We take about 20,000 breaths a day, and almost all of them without a single conscious thought. Breathing is so automatic, so constant, so reliable there, that we rarely pause to consider the remarkable organs that make it possible or the profound importance of their health.
It is usually only when breathing becomes difficult, with a respiratory illness, with shortness of breath, with a chronic lung condition, that we suddenly become aware of just how fundamental our lungs and our breath are to life, energy, and wellbeing. And yet our lungs, like every other part of us, benefit enormously from proactive care and support.
Lung health and respiratory strength are foundational to health and vitality, affecting our energy, our exercise capacity, our resilience against respiratory illness, and our overall wellbeing.
And while we often think about lung health only in the context of specific diseases, there is a great deal we can do to proactively support our lung health, strengthen our respiratory function, and breathe well throughout our lives.
This November, which includes awareness of lung health and COPD, is a wonderful time to focus on breathing well.
At Healing4Soul Wellness Center, we believe in proactively supporting lung health and respiratory strength. This article explores supporting lung health and breathing naturally.
Please note, this article is about supporting lung health and respiratory strength. Significant respiratory symptoms, breathing difficulties, or lung conditions warrant appropriate medical care. This is educational and complements appropriate care. If you have a diagnosed lung condition, work with your healthcare providers.
Understanding Lung Health and Respiratory Function
The lungs are remarkable organs that bring oxygen into the body and remove carbon dioxide, supporting every cell and every function. Respiratory health involves the health of the lungs and airways, the strength and function of the breathing muscles, the efficiency of oxygen exchange, and the resilience of the respiratory system.
The importance of lung health:
Healthy lungs and strong respiratory function support energy and vitality (as every cell depends on oxygen), exercise capacity and physical function, resilience against respiratory illness, and overall health and wellbeing. Supporting lung health supports our whole-body health and vitality.
The factors that affect lung health:
Lung health is affected by many factors, including air quality and exposures (particularly smoking, which is the single most important factor), respiratory illnesses and infections, inflammation, the strength of the breathing muscles, physical fitness, and how we breathe. Supporting these factors supports lung health.
Proactive lung health:
Just as we can proactively support heart health, brain health, and other aspects of health, we can proactively support lung health, through protecting the lungs, strengthening respiratory function, supporting the lungs nutritionally, and breathing well. Proactive lung health supports breathing well throughout life.
A note on lung conditions:
Lung conditions like COPD, asthma, and others warrant appropriate medical care. This article focuses on proactively supporting lung health and respiratory strength, which supports overall respiratory wellbeing and works alongside appropriate care for any lung conditions.
The Foundations of Lung Health
Before specific support, the foundations of lung health form the essential groundwork.
Not smoking, the single most important factor:
Smoking is by far the most damaging factor for lung health, and not smoking (or quitting smoking) is the single most important thing for lung health. Smoking damages the lungs, drives inflammation, and is the primary cause of COPD and a major factor in many lung conditions.
For smokers, quitting is the most impactful thing for lung health (and it is never too late, as the lungs have some capacity to recover). For the Great American Smokeout this November, this is worth particular emphasis.
Air quality:
Minimizing exposure to air pollution, smoke, environmental toxins, and respiratory irritants supports lung health. This includes avoiding secondhand smoke, being mindful of air quality, and reducing exposure to pollutants and irritants.
Physical fitness and exercise:
Physical activity strengthens the respiratory system, improves lung function and capacity, and supports respiratory health. Regular exercise is one of the best things for lung health and respiratory strength.
Breathing well:
How we breathe affects respiratory function. Many people breathe shallowly, and learning to breathe fully and well supports respiratory function and health.
Respiratory resilience:
Supporting the immune system and respiratory resilience protects against the respiratory illnesses that affect lung health.
Nutritional Support for Lung Health
For all supplements mentioned below, visit our online store at store.healing4soul.com to find your recommended products.
NAC (N-Acetyl Cysteine)
One of the most valuable supplements for lung and respiratory health, NAC supports the thinning and clearance of mucus, provides antioxidant support to the lungs (supporting glutathione, the lungs’ important antioxidant), and supports respiratory health. NAC is one of our most recommended supports for lung health.
