How to support lung health: food, supplements, exercise, lifestyle, and more

Healthy lungs allow you to experience life to the fullest, whether it’s enjoying a hike and getting exercise or even something as simple as playing with your kids.

Implementing lung health support techniques can help you breathe easier for the long haul, fending off many of the common lung conditions that hold people back from living life to the fullest. So, learn how to support lung health below!

We’ll share the top foods for lung health, effective supplements, exercise routines, and lifestyle modifications that will help you access parts of your lungs you didn’t even know were there.

The best way to support your lungs, though, is just a few clicks away at res. Our lung support supplement harnesses the proven power of probiotics with potent herbs for proper respiratory structure and function.

It can help minimize mucus and cough while offering secondary benefits like improved digestion, immune health, and sleep* - discover what resB® can do for you today with a satisfaction guarantee or learn how to improve lung health below.

The Importance of Lung Health Support

Before we get into how to keep lungs healthy, why is this so important in the first place? Lung health is fundamental to overall well-being. Our lungs supply oxygen to the body and remove carbon dioxide, which is one of the processes keeping you alive.

Proper lung function ensures every cell in the body receives the necessary oxygen to perform optimally. This in turn supports energy levels, cognitive function, and physical endurance. It’s what allows you to engage in physical activities, recover quickly from exertion, and enjoy a better quality of life.

Good lung health also supports our immune system by protecting against respiratory issues and maintaining overall health. Speaking of which, let's look at some common lung complications.

Common Lung Health Issues

From something as simple as difficulty breathing to more serious lung conditions, there are a number of potential consequences for failing to give your lungs the support they need.

Trouble breathing can be caused by exposure to pollutants, allergens, or smoking. It can impact daily activities and overall energy levels, preventing you from living life to the fullest and enjoying simple pleasures like a walk outdoors or playing with your kids or pets.

Over time, this can contribute to reduced lung capacity. This issue is exacerbated by prolonged exposure to harmful substances, lack of physical activity, or poor air quality. It can often manifest itself in chronic fatigue.

Symptoms such as persistent coughing, wheezing, and shortness of breath are signs that lung health may be compromised and should not be ignored.

Whether you’re experiencing these right now or simply want to avoid them, you’re in luck - our tips on how to support lung health are an excellent first step!

How to Support Lung Health: All the Ways You Can Help Yourself Breathe Easier

Lung health support is as easy as adjusting your diet, investing in a few supplements, getting enough exercise, and making a few easy lifestyle changes. These simple measures can have profound effects on the way you breathe, and thus, the way you live your life.

Dietary Support for Lung Health

You know that diet plays a role in overall health, but you may not be aware of just how closely tied it is to your lung health.

Incorporating certain nutrients into your diet can help improve lung capacity, reduce difficulty breathing, and support the body's natural defenses against pollutants and irritants*.

The most important foods to include are those with antioxidants, omega-3 fatty acids, and key vitamins/minerals. We’ll help you prepare your grocery shopping list below.

Foods Rich in Antioxidants

Antioxidants protect the lungs from damage caused by free radicals, which are unstable molecules that can harm cells. Foods high in antioxidants help neutralize these free radicals, reducing oxidative stress and supporting lung health*. Here are a few of our favorites:

Berries: Blueberries, strawberries, and raspberries are packed with vitamins and antioxidants such as vitamin C and anthocyanins, which protect lung tissue. These are some of the best fruits for lungs*.
Leafy Greens: Spinach, kale, and Swiss chard are rich in antioxidants like vitamin E and beta-carotene, which can help maintain healthy lung cells.
Nuts and Seeds: Almonds, walnuts, and flax seeds provide vitamin E, selenium, and other antioxidants that support respiratory health.

Foods High in Omega-3 Fatty Acids

You may associate omega-3 fatty acids with joint health, but they impact lung function as well through the very same mechanism - restoring a healthy inflammatory response.

These fatty acids have been shown to support lung function by reducing airway constriction and improving overall respiratory health*. Here are some foods to include:

Fatty Fish: Salmon, mackerel, and sardines are excellent sources of omega-3 fatty acids.
Chia Seeds: These tiny seeds are a potent source of omega-3s and can be easily added to smoothies, yogurt, or salads.
Walnuts: In addition to antioxidants, walnuts provide a significant amount of omega-3 fatty acids, supporting both heart and lung health.

