How to Keep the Respiratory System of Your Family Healthy

The most common viruses that cause respiratory tract infections are rhinoviruses and coronaviruses. The coronavirus is caused by a virus known as severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2. It is also more commonly known as Sars-CoV-2. 

The respiratory system is the part of the body that enables us to breathe. It is where the exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide takes place. By taking care of your respiratory health, you can help lessen your chances of getting sick. 

How Can You Keep The Respiratory System of Your Family Healthy?

Here are some ways to ensure the health of your family's respiratory systems. 

Eat Healthy

Low levels of some nutrients are linked to lung diseases, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. Their advice is for people to eat foods containing vitamins A, C, and E, including minerals magnesium, potassium, zinc, and selenium. Eating a healthy diet also means ensuring your family maintains a healthy balance in the digestive system. This can be done by taking probiotics which can help restore harmony in the digestive system.  

Exercise regularly

Exercise is not only good for the heart but also for the respiratory system. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends 150 minutes of physical activity a week. You can do 30 minutes of workout for five days and make it fun by inviting your family members to do it together. Exercise helps you breathe in oxygen, and breathe out toxins known as carbon dioxide. 

(Photo: unsplash/James Wheeler)
Encourage your family members to exercise together.

Add Some Greens 

Chemical vapors harm our respiratory health. Remove this toxic substance and improve the quality of air in your home by adding indoor plants, according to the British Columbia Lung Association. 

Hydrate

A person typically loses about 6.3 cups of fluids a day, and fluids are needed to thin out the mucus secretions that get accumulated in the lungs. Drink lots of fluid to facilitate more natural breathing. 

Try to drink as much as four to six cups a day. Sugary juices, coffee, tea, and alcohol do not count. If your children are not fans of plain water, keep them hydrated by making them drink infused water instead. 

(Photo: unsplash/Mae Mu)
Keep your family hydrated by making them drink infused water instead of the sugary drinks.

Practice Proper Hygiene

Proper hygiene helps prevent infections that are caused by viruses. Make sure to wash your hands, and especially your kids' hands frequently and appropriately. Remind your kids not to touch their eyes, nose, and mouth. Better if all of you can get vaccinated for the flu. 

Laugh It Out. 

A certified specialist in cardiovascular and pulmonary physical therapy on the medical faculty of Rush University Medical Center or Rush Oak Park Hospital, Jennifer M. Ryan, PT, MS, DPT, CCS said that laughing works the abdominal muscles and increases lung capacity. 

She added that it forces enough stale air out by clearing out your lungs, and lets fresh air go into more areas of the lungs. Make sure to have a daily dose of laughing in your family to stay healthy!

(Photo: unsplash/Gabrielle Henderson)
Laughter is the best medicine.