Six Natural Ways To Clean Your Lungs

Our lungs play a vital role in the process of respiration. They act as a natural filter by carrying oxygen from the air through your bloodstream to other parts of the body and eliminating carbon dioxide from the blood. Therefore, keeping the lungs healthy and clean is essential to your overall health.However, breathing in cigarette smoke, toxins and pollutants present in the air may damage the lungs and affect the respiratory system severely. According to WHO (World Health Organisation), exposure to air pollution leads to 4.2 million deaths worldwide every year.Shortness of breath, a dry cough, and chest pain – all these could be the warning signs of serious lung disease, such as chronic bronchitis, asthma, pulmonary embolism, or COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease). However, the good news is that there are ways to clean the lungs naturally without complications.

How to clean the lungs in a natural way

Here are some natural ways to clean the lungs and help drain out the fluid or mucus from the respiratory tract –

Steam therapy

Steam therapy involves the inhalation of water vapour through the airways. The steam adds moisture and warmth to the air, which improves breathing and helps to loosen the mucus in the lungs, throat, and nasal passage. This may provide immediate relief from blocked nose and make breathing easier.Dry or cold air can restrict the flow of blood and dry out the mucous membranes in the airway. This could worsen the symptoms in people living with a lung condition. Steam therapy may effectively ease such a condition.

Controlled coughing

Coughing is a natural way of expelling the toxins trapped in the mucus. Controlled coughing, also known as effective coughing, helps to loosen the excess mucus present in the lungs and send it up through the airways. This particular way is highly recommended for COPD patients.How to do it –

• Sit on a chair keeping your shoulders relaxed and placing both your feet flat on the ground
• Fold your arms over the abdomen
• Inhale slowly through the nose
• Exhale slowly as you lean forward pushing your arms against the abdomen
• Cough twice or thrice while breathing out as you keep your mouth slightly open
• Inhale slowly through the nose
• Return to your resting position and repeat as needed

Postural drainage

Postural drainage is a natural way to clean lungs. This involves lying in various positions as you allow gravity to drain out the mucus from your lungs. It can help improve breathing and prevent or treat a range of lung infections. However, the technique varies depending on your position.

On the back:

• Lie down on your back
• Place a cushion or pillow beneath the hips so that the chest is positioned lower than your hips
• Take a deep breath through the nose and breathe out through the mouth – remember, every breath you exhale should be twice as long as what you inhale (1:2 breathing)
• Repeat this for about 5-7 minutes

On the side:

• Lie on your side on the floor resting your head on a pillow
• Place a pillow beneath the hips
• Practice 1:2 breathing
• Repeat this for a few minutes and then switch to the other side

On the abdomen:

• Place a few pillows on the floor and lie down on your abdomen – make sure your hips are positioned slightly higher than your chest
• Fold your arms beneath the head for support
• Practice 1:2 breathing
• Repeat for a few minutes and then switch sides

Exercise

Exercising regularly is the best way to clean the lungs naturally. It helps increase the breathing rate and improves the supply of oxygen to your muscles. Besides, it helps improve circulation so your body can remove the excess carbon dioxide more effectively.Exercising could be a bit difficult for patients with chronic respiratory problems. However, consult a specialist before starting out. You can also book an appointment with a pulmonologist on DocsApp to find out which exercises are safe and suitable for your health condition.

Anti-inflammatory foods

Include certain foods to your diet that have anti-inflammatory properties. That may help ease the symptoms like inflammation in the airway, congestion, and heaviness in the chest. The following anti-inflammatory foods can boost immunity and help detox your lungs –Leafy greensTurmericBlueberriesCherriesWalnutsOlivesGreen teaLentils and beans

Chest percussion

Chest percussion is yet another effective method to cleanse the lungs of excess mucus. This involves tapping the chest rhythmically with a cupped hand to dislodge the trapped mucus in the lungs. You can also combine this technique with postural drainage to clear excess mucus from the airway.

Conclusion

Make your respiratory health a priority by following our tips. These breathing techniques can easily be followed at home. A good diet and exercise can help boost your immunity and keep respiratory infections at bay.