We’ll touch on this below as well, but an omega-3 supplement is your best bet for consistently getting these nutrients in your body.

Vitamins and Minerals for Lung Health

Certain vitamins and minerals can preserve proper lung function and offer protection for the respiratory system from damage*. We have a more comprehensive guide to the best vitamins for lungs if you’re interested, but these are the most essential to get through diet or supplements:

Vitamin D: Essential for immune function. It can be obtained from sunlight exposure, fortified foods, and supplements. It helps protect the lungs from infections and supports overall respiratory health.
Magnesium: Found in nuts, seeds, whole grains, and leafy greens. It helps relax the bronchial muscles, making breathing easier and supporting overall lung function.
Vitamin C: This vitamin is found in citrus fruits, bell peppers, and broccoli. It boosts the immune system and helps protect the lungs from pollutants and irritants.
Vitamin E: Found in nuts, seeds, and green leafy vegetables, vitamin E is an antioxidant that protects lung tissue from damage.
Vitamin A: This vitamin, found in carrots, sweet potatoes, and dark leafy greens, supports the maintenance and repair of lung tissues.
Vitamin B12: Important for maintaining the health of the respiratory system. It can be found in animal products and fortified foods.

As far as how to improve lung health with these vitamins and minerals, you can use a combination of dietary adjustments and supplements. Speaking of supplements…

Supplements for Lung Health

Diet alone won’t be enough as far as lung health support goes. You’ll want to fill in the gaps with certain supplements. These will also make your life more convenient as you won’t have to prepare the same meals every single day to ensure you’re getting the key nutrients we touched on above.

Now, you may have your doubts - do lung detox pills work? Not always, but we do have a few noteworthy supplements you may consider adding to your regimen to start breathing easier.

Probiotics and Prebiotics

Probiotics and prebiotics support lung health by maintaining a healthy balance of gut bacteria, which is crucial for overall immune function*. The gut-lung axis highlights the connection between gut health and respiratory health. Understanding the role each plays is important.

Probiotics, specifically the Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium strains, can support the immune system and reduce respiratory issues. These are considered to be the best probiotics for lungs.

So where do prebiotics fit into the puzzle? These nourish good gut bacteria, in other words, boosting the effectiveness of the probiotics. You can find them in foods like bananas, but supplements are superior. Look for inulin or resistant starch.

We have a prebiotic and probiotic supplement stack here at res that will help you not only breathe easier but improve holistic health. Learn more about our physician-formulated solutions today.

Herbal Supplements

Herbal supplements have been used for centuries to support respiratory health, and they still have a place in your lung health support regimen today. They can clear airways, reduce congestion, and support overall lung function.

While we have a more detailed overview of the top 10 herbs for lung health, these are the 3 we recommend you start with:

Turmeric: Known for its antioxidant and immune-supportive properties. It can help protect the lungs from pollutants and support healthy respiratory function.*
Holy Basil: This adaptogenic herb supports the immune system and has been shown to improve respiratory health by reducing airway constriction.*
Vasaka Leaf: Traditionally used in Ayurvedic medicine to clear mucus from the lungs and support healthy breathing.*

Exercise and Physical Activity

If you’re serious about breathing better you can’t just eat and supplement your way there. You’ll need to do a bit of work as well. Regular physical activity won’t just support better lung function, it will offer comprehensive health benefits that elevate your life in other ways too.

Cardiovascular Exercises

You probably realize that cardio is one of the best ways to support lung health, but what is it that makes it so effective? These activities increase your heart rate and breathing rate, helping to improve lung capacity and overall respiratory function.

They’re great for clearing mucus out as well and will support a healthy weight along the way. There are many different ways you can get your cardio in, including:

Running: This quintessential cardio exercise boosts endurance and lung capacity. Start with short distances and gradually increase your mileage.
Swimming: The resistance of water makes your lungs work harder, improving their strength and efficiency. Swimming also promotes rhythmic breathing, which can enhance lung function. It’s great during those hot days when running isn’t a viable option, too!
Cycling: Whether on a stationary bike or cycling outdoors, this activity helps increase lung capacity and endurance. It’s a lot more fun than running as well.

