BREATHE FREE: ROAD TO HEALTHY LUNGS
“Today, most of us are chest breathers which puts our body in a sympathetic state, i.e fight-or-flight response state. Hence, taking deep breaths using our nose and breathing into our diaphragm can improve lung health,” says Yash Vardhan Swami, health coach.
Niyati Tolani, a clinical nutritionist and weight management specialist, suggests beginning your day with a 20-minute deep breathing exercise routine. She says, “Pranayam, kapalvarti, and anulom vilom are good for overall health.” Namita Piparaiya, a yoga and Ayurveda lifestyle specialist, says, “Humming breath (bhramari) helps improve oxygen absorption in the body. It can be practised in the morning and at night.”
ration levels in our blood.”
Dr Arunesh Kumar, a pulmonologist, recommends green tea for the lungs. “Green tea contains Epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), a catechin, that is full of antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties,” he says. Tolani suggests apples, lemons, kiwi, mango, spinach, purple cabbage, berries for maintaining lung health and a strong immune system. Jaivardhan Agarwal, founder of an Ayurvedic wellness brand, suggests consuming black cumin seeds for healthy lungs.
AS THE NOVEL CORONAVIRUS OBSTRUCTS RESPIRATORY PATHWAYS, IT IS IMPERATIVE TO HAVE A HEALTHY PAIR OF LUNGS