Vitamin C
An antioxidant that supports lung health and provides antioxidant protection to the respiratory tissues, vitamin C supports lung health and immune function.
Vitamin D
Supporting immune function and respiratory health, vitamin D is relevant to lung health and respiratory resilience, and deficiency is associated with respiratory issues. We optimize based on assessment.
Omega-3 Fatty Acids
Reducing inflammation, including respiratory inflammation, omega-3s support the anti-inflammatory foundation for lung health.
Antioxidants
A range of antioxidants protects the lungs against oxidative stress (the lungs are exposed to significant oxidative stress through their exposure to oxygen and the environment). Antioxidant support is important for lung health.
Quercetin
With antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties, quercetin supports lung health and respiratory function and addresses allergic and inflammatory factors.
Magnesium
Supporting the respiratory muscles and airway function (magnesium supports bronchial relaxation), magnesium supports respiratory function.
Glutathione
The lungs’ important antioxidant, glutathione protects the lungs against oxidative damage, and supporting glutathione (through NAC and glutathione support) supports lung health.
Herbal Support for Lung Health
For all herbal support mentioned below, visit our online store at store.healing4soul.com to find your recommended products.
Mullein
One of the most valued herbs for lung and respiratory health, mullein soothes and supports the respiratory passages and lungs, supports healthy mucus clearance, and is a traditional lung tonic. Mullein is one of our most recommended herbs for lung health.
Elecampane
A traditional respiratory herb that supports the lungs and respiratory passages, supports mucus clearance, and is valued as a lung-supporting herb.
Lungwort
As its name suggests, lungwort is a traditional herb for lung and respiratory support.
Thyme
Supporting the respiratory passages with antimicrobial and supportive properties, thyme supports respiratory health.
Plantain Leaf
A soothing herb that supports the respiratory passages and lungs.
Osha Root
A traditional herb valued for supporting the lungs and respiratory health.
Reishi Mushroom
A medicinal mushroom traditionally valued for lung and respiratory support, as well as immune support, reishi supports lung health and respiratory resilience.
Cordyceps
A medicinal mushroom traditionally valued for supporting the lungs, respiratory function, oxygen utilization, and stamina, cordyceps is valued for respiratory and lung support.
Eucalyptus and Peppermint
Supporting the respiratory passages and clear breathing, these are valued for respiratory support (used in appropriate ways, including steam inhalation).
Homeopathic Support for Lung Health
For all homeopathic remedies mentioned below, visit our online store at store.healing4soul.com/remedies to find your recommended products.
Homeopathy offers constitutional and supportive remedies for respiratory and lung health, selected based on the individual picture. Some remedies that may be relevant include:
Phosphorus
A remedy with a strong affinity for the lungs and respiratory system, Phosphorus is relevant for respiratory and lung health in the sensitive Phosphorus constitutional type, and supports the lungs and chest.
Antimonium Tartaricum
For respiratory issues with rattling mucus and congestion, Antimonium Tart addresses congested respiratory states (more for acute congestion).
Arsenicum Album
For respiratory issues with anxiety, restlessness, and breathing difficulty, in the anxious constitutional type, Arsenicum addresses respiratory issues with these features.
Bryonia
For respiratory issues with dryness and a dry cough worse from movement, Bryonia addresses dry respiratory states.
Silicea
Supporting the constitution and the resolution of chronic respiratory tendencies, Silicea supports respiratory resilience in its constitutional picture.
Tuberculinum
A constitutional remedy sometimes relevant for those with a tendency toward recurrent respiratory issues, addressing the underlying respiratory susceptibility.
Calcarea Carbonica
For respiratory health in the constitutional Calcarea type, addressing the constitutional picture.
Blatta Orientalis
A remedy associated with respiratory support, particularly relevant for certain respiratory conditions and mucus.
Constitutional homeopathic treatment supports overall respiratory health and resilience, guided by a knowledgeable practitioner, and is particularly valuable for supporting those with a tendency toward respiratory issues.
Breathing Well, The Practice of Good Breathing
How we breathe significantly affects respiratory function and health, and breathing well is a valuable practice for lung health.
The importance of good breathing:
Many people breathe shallowly, using only the upper chest, which does not fully use the lungs or the diaphragm. Learning to breathe fully and well, using the diaphragm and fully engaging the lungs, supports respiratory function, lung capacity, and health, and supports the nervous system and calm.
