to our daily diet to clean your lungs naturally :
1. Garlic
Allicin, a primary component in garlic, offers potent inflammatory properties. It fights off infections and reduces inflammation. Several studies have shown that eating raw garlic at least twice a week, decreases the risk of developing lung cancer by as much as 44%.
2. Ginger
Ginger is a rich source of many chemical compounds that help the lungs to function effectively. It not only ensures the smooth circulation of blood in the body but also eliminates most pollutants from the air passages. Many studies were carried out to study the efficacy of ginger in detoxifying and cleansing the lungs naturally. Researchers found that people who drink ginger tea every day have healthier lungs, compared to those who did not.
3. Apples
You must have heard of the old adage, ‘An apple a day, keeps the doctor away!’ Apples are a rich source of flavonoids and vitamins, which help to maintain a healthy respiratory system, and justify the saying. If you want a smooth functioning gut and lung detox, then grab an apple each day!
The flavonoids in apples also help to counteract the DNA-damaging effects of smoking in general and tobacco, in particular. This high-fiber, low-calorie fruit is also a rich source of quercetin (a flavonoid) that helps to clean the lungs naturally.
4. Dark Berries
Dark berries like blackberries, blueberries and strawberries, are a rich source of antioxidants and plant pigments such as catechins. It is highly recommended to consume berries regularly to help avert the usual incidence of infections and many cancers, including lung cancer. Adding berries to your juices, smoothies and salads is a great way to get a lung detox, tastily!
5. Cruciferous Vegetables
These include cabbage, cauliflower, broccoli, kale, brussels sprouts. Cruciferous vegetables serve as a rich source of lignans (a subcategory of phytoestrogens). They help to cleanse the lungs by removing the accumulated toxins.
6. Grapefruit
Grapefruit contains abundant minerals and vitamins that are particularly beneficial for the lungs, aiding lung detox and lung cleanse naturally. It can also fight off the carcinogens in the lungs, resulting in a thorough lung cleanse.
7. Pomegranates
Pomegranates, with their fairly sharp and tangy taste, are a fountain of good health bound in their hard covering. They are rich in iron and antioxidants and are a potent way to end anemia, as well as your worry of how to clean lungs naturally.
8. Nuts, beans and seeds
Nuts, seeds and beans are high in magnesium which is exactly what patients with asthma need. These little powerhouses increase the effectiveness of the lungs by increasing their capacity and their efficiency.
9. Pistachios
Raw pistachios are considered a great help in combating lung cancer. They ensure a healthy lung detox and cleanse, thereby improving overall lung health. Apart from the direct benefit to the lungs, pistachios also help to reduce the bad cholesterol in the blood. This makes them a top choice for everyday trail mixes.
10. Cayenne Peppers
Cayenne pepper works wonders for common lung problems like cough and sore throat. It also helps with bronchial congestions and related respiratory disorders. The capsaicin in cayenne peppers is a potent anti-inflammatory agent that helps reduce inflammation.
11. Onions
A humble food, onions are rich in all the right nutrients – vitamins B6, vitamin C and folic acid. They are, therefore, an essential requirement for a natural lung cleanse.
12. Carotenoid-rich foods
Carrots, pumpkins, apricots, tomatoes, etc. are all rich sources of carotenoids, which when consumed, turns to Vitamin A. This vitamin is a great defense against asthma and other respiratory disorders. Carotenoid, a unique antioxidant, also fends off lung cancer, practically begging its place on the everyday dinner table.
13. Lemons, Cranberries and Pineapples
Lemons, cranberries and pineapples are all major sources of Vitamin C and very good options to consider for a natural lung cleanse. Lemon juice, taken every day early in the morning, fights against many ailments. Lemon juice can also be swapped for cranberry juice and pineapple at times, to evade a rut, if you so wish.
14. Potassium dose
A daily dose of potassium along with lunch is an exceptionally good way for lung detox and to cleanse them naturally. How can one do that? Fruits like figs, bananas, cantaloupes, spinach, tomatoes, oranges, dates and sweet potatoes are all rich sources of potassium and very good options worth considering.
For those looking at a lung cleanse more seriously, eating at least two of the above-mentioned fruits should easily get you in a better lung condition than before.
Importance of Breathing exercises
Deep breathing exercises play a crucial role in detoxification of lungs. Spending 20 min. daily for deep breathing exercise will help eliminate impurities from your lungs.
Importance of hydration
Water is a very important resource in our body. In fact, about 75% of our body is made up of it. Any activity of detoxification and/or cleansing is incomplete without the proper amount of water intake, and lung detox is no different. Hydration is a key factor for a good lung cleanse. Plain water is the best for the body instead of sodas, coffee, tea and other fluids. Water detoxifies the lungs by helping to flush out the toxic products that in all probability, is surrounding our lungs and literally, slowly taking away your breath.
Cleansing the lungs regularly is a good practice. So, go ahead and dig into these easy and natural ways of lung cleansing and breathe easier!
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