Freedom from coughing

As much as we love spring breezes, for those of us dealing with lung issues like asthma, chronic bronchitis or emphysema, our risk of coughing, wheezing and other breathing troubles rises by as much as 79% when pollen is in the air, report Johns Hopkins researchers. Luckily, experts say you can get relief simply by…

Inhaling salty air

Breathing in microscopic molecules of salt loosens mucus and eases inflammation— and one study reported a remarkable 73% improvement in patients with COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease). While a walk along the beach is always nice, this at-home fix can work just as well: Bring 2 cups of water to a boil; take off the heat and stir in 2 Tbs. of sea salt. Create a towel tent and breathe in the salty air for 10 minutes. Repeat once daily.

Playing a harmonica

It strengthens your lungs! That’s the word from University of Michigan researchers, who say playing this simple, cheerysounding instrument for 30 minutes five times weekly can help you inhale 27% more deeply— and that oxygen boost will give you the energy to putter around 30% longer without feeling worn-out. Fun!

Taking in sunshine

Top off your stores of vitamin D-3—with 20 minutes of sun exposure or 3,000 IU daily— and your risk of coughing, wheezing and other breathing troubles could drop by as much as 63%, a new study shows. D-3 reduces lung inflammation and stops overactive immune cells from attacking and damaging delicate lung tissue.

Snacking on nuts

They’re loaded with magnesium, a mineral that can cut your risk of breathlessness by 31% if you nibble 1⁄ cup

2 daily, say Greek researchers. Magnesium relaxes the muscles that surround your airways, helping them stay open for easy breathing. —Brenda Kearns