Smokers inhale over 4,000 different toxins and chemicals into their lungs every time they take a puff on a cigarette. Over the days, months and years of a smoking habit, these toxins do serious damage, some of which can be fatally irreparable. Therefore it is advisable for smokers to make it a priority to quit smoking. Of course that is much easier said than done. However, one way to entice smokers into giving up their tobacco habit is by showing them how much better they will feel once they put cigarettes out for good.
Here are some steps to follow:
Breathing Exercises: As a smoker we take deep breaths with each puff. However how many times outside of smoking do we take these deep breaths. Most people would say very rarely. So as a non smoker we need to be taking those deep breaths to heal and repair the lungs damaged by smoking. This can be done by engaging in simple breathing exercises, such as breathing in deeply through the nose and out through the mouth. It is suggested do this five times and if we connect this with eating then that would be five times a day as most people eat three meals and two snacks a day. This will help us to remember the breathing and if we do this, we will be taking 25 deep breaths. Of course anything over this is a bonus for our lungs.
Cardio Exercise: Smoking causes a build up of excess phlegm in the lungs. Cardio exercise will help the lungs breathe easier and eventually loosen and discharge this phlegm. However, it is important to start slowly with cardio as it may take a little while for the lungs to feel comfortable for running and doing aerobics again.
Drink Water: Proper hydration is one of the best ways to get poisons out of the body. Drinking at least eight glasses of water a day will be an essential part of this routine. Smoking dehydrates the body cells. So drinking water is going to be paramount to replenishing these cells and it will also protect the kidneys. The toxins from the smoking go through the kidneys and drinking this water will ensure they flow through more smoothly.
Cleansing Herbs and Foods: Nature provides an abundance of herbs and foods that naturally detoxify the body. Ginger, Thyme, Mullein, and Garlic are just a few of the many herbs and spices that clean up the lungs. A good lung detox food to eat is pineapple; it contains a natural lung cleanser, Bromelin, which helps increase lung elasticity.
Following the steps above will lead to healthier lungs after smoking cessation. Healthier lungs mean less chances of catching infections and respiratory illnesses prevalent particularly during the flu season. Take advantage of this information and breathe easier.