Passive smoking is also known as second hand smoking or exposure to ETS- environmental tobacco smoke. Passive smoking has been linked to an increased risk of lung cancer, cardiovascular disease and bronchitis. Complete cessation from exposure is a mandatory first step as this will ensure that your lungs do not continue to suffer from the ill effects of ETS. If your partner or someone within your family smokes, it is important to get them to quit or at the very least have a specifically allocated smoking area. This will ensure that the exposure to the second hand smoke is reduced.
Dietary Modifications
It is important to follow a healthy diet that is high in fresh fruits and vegetables. This diet will help to cleanse your system as well as supply it with vitamins and minerals that will aid the healing process. In addition to this, fresh fruits are rich in antioxidants that help to protect the body from free radicals within the body. Include plenty of tomatoes and berries in your diet. Berries are rich in phenolic acids and flavanols while tomatoes are rich in lycopene. These active ingredients have been seen to have cancer as well as cardiac protective qualities. Reduce your intake of red meat for a while and instead have white meats like skinless chicken and other skinless poultry. Make sure that you also have fatty fish regularly as they are rich in Omega acids that are essential for tissue repair.
Regular Exercise
Regular exercise is very important as it helps to increase circulation as well as improve lung function. It is better to exercise outdoors, early in the morning, when the air is fresh. A brisk walk or a jog will help to increase the oxygenation of the blood and help your lungs to heal faster. Yoga breathing exercises too are very helpful as they will help to clear your lungs as well as strengthen your respiratory system.
Natural Remedies
An herbal tea made out of Mullein and Licorice is an excellent expectorant. Have a cup of this tea every morning g on a regular basis to cough up any hardened excess mucus that may be present in your lungs. You may notice a few flecks of grey smoky matter in your phlegm but this is just the smoke residue that is being expelled by your body.
You can also drink a glass of warm milk with a pinch of turmeric added to it. Do this every evening as it will help to clear your respiratory system.
Ginger and garlic are herbs that promote respiratory help and so you can add them to your meals on a daily basis.
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