Do Your Lungs Need Help? Breathe Better with These Tips...
Updated: Sep 21, 2020
We take for granted the simple gift of breathing that comes in each moment of every day. It's not until we are run down with Bronchitis or diagnosed with asthma, or experience an anaphylactic reaction do we realize the incomparable value of BREATH and the state of our lungs.
If you feel your respiratory health is compromised, please read this post You may find some beneficial resources to help strengthen and add restoration to your lungs!
General Respiratory/Lung Health Conditions:
In Asthma, the lung’s air sacs (alveoli) become stiffened and/or inflamed, causing the trapping of carbon dioxide, therefore, limiting oxygen. It can be triggered by stress or exercise. This condition creates significant breathing compromises, such as wheezing, coughing, gasping for air.
Anaphylactic reactions are extreme/dangerous constriction of breathing passage.
Allergies are a chemical reaction of the body releasing large amounts of histamine, as a way to protect from ‘invaders’ (allergens); Resulting in such issues as stuffy sinus, hives, gastrointestinal issues (i.e. gluten), headaches, etc.
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a type of obstructive lung disease characterized by long-term breathing problems and poor airflow. The main symptoms include shortness of breath and cough with sputum production. COPD is a progressive disease.
General Respiratory Distress, can be due to toxins/debris in the lungs, such as asbestos, cigarette toxic build-up, bacteria, viruses, black mold, cancer, or other.
Possible Causes/Triggers:
Toxins~ Asbestos, pesticides, smoking (cigarettes and cigars contain hundreds of respiratory hindering chemicals), etc.
Environment Allergens~ Dust, pollen, grass, mold, perfume, chemicals, GMO’s
Common Food Sensitivities~ Wheat, peanuts, soy, dairy, eggs, shellfish, gluten
Spiritual/Emotional Root~ Stress, fear, anxiety
Low Immunity strength~ Low white blood cell count, often sick
Foods of Life (Healing Foods):
Detoxers~ Beets, Apples, Watercress, Pineapple
Omega 3’s~ Tuna, Wild Caught Salmon, Nuts, Mackerel
Vitamin C~ Cantaloupe, Kiwi, Strawberries, Squash, Tomatoes
Immune Builders~ Garlic, Onions, Ginger, Cayenne, Broccoli, Turmeric
Lung Detox Juice Recipe:
1 cup brewed organic green tea (let cool)
1 slice of fresh ginger
1 kiwi or 3 strawberries
1/2 cucumber (optional)
1 Tbsp of raw local honey
1 cup pineapple juice, beet juice, or 100% apple juice
Slice of lime or lemon (optional)
Chop ginger, fruit & cucumber. Place in blender. Add juice, cooled green tea, and honey. Blend. Pour into a glass and add a slice of lemon/lime. Makes 2-3 servings.
Helpful Supplements:
Quercetin~ A plant flavonol found in many fruits, vegetables, leaves, seeds, and grains. Red onion & kale are high sources of this immune protective flavanol. Research shows this substance to be helpful in decreasing seasonal allergy effects.
Bromelain~ An enzyme derived from the stem, fruit, and juice of the pineapple plant. Helps to break down allergens and inflammation in the body. Studied for its ability to work as an ant-histamine. This is a combo supplement of Quercetin + Bromelain: https://www.vitacost.com/now-quercetin-with-bromelain
Zinc~ A protective mineral. It can alleviate autoimmune symptoms & flare-ups. https://bit.ly/2QHBaXf
Vitamin C~ The primary antioxidant in the lungs, enhancing immune response. https://bit.ly/2QHKYR8
Vitamin E~ Supports respiratory health and lowers the risk of liver & prostate cancer. https://bit.ly/2QKtcwA
NAC (N-acetylcysteine)~ An amino acid that assists in lung strength & enhances immune function. https://bit.ly/30dn8zQ
Lifestyle Suggestions:
Limit or omit/stay away from~ Trans fats, processed foods, white sugars (candy, soda, pastries), artificial sweetener, MSG, alcohol, red meat, pork, dairy. Note: Dairy increases the production of mucus.
Daily Deep Breath Lung Exercise~ Place your hands on top (or behind) your head. Take a deep breath in through your nose (fill lungs with air). Then exhale fully through your mouth. Do this 3-10 times to strengthen lungs/diaphragm.
Release Stress~ Pray, get a massage, journal, get sunshine and fresh air, enjoy a healthy hobby, laugh, be in good company, sleep well, drink water, vacation.
Air Purifier or Diffuser~ Put in area of the home that you use most. A bedroom is a great place, so you can reap the air quality benefits overnight! https://bit.ly/35DirjW
Add pure menthol oils (birch, mints, eucalyptus, pine) & lemon essential oils to the diffuser to daily purify the air. Try Desert Essence Breathe Deeply Cleansing Organic Essential Oil https://bit.ly/2QHCt8H
Rub respiratory supportive oils on your neck, chest, and upper back. Try Adriel's Fresh Air Oil blend https://www.etsy.com/listing/842201217/fresh-air-oil-2-oz-massage-oil-chest-rub
Inhale, exhale, and be well!
In Grace,
Cara