Pollution Alert: Increasing air pollution is no longer just an environmental problem, but has become a serious threat to human health. Breathing polluted air is rapidly increasing the risk of eye irritation, difficulty breathing, coughing, sore throat, and vision problems. Doctors say that prolonged exposure to polluted air has a profound impact on lung function. If precautions are not taken in time, it can even lead to life-threatening diseases like lung cancer. Therefore, it is essential that we take special care of our lungs during this pollution-prone period and make some changes to our daily lives.
Steam Inhalation is Beneficial for the Lungs
Air pollution causes dust and toxic elements to accumulate in the respiratory tract, making breathing difficult. Steam inhalation can prove to be very beneficial in this situation. Steam inhalation loosens pollutants accumulated in the respiratory system and makes breathing easier. In addition, deep breathing exercises also help increase lung capacity.
Incorporating yoga and pranayama into your daily routine strengthens the lungs and balances oxygen levels in the body. Pranayama, especially Anulom-Vilom and Kapalabhati, are considered helpful in protecting the body from the harmful effects of air pollution.
Stay Away From Smoking
If you smoke, this habit poses a double threat to your lungs. When cigarette smoke enters the body along with polluted air, it rapidly damages lung cells. Continued smoking significantly increases the risk of diseases like lung inflammation, bronchitis, and lung cancer. Doctors recommend that if you truly want to keep your lungs healthy, quit smoking immediately.
After quitting, the body gradually begins to heal itself, and breathing capacity improves. The support of family and friends is also crucial in this process.
Protect your lungs with a balanced diet
Protecting your lungs is possible not only through external measures, but also through a balanced diet. To avoid the effects of pollution, include foods rich in vitamin D and vitamin E in your diet. Vitamin D strengthens the immune system, helping the body fight infection. Vitamin E protects lung cells from oxidative stress. Including foods like almonds, walnuts, sunflower seeds, eggs, mushrooms, milk, spinach, and avocados in your diet can be very beneficial for lung health. Drinking plenty of water is also essential to flush out toxins from the body.
