How to Cleanse Lungs After Your Quit Day?
Whether you have stopped smoking an hour ago or two years ago, the effects of cigarettes on your lungs remain. Obviously, the more recent you quit, the more signs of lung damage is present. Nevertheless, even if one has stopped smoking for several years, there will still be traces of damage in your lungs.
Pollution does not help any as well, further damaging your lungs with each breath you take.
Smokers and non-smokers all have some degree of lung damage. Fortunately, one can regenerate damaged tissue with the proper care and nourishment. Below are five ways to cleanse your lungs after quitting smoking.
Change in Diet
Some people dread getting a lifestyle change, but if you just quit smoking, that alone is a significant change. However, aside from swearing off the cancer sticks, a change of diet is also needed. Reducing your meat, dairy, and wheat product intake can help in eliminating any mucus left lingering in your lungs. When flavoring your food, cayenne, garlic, ginger, and onions are also powerful agents to reducing mucus. Of course, you should also cut down on sugar, salt, and processed foods.
Foods high in antioxidants help in improving one’s lung capacity. These include fish, spinach, broccoli, and green tea. If you must, consult a dietician to know the full range of foods you need.
Exercise
In addition to one’s change in diet, daily exercise plays a huge part in cleansing your lungs. Spend at least 30 minutes of exercise four to five times a day. It does not have to be strenuous, as long as you can get an increased heart rate. Walking, running, and swimming are excellent cardiorespiratory exercises that won’t cost you a fortune to get started. If you like to exercise outdoors, do so away from traffic and other pollution.
Hot Showers
It may sound weird, but hot showers help in removing body toxins. Adding several drops of eucalyptus oil in a bowl of hot water and breathing in the steam from it also contributes to cleanse the lungs. If you just quit smoking and are experiencing fits of coughing that are mucus-related, hot showers and eucalyptus are good expectorants.
Take Flu Shots
Keeping yourself healthy also means preventing any future maladies you might get. Visit your doctor and get flu shots because influenza can take its toll on your lungs. By preventing the onset of the flu, you save your lungs from having to deal with the coughs and colds that come with it. Keeping your lungs free from sickness helps it recover faster from the abuse it has taken from smoking.
Yoga
When it comes to relaxing, yoga is considered one of the best. It also offers some very effective breathing exercises. Take a class or practice deep breathing at home, both will do wonders with flushing out the toxins in your system. If you cannot attend yoga classes, try to practice breathing exercises for at least thirty minutes a day. Exercising your lungs to breathe freely helps heal itself naturally.