SHOW YOUR LUNGS SOME LOVE

How to improve breathing & lung capacity

The average human takes around 20,000 breaths a day and with the heat rising in Australia, humidity can make it hard to catch your breath. As a pharmacist, I know that our lungs, like the rest of our body, need daily care and attention to stay in tip-top condition, so here are my three steps to help you breathe a little easier.

1. Pick up the pace.

As we go about our daily activities, our lungs only reach 50 per cent of their capacity, which means it’s essential to challenge and strengthen them with frequent exercise. Vigorous exercise forces us to inhale deeply, giving our bodies a rush of oxygen, through our respiratory system. Cardio-based exercises like a jog or a swim are great options to improve your breathing. Regular exercise may also improve symptoms of lung conditions like asthma and Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD).

2. Take a breather.

Those who find themselves with shallow breathing, where you’re drawing minimal breath into your lungs, on a regularly basis, you should take ten deep breaths (ten seconds in, eight seconds out) to help fresh air circulate through the respiratory system and fill down to the bottom of your lungs. Whether it be at your office desk or sitting on the commute home, this simple yet effective technique can make a big difference to your lung capacity. If you’re finding this difficult, try using a straw to start, so you can pace your breathing. This exercise, along with stretching and lifting your arms, will not only help your lung function over time, but also brings on a calming effect and can help alleviate stress.

3. Get that vitamin hit.

There is growing research to suggest certain vitamins and minerals may help respiratory conditions. Studies are showing a higher intake of certain vitamins can help alleviate symptoms of asthma, bronchitis and even limit the progression of COPD. Apples, cruciferous vegetables and oranges are rich in vitamins and have been linked to improving lung health. Talk to a pharmacist about suitable changes to your dietary regimen. Healthy and functioning lungs are critical for our wellbeing, so when our life-style does not help the way our lungs function, then it’s important to make a note of these factors and take small, actionable steps to improve your lung health. Be sure to consult your local GP about any concerns you may have about your lung health.