You know that smoking destroys your lungs, but can you name any other factors that contribute to lung damage? Lung function tends to peak around the age of 30; then it starts to decline. The rate of decline varies, depending on lifestyle choices. It’s possible to have a great, healthy set of lungs well into old age, but there are certain factors to avoid that can make a huge impact on the health of your lungs.
Besides smoking, here are seven causes of lung damage to avoid:
- Mold
Mold may be present in your home — and spreading — and you might not even know it. This sneaky parasite produces spores that float around in the air. Inhaling these spores can lead to lung damage and respiratory symptoms, such as a running nose and sneezing.
- Pesticides
If you spray pesticides at home to keep the bugs away, there’s a good chance you’re breathing in harmful toxins each time you spray. Inhaling these toxins can cause respiratory problems along with lung damage, and may eventually lead to COPD.
- Gas appliances
Gas heaters and gas stoves release tiny particles into the air when they burn. These particles can cause irritation to the lungs and lead to respiratory problems — especially when gas appliances are used in enclosed areas.
- Humidifier
Humidifiers are often recommended to help soothe allergies and stave off respiratory problems. However, if they’re not cleaned regularly, they can end up contributing to allergens in the air that can negatively affect the lungs.
- Commercial cleaning products
Thanks to the dangerous toxins they are filled with, commercial cleaning products can wreak havoc on your lungs — especially when used over a long period of time. Bleach in particular is linked to lung disease, along with a whole host of other health issues.
In addition to avoiding smoking and the additional factors above, a flavonoid-rich diet can help you protect your lungs from damage. Some of the best foods for lung health include: onions, apples, kale, broccoli, garbanzo beans, almonds, turnip greens, sweet potatoes and quinoa. Avoiding toxins and nurturing lung health can ensure that you’re breathing a breath of fresh air, each and every day.