You don’t have to do anything crazy - even just 3-5 sessions a week at 15-30 minutes is plenty to take the first step towards healthier lungs. You can just your frequency and duration as you see fit.

Breathing Exercises

Of course, exercises for your lungs specifically can make a big difference. These improve lung function, increase lung capacity, and promote better oxygen exchange. How do you train your lungs, though? Here are a few techniques you can try:

Diaphragmatic Breathing: Also known as belly breathing, you’ll breathe deeply into the diaphragm rather than shallowly into the chest. This helps improve lung efficiency and oxygen exchange.
Pursed-Lip Breathing: This exercise helps keep airways open longer, making it easier to breathe. Inhale through your nose for two counts, then exhale slowly through pursed lips for four counts.
Deep Breathing: Taking slow, deep breaths can help expand your lungs and increase their capacity. Practice inhaling deeply through your nose, holding for a few seconds, and then exhaling completely.

When it comes to how to remove mucus from lungs naturally, these are some of the best tactics you can implement. They’re great for how to support lung health in general as well.

Strength Training

You may not associate strength training with lung health, but there is a link here. Using resistance bands can strengthen the muscles involved in breathing, such as the diaphragm and intercostal muscles.

On the other hand, lifting weights can improve overall muscle strength, including the muscles that support breathing. Focus on exercises that engage the core and upper body. Like cardio, making this lifestyle change will have far-reaching benefits for your health as a whole.

Yoga Poses

Yoga combines physical postures, breathing exercises, and meditation to promote overall health, including lung health. There are three poses in particular that can support healthier lungs:

Bridge Pose (Setu Bandhasana): This opens the chest and improves lung capacity. Lie on your back, bend your knees, and lift your hips while keeping your shoulders and feet on the ground.
Cobra Pose (Bhujangasana): This stretches the chest and lungs, enhancing respiratory function. Lie on your stomach, place your hands under your shoulders, and lift your chest while keeping your hips on the ground.
Warrior II Pose (Virabhadrasana II): This strengthens the respiratory muscles and promotes deep breathing. Stand with your legs apart, extend your arms, and bend one knee while keeping the other leg straight.

Want to round out your yoga routine? Try these other yoga poses for healthy lungs.

Lifestyle Changes for Better Lung Health

There are probably some habits you’ve formed that are working against your goal of improving lung health - from obvious ones like smoking to more obscure ones like poor sleep, stress, and more.

If you haven’t already quit smoking, that’s an essential first step. This is the most harmful habit for lung health, after all. Fortunately, we have a guide to lung detox for smokers to help point you in the right direction.

But there are many other pollutants you encounter on a daily basis that can degrade lung health as well. Minimizing exposure to these irritants can help protect your lungs and improve respiratory health.

Use air purifiers to reduce indoor pollutants, such as dust, pet dander, and mold. You should also limit the use of cleaning products and personal care items that contain harsh chemicals. Try these cleaning products instead. On days with poor air quality, do your best to stay indoors.

Another way to support healthier lungs is staying hydrated - yet another lifestyle modification that will improve health from 360 degrees.

Hydration keeps the mucous membranes in the lungs moist, making it easier to breathe. Aim to drink at least 8 glasses of water per day - better yet, include electrolytes in your water.

Chronic stress can negatively impact lung health too, so you should look into techniques to manage the pressure of everyday life and find a sense of calm. As a result, your body will become more balanced and relaxed as well.

Some of the techniques we shared above can help with this, like exercise and deep breathing techniques. Practice meditation or mindfulness as well to reduce stress and promote relaxation.

Finally, make sure you’re getting enough sleep on a nightly basis. Quality sleep helps the body repair and rejuvenate, supporting optimal lung function. The goal should be a minimum of 7 hours.

Sleep quality matters just as much - if not more than - quantity. Maintain a regular schedule, create a sleep-conducive environment, and limit stimulants in the afternoon.

Take the First Step Towards Better Lung Health With res!

There you have it, how to support lