We don’t think about our lung health until we’re forced to.
Ever have a cold that goes straight to your lungs and stays there? I’ve been there, but now I have a plan that has kept my lungs stronger and healthier.
This is an area in the body that we sometimes forget until it catches our attention, reminding us we need to make some changes.
Let’s dive in and talk about some things you can start today to focus on lung health and get well faster if you do become sick in your chest area.
Lung Health
Breathing. Yes, it’s that important. And most people are doing it wrong. Shallow breathing is how most people breathe, and it doesn’t allow the lungs to fully expand. You’re only engaging the upper part of the lungs, and not the lower half, meaning you’re getting less oxygen into your lungs. If you never take big, deep breaths, it reduces your lung efficiency. With shallow breathing, you can also get more headaches and feel lightheaded and dizzy. 
What can you do?
Breathe. Try practicing deep belly breathing. Inhale through your nose for 4 seconds. let your belly rise- not your chest. Exhale slowly for 6 seconds, letting your belly deflate. That’s it! Now you have fully engaged your lungs and are on the road to healthier lungs! Simple right? Just a couple of times a day is all you need to do.
How To Level Up Your Breathing
Salt Inhaler. Want to take your breathing up a notch? Try a Himalayan Salt Inhaler. It’s a glass-ceramic inhaler that you fill with coarse Himalayan salt and breathe through.
Benefits. Helps loosen mucus and makes your lungs feel more open. This is really helpful if you frequently get bronchitis. Can also help you feel relaxed because of the slower, deeper breathing. This is something I do a few times a week for maintenance, and I love it.
Supplements
1. NAC. A must-supplement for lung health. I rotate this supplement on and off for ongoing lung health.
Benefits. It loosens and breaks up sticky, thick mucous, like with post-nasal drip. Helps you feel like you’re breathing better, and helps to cough up the annoying mucus. Helps to reduce inflammation in the lungs, which is huge.
If you get frequent respiratory infections, have chronic mucous, or are exposed to smoke or pollution, NAC could really make a huge difference.
2. Zinc. An important nutrient for controlling inflammation in your immune system. Helps your body fight colds and viruses and can shorten the duration if you do get sick. This tiny supplement can help heal the damaged lung lining and strengthen your airway tissues.
How much to take? 15-30mg. Especially if you’re in the middle of an illness. If you start to feel a tickle in your throat or your chest tightening, start taking zinc.
Herbal Tonic
Mary Ruth’s Organics Respiratory Health. I love this product, and it has made a big difference in my lung health. A unique herbal liquid blend that tastes great and is so beneficial to your respiratory health and overall well-being. I take it as maintenance, but if I feel like I might be coming down with something, I start this daily. I have been able to stop getting sick with the above practices, but this herbal blend has made a huge difference. This will always be part of my wellness program. I find a half dropper full does the trick!
If you feel like when you get sick, it always goes to your lungs and is hard to kick, try some of these ideas, or all of them, for a new approach to your lung health.
I think you’ll be surprised by how healthy you feel and how quickly you can get well if you do get sick.
Start breathing more deeply, take targeted supplements, and keep your lungs healthy for life!
Until next time,
~pat
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