Breathing practices for lung health:
Diaphragmatic breathing:
Breathing deeply using the diaphragm, allowing the belly to expand on the inhale, fully engages the lungs and diaphragm and supports respiratory function. Practicing diaphragmatic breathing strengthens good breathing patterns.
Deep breathing exercises:
Regular deep breathing exercises support lung capacity, respiratory function, and the health of the lungs, and support relaxation and the nervous system.
Breathing exercises for lung strength:
Various breathing exercises and techniques strengthen the respiratory muscles and support lung capacity and function. These are valuable for respiratory strength.
Breath awareness:
Developing awareness of the breath and cultivating full, healthy breathing throughout the day supports respiratory function.
Practices that incorporate breathing:
Practices like yoga, tai chi, qigong, and meditation, which incorporate conscious breathing, support respiratory function and health, along with their other benefits.
Lifestyle Support for Lung Health
Physical activity and exercise:
Regular physical activity strengthens the respiratory system, improves lung function and capacity, and supports respiratory health. Aerobic exercise in particular challenges and strengthens the respiratory system. Exercise is one of the best things for lung health and respiratory strength.
Not smoking:
As emphasized, not smoking (or quitting) is the single most important thing for lung health.
Protecting against respiratory irritants:
Minimizing exposure to air pollution, smoke, environmental toxins, and respiratory irritants protects the lungs. Being mindful of air quality, improving indoor air quality, and reducing exposure to pollutants supports lung health.
Supporting immune and respiratory resilience:
Supporting the immune system and respiratory resilience (as discussed in our immune resilience and other articles) protects against the respiratory illnesses that affect lung health.
Good indoor air quality:
Supporting good indoor air quality, through ventilation, air filtration, reducing indoor pollutants, and supporting healthy humidity, supports respiratory health.
Staying hydrated:
Adequate hydration supports healthy mucus and respiratory function.
Posture:
Good posture supports full breathing and lung capacity, while slumped posture restricts breathing.
Getting outdoors in clean air:
Spending time outdoors in clean, fresh air (and in nature) supports respiratory health and wellbeing.
Dietary Approach to Lung Health
Emphasize:
- Colorful vegetables and fruits rich in antioxidants that protect the lungs (particularly those rich in the antioxidants relevant to lung health)
- Foods rich in vitamin C and antioxidants
- Omega-3 rich foods for their anti-inflammatory effects
- Foods that support the immune system and respiratory resilience
- Anti-inflammatory whole foods
- Foods that support healthy mucus and respiratory function
- Adequate hydration
- Immune and respiratory-supporting foods (garlic, ginger, onions)
Minimize:
- Refined sugar and processed foods that drive inflammation
- For some, dairy and foods that increase mucus
- Processed foods and inflammatory factors
- Excessive alcohol
The antioxidant emphasis:
Because the lungs are exposed to significant oxidative stress, a diet rich in antioxidant-rich colorful produce particularly supports lung health by protecting the lungs against oxidative damage.
Breathing Well Throughout Life
Our lungs and our breath are fundamental to life, energy, and wellbeing, and they benefit enormously from proactive care and support. By protecting the lungs (particularly by not smoking and minimizing harmful exposures), strengthening respiratory function through exercise and breathing practices, supporting the lungs nutritionally and with targeted natural support, and breathing well, we can support our lung health and respiratory strength throughout our lives.
This proactive approach to lung health supports not just our breathing but our energy, our vitality, our exercise capacity, our resilience, and our overall wellbeing, because our lungs and our breath support every cell and every function in the body.
At Healing4Soul Wellness Center, we are honored to support our patients’ lung health and respiratory strength through our comprehensive, proactive, natural approach, helping them breathe well throughout their lives.
Breathe well throughout your life. Let us help you support your lung health and respiratory strength.
Call us at (800) 669-0358 | Visit us at www.healing4soul.com | Email us at info@healing4soul.com
Please note, this article is about supporting lung health and respiratory strength. Significant respiratory symptoms, breathing difficulties, or lung conditions warrant appropriate medical care. This is educational and complements appropriate care.
If you have a diagnosed lung condition, please work with your healthcare provider.