Healthy lungs are the lungs that function well and are free from diseases or infections. Healthy lungs allow you to breathe easily and efficiently, and provide oxygen to your body and remove carbon dioxide, a waste gas. Healthy lungs are important for your overall well-being, as they can prevent or reduce the risk of various diseases, such as asthma, bronchitis, pneumonia, and lung cancer1
To keep your lungs healthy, you can follow some simple tips, such as:
- Don’t smoke or vape, and avoid secondhand smoke. Smoking and vaping can damage your lungs and increase your risk of lung diseases and cancer. Secondhand smoke can also harm your lungs and those around you12
- Be physically active for at least 150 minutes per week, or 30 minutes per day, of moderate-intensity exercise, such as brisk walking, cycling, or swimming. Exercise can strengthen your lungs and improve your breathing12
- Eat a balanced diet that includes fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, healthy fats, and water. A healthy diet can provide nutrients and antioxidants that can protect your lungs from inflammation and infection12
- Get enough sleep, which is about 7 to 9 hours per night for most adults. Sleep can help your lungs rest and repair, and improve your immune system12
- Manage your stress, which can affect your physical and mental health. Stress can cause you to breathe faster and shallower, which can reduce the amount of oxygen in your blood. Find healthy ways to cope with stress, such as meditation, yoga, breathing exercises, hobbies, or talking to someone12
- Connect with others, who can support you, motivate you, and make you happy. Social interaction can boost your mood and reduce your stress, which can benefit your lung health12