Lifestyle & Diet Tips for Respiratory Health

Lifestyle

Oftentimes our bodies have reactions that aren’t pleasant in the least and can actually end up being quite a nuisance.

Today we’re discussing one of these reactions - coughing. Did you know that a cough is actually a natural reflex action of the body that intends to clear the airways of mucus and irritants like smoke or dust?^[1] While there are always reliable cough syrups to fall back on, let's take a look at some of the dietary and lifestyle tips that can help us keep a healthy breathing function and provide some relief to an otherwise uncomfortable reaction of the body.

Dietary Tips for Respiratory Health

1. Hydration ^[2] - First things first, folks: water, water, water! Staying hydrated is key to keeping your respiratory system in tip-top shape. Dehydration can lead to dry and irritated airways, making you more susceptible to coughs and colds. It’s necessary to drink fluids and make sure you stay hydrated, especially good old H2O.

2. Fruits & Veggies^[3] - Some recommendations never get old, and fruits and veggies can’t be recommended enough. Packed with vitamins, antioxidants, and minerals that support a healthy respiratory system make fruits and vegetables a must-have in your diet. Specifically, vitamin C can help boost your immune system, while vitamin A is excellent for lung health.

3. Omega-3 Fatty Acids ^[4] - Now, let’s talk about those good fats. Omega-3 fatty acids, found in fatty fish like salmon and flaxseeds, can work wonders for your respiratory health. They have anti-inflammatory properties that can help reduce airway inflammation.

4. Moderate Sugar Intake ^[5] - As sweet as it may be, sugar is anything but sweet for our bodies and our immunity. Excessive sugar intake can weaken the immune response, making one more susceptible to respiratory infections. It’s not about saying no to treats entirely, but rather practicing moderation, especially when it comes to sugary snacks and drinks.

Lifestyle Tips for Respiratory Health

1. Say NO to Smoking^[6]
A no-brainer, smoking is a big no-no for respiratory health. Secondhand smoke is just as harmful, so make sure you try to keep your home, at least indoors, a smoke-free zone. Smoking can damage the airways and lead to chronic respiratory problems, so it’s crucial to avoid it at all costs.

2. Exercise Regularly^[7]
Regular physical activity can improve lung function and overall respiratory health. Exercise keeps your airways clear and strengthens the respiratory system. Aerobic activities like walking or running are great workouts for your heart and lungs and help keep them functioning efficiently. Activities like pilates or weight-lifting build help tone your breathing muscles. Breathing exercises like diaphragmatic breathing ^[8] in particular can strengthen your diaphragm and help your body breathe more deeply and effectively.

3. Reduce Stress ^[9]
Apart from the multiple effects stress has on our bodies, affecting the respiratory system and health is no exception. Stress and intense emotions can manifest as respiratory symptoms like shortness of breath and rapid breathing, due to constriction in the airway between the nose and lungs. Encourage relaxation techniques like yoga, meditation, and deep breathing to keep stress in check.^[10]

4. Rest Well ^[11]
Sleep is your body’s natural way of healing and repairing itself. When you don’t get enough rest, your immune system weakens, leaving you vulnerable to all sorts of bacteria and viruses which can cause coughs and colds.

5. Allergen Management ^[12]
Allergens can be a huge factor in recurrent respiratory issues and coughs. Dust mites, pet dander, and pollen are usually some allergens that may be the root of the problem. Regularly clean your home, use air purifiers, and consider allergy-friendly bedding to minimize exposure to these allergens.

Conclusion

The impact of diet and lifestyle on respiratory health is undeniable. By making smart choices and adopting healthy habits, you can reduce the frequency and severity of coughs in your family. Remember, it’s not just about what you do when a cough strikes, but what you do every day to keep those airways strong and healthy.

However, sometimes despite all your efforts coughs and respiratory problems persist. That’s when it’s time to get Helixia^®. Available over the counter in your local pharmacy, Prospan^® by Helixia^® is the #1 recommended natural cold and cough remedy suitable for various age groups, providing clinically proven efficacy to help manage coughs and respiratory issues effectively.

This product may not be right for you. Please read and follow the label before use for a list of contraindications, warnings, precautions, and adverse reactions.

Helixia^® is registered trademarks owned by Norwell Consumer Healthcare Inc.

Prospan^® is a registered trademark of Engelhard Arzneimittel GmbH & Co. KG used under license by Norwell Consumer Healthcare Inc

REFERENCE

[1] https://www.lung.org/lung-health-diseases/warning-signs-of-lung-disease/cough/learn-about-cough#:~:text=Coughing%20is%20an%20important%20reflex,of%20germs%2C%20mucus%20and%20dust

[2] https://healthcareassociates.com/effects-of-dehydration/#:~:text=Likewise%2C%20dehydration%20dries%20out%20airway,with%20chronic%20respiratory%20medical%20problems

[3] https://www.health.com/supplements-for-lung-health-8422043

[4] https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/news/articles/2022/02/menu-for-easier-breathing

[5] https://www.piedmont.org/living-real-change/foods-and-drinks-that-compromise-your-immune-system#:~:text=Studies%20have%20shown%20spikes%20in,ability%20to%20ward%20off%20disease

[6] https://www.webmd.com/lung/ss/slideshow-ways-to-keep-lungs-healthy

[7] https://www.lung.org/lung-health-diseases/wellness/exercise-and-lung-health#:~:text=Muscle%2Dstrengthening%20activities%20like%20weight,more%20deeply%20and%20more%20effectively

[8] https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/9445-diaphragmatic-breathing

[9] https://www.apa.org/topics/stress/body