We all know that COVID-19 is a lung
disease caused by a novel coronavirus first detected in late 2019. COVID-19 and
its symptoms can range from mild to severe. Anyone can get COVID-19, but some
individuals are more at risk for severe disease than others.
To see if your lungs are healthy, try
this test:
- Run up two flights of stairs or walk six blocks at a brisk pace. If you can do either one without pausing to rest, your lungs are probably in pretty good shape.
- Do this test every month as a way of monitoring your lung function and overall fitness level. One of the warning signs of decreased lung function is a change in your ability to complete the test from being able to do the stairs easily to suddenly having a lot of trouble with it.
Read more: 7 ways to increase your blood Oxygen
- A home lung function test uses a
peak flow meter or a home spirometer to monitor and evaluate any breathing
problems you may have on a day-to-day basis. A peak flow meter allows you to
measure your peak expiratory flow. A home spirometer allows you to measure your
forced expiratory volume at 1 second (FEV1).
- If you have a lung disease, such as
asthma, your doctor may test your peak expiratory flow (PEF) to measure the
amount of air you can inhale and quickly exhale. This is tracked to see how
well asthma is managed.
- To perform the peak expiratory flow
(PEF) test, you need a peak flow meter. A peak flow meter is an inexpensive
handheld device you breathe into as hard and as fast as you can.
- Avoid eating a heavy meal before
performing a PEF test. Be sure to sit up or stand up as straight as possible to
help you take as large a breath as you can. Use the same position every time
you test your PEF. Peak flow monitoring relies on your trying as hard as you
can. For accurate results, be sure to give the test your best effort every
time.
- Using a Peak Flow Meter is one of
the easiest and most convenient ways to track the daily progress of your lung
health. This device might be handy if you have an ailment like chronic
bronchitis or emphysema, but you’ll want to ask your doctor if a home test is
right for you.
Read more: 6 reasons why you shouldn't worry about COVID-19 vaccines
A healthy, anti-inflammatory diet for lung inflammation
Nutrition experts will encourage you to switch to an anti-inflammatory diet, because even if it does not necessarily help cure your condition, it helps lower your chances of complications. These foods are usually plant-based proteins, great source of fiber, and contain omega-3.
-Whole Grains: Oatmeal, whole-wheat
bread/wraps, brown rice.
- Nuts: Walnuts, almonds, pistachios,
cashews.
- Fatty Fish: Salmon, mackerel, tuna,
sardines.
- Green Leafy Vegetables: Spinach, kale, collards.
- Fruits: Strawberries, blueberries, raspberries,
cherries.
- Beans: Chickpeas, lentils, peas, kidney beans, black
beans.
- Olive Oil: Extra-virgin olive oil
is the least processed or refined.
- Herbs and Spices: Turmeric, garlic, ginger, cinnamon.
- Avocados: Packed with potassium, magnesium, and
heat-healthy fats.
- Tomatoes: Rich in lycopene and contain folate.
A healthy, anti-inflammatory diet will do wonders for your body and mind
Stay Hydrated
The best way to keep your airways moist is to stay hydrated! It is also a super easy way to improve your lung health. Staying hydrated helps keep the mucosal linings in the lungs thin.
Take Vitamin D
According to a study presented by the
American Thoracic Society (ATS), people with COPD can benefit from vitamin D.
The theory is that since vitamin D has anti-inflammatory properties, it can
help alleviate the characteristic lung inflammation. You can find out here if you have
