How's Your Breathing?
When’s the last time you actually thought about your lungs? What do they do? Why does it matter, and do different types of food REALLY help them?
According to the Body Ecology website, “…While the lungs and the digestive tract seem like distant cousins in the human body, it turns out that they influence each other far more than we ever suspected. The American Society for Microbiology released a paper highlighting the close relationship that the lungs and the gut share. Bacteria in the lungs take cues from bacteria in the gut. According to researchers, the microbial colonization that takes place in the lungs happens first in the digestive tract. Researchers also concluded that one of the best ways to save the microbial residents of the lung is through nutrition.”
We all know that your lungs help you breathe, right? Its main function is to transport oxygen from the air you breathe into your bloodstream while taking away carbon dioxide. Well, here are a couple of interesting facts you may not know about these V.I.P. organs!
Your left lung is smaller than your right one. Why? Your heart “sits” more or less in the center of your chest cavity; however, the larger part bulges out to the left, leaving less room.
Your lungs are your only organs that can actually float on water!
You have 1,500 miles of airways – it’s no wonder asthma can get so bad…that’s a lot of mileage for potential inflammation!
You take approximately 22,000 breaths every 24 hours!!!
So what are some foods that will help keep ensure that you get the proper amount of enzymes, vitamins, minerals and antioxidants in your lungs so they stay healthy?
Water: The base of any cleansing action.
Garlic & Onions: Anti-microbial and anti-inflammatory.
Ginger: Anti-inflammatory & promotes elimination of pollutants.
Chili Peppers: Can improve blood flow, fight infection, & stimulate mucus membranes.
Cruciferous Vegetables: Cabbage, cauliflower, broccoli & kale are rich in chlorophyll that cleans & builds blood; also full of antioxidants.
Turmeric: Has a compound that encourages the self-destruction of cancer cells.
Apples: Rich in flavonoids, Vitamin E & Vitamin C.
Grapefruit: Helps cleanse the lungs after quitting smoking.
Below are a few more fascinating articles about lungs and the critical reasons to keep them healthy!
http://www.rebootwithjoe.com/juicing-for-lung-health/
http://www.sciencekids.co.nz/sciencefacts/humanbody/lungs.html