Tips to improve your lung capacity
Do you often feel breathless after climbing a flight of stairs? Even when you are jogging at a normal speed, you gasp for breath? Well, if this sounds familiar to you then you are not alone.
Shortness of breath can be caused due to several reasons including asthma, smoking and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). If you are suffering from any of these issues, it is important to increase your lung capacity.
What is lung capacity?
Lung capacity is referred to as the total amount of air your lungs can hold at a time. With age, our lung capacity decreases and if you are suffering from any lung problem then you may be suffering a little bit more. Generally, men have a greater total lung capacity than women.
Here are 5 ways to increase your lung capacity:
(1) Breathing exercises
Breathing exercises are considered excellent to increase your lung capacity. There are several breathing exercises that you can do like diaphragmatic breathing, pursed-lips breathing, Pranayama. Practicing breathing exercises will help to increase your lung capacity and will keep your lungs healthy.
(2) Cardio Exercise
Cardio exercises are not only good for your heart but also helps to improve your lung capacity. Performing cardio exercises every day for 30 minutes can help you a lot. In cardio exercises, your lungs have to work harder, which helps to enhance their capacity. Running, cycling, swimming are some of the exercises that you can perform.
(3) Stay hydrated
Proper intake of water is also necessary for your lungs as it is for other parts of the body. If you are well hydrated, your mucosal linings in the lungs will remain thin and they will function better.
(4) Watch your posture
Yes, your posture and your lung capacity are also linked with each other. Studies suggest that if you are slouching while sitting then your lung capacity will decrease. Sitting in an incorrect position can squeeze your lungs and can make them smaller. So try to sit straight.
(5) Take vitamin D
Increasing the intake of vitamin D can also benefit. Studies suggest that when vitamin D was added to the treatment, the lung capacity of some people increased and they were able to exercise for a longer period of time. You can get vitamin D from the Sun or can have supplements. Some food items also contain vitamin D like fish, egg yolks and red meat.
How to keep your lungs healthy
These tips might help to increase your lung capacity but remember-Prevention is always better than cure. You should take small steps to keep your lunges healthy and safe. Here are a few things you should do:
-Stop smoking
-Eat foods rich in antioxidants
-Improve the air quality of your home
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