How to keep your lungs strong for COVID-19

An offense is the best defense for maintaining your lung health during the COVID-19 pandemic.

During this unprecedented time, it is not only important to stay home and work safely as much as possible, but it is also extremely important to keep your lungs and immune system healthy to improve the ability of your body to fight off infections or diseases.

We know that the SARS-CoV-2 virus that causes COVID-19 disease clogs the airways with very thick mucus. For drugs and treatments to work, the airways must be opened and unblocked. It takes several days.

To actively fight any viral infection, including this one, the best attack is healthy lungs.

Here are some proactive steps you can take to optimize your lung health.

Hydration

It might not be the most important thing, but proper hydration keeps the lungs lubricated so that irritants and mucus are diluted. The general rule of thumb is to drink half of your body weight in ounces of water. Example: A 150 pound woman should drink 75 ounces of water (9 cups of water per day).

Diet

Food choices are very important for the health of the lungs and the immune system. There are many foods that help the body reduce inflammation in the airways. You will need foods rich in vitamins and antioxidants like fruits, vegetables, and options rich in omega-3s. They include apples, wild salmon, green tea and black coffee, raw seeds and nuts, cruciferous vegetables like broccoli, cauliflower, Brussels sprouts, oranges, and orange vegetables like pumpkin. and garlic.

Exercise

Increasing your airflow with physical activity improves the flow of oxygen to your bloodstream, which in turn increases airflow to your muscles, heart, and lungs. 30 minutes of moderate exercise 5 times a week is recommended to improve lung health.

Reduced exposure to pollution, allergens and irritants

The more your lungs are irritated by external causes, the more inflamed they become. When possible, reduce your exposure to aerosols and sprays such as hair cleansers and hairsprays, pollen, and smoky environments.

Do not smoke

Cigarette smoke, cigars, marijuana, and vaping should be avoided at all times. Not only can smoking cause lung cancer, but inhaling anything other than air into the lungs makes them inflamed. Inflammation causes mucus to build up which affects the lungs' ability to carry oxygen in the bloodstream. Additionally, tobacco smoke and vaporizers can contain dozens of chemicals and carbon monoxide that displace oxygen from the lungs.

Oral health

To better protect your lungs, it is essential to protect your teeth, gums and tongue. Brush your teeth and floss twice a day to prevent plaque buildup and possible infections in your mouth. These could migrate from your mouth to your lungs, compromising their ability to function properly.

Vaccinate against the flu

Since the flu can seriously compromise your lung health, it is important to avoid contracting the flu in order to have the best ability to fight off any other viral or bacterial infections. Until there's a SARS-CoV-2 vaccine, the best thing you can do for your health is get the flu shot, if you're eligible.

Frequent hand washing

One of the best ways to protect your lungs and prevent infections is not to contaminate your eyes, nose, or mouth with surface pathogens. Washing your hands with soap and running water is the most effective way to do this. The general rule is to sing the happy birthday song to yourself twice. If soap and running water are not available, use hand sanitizer and rub it vigorously on all areas of your hands and fingers.

knock out a sore throat

If you have a sore throat or itching, it's important to calm your throat so that the irritation in your throat does not travel to your lungs. Drink warm liquids like water with a few drops of lemon, a pinch of apple cider vinegar or a pinch of Himalayan sea salt, along with green tea, matcha, weak black coffee or another elixir. Warm liquids not only soothe the throat but also increase hydration and the flow of gastric juices in the stomach, which helps reduce inflammation.

Social distancing

At this time, it is important to follow the advice of public health experts and stay at home, avoiding crowds as much as possible. If you must get to work (essential service workers), try to stay at least 6 feet from other people and avoid touching surfaces. Do not touch your face or hair and wash your hands frequently. The reason social distancing works is that it reduces the transmission of any potential pathogen, including SARS-CoV-2. Viruses are fragile and generally don't behave very well in the environment, so the further away you can get from pathogens and contaminants, the better.

Medication

If you have minor symptoms, know that you can treat them with over-the-counter medicines that treat specific symptoms like cough, headache, sore throat, fever, etc.

All of these are steps you can take today, and every day, to keep your lungs and body healthy.