World Lung Day 2025: Toxic air, poor diet, and smoking are damaging your lungs. Learn how to keep your lungs healthy..

How to Strengthen Your Lungs: Air pollution has increased significantly these days, directly impacting lung health. Excessive smoking and unhealthy eating habits are also damaging the lungs. According to health experts, respiratory diseases are rapidly increasing these days, including asthma, bronchitis, lung cancer, and COPD. Pollution in Delhi-NCR, especially during winter, reaches dangerous levels. Therefore, everyone needs to change some of their habits to prevent lung diseases. On the occasion of World Lung Day, learn from a doctor how to improve lung health.

Dr. Bhagwan Mantri, Senior Pulmonologist at Dr. Mantri Respiratory Clinic in Saket, New Delhi, told News18 that lung diseases are increasing rapidly these days due to toxic air, smoking, constant exposure to polluted air, poor diet, and unhealthy lifestyle. Indoor pollution, smoking, and tobacco use also severely impact lung function. Lack of physical activity weakens the immune system, increasing the risk of respiratory diseases. Due to these factors, the number of patients suffering from life-threatening diseases like asthma, bronchitis, COPD, and lung cancer is rapidly increasing. Worryingly, a large number of young people are also falling prey to these diseases.

Pulmonologists stated that increasing air pollution in cities has become a major threat to the lungs. Smoke, dust, and toxic elements from cars, factories, and construction activities reach the lungs directly through the breath and cause damage. Young children, the elderly, and asthma patients are most affected. Furthermore, chemicals like tar and nicotine present in cigarettes and bidis severely damage lung cells. Chronic smokers have a significantly increased risk of lung cancer, COPD, and other respiratory diseases. Not only active smoking, but passive smoking, i.e., even being around someone smoking, also causes lung damage.

According to Dr. Mantri, consuming excessive amounts of oily, processed, and junk food can increase lung inflammation. Fat and toxins accumulated in the body reduce lung capacity. Antioxidant-rich fruits like apples, grapes, green vegetables, turmeric, and ginger help maintain healthy lungs. A nutritious diet is essential for respiratory health. Additionally, regular exercise like yoga, walking, running, and pranayama improves lung function. Pranayama, especially Anulom-Vilom and Kapalabhati, cleanses the lungs and increases oxygen levels in the lungs. At least 30 minutes of physical activity daily is essential to keep the lungs strong.

Experts believe that viral and bacterial infections like flu, pneumonia, and COVID-19 can also weaken the lungs. Wearing a mask, washing hands frequently, and getting vaccinated are essential for prevention. Furthermore, prolonged cough or breathing problems should not be ignored. In such cases, a doctor should be consulted for evaluation. If you experience shortness of breath, a cough, or fatigue, get a pulmonary function test. Clean air, a healthy diet, regular exercise, and avoiding smoking can help keep your lungs healthy for the long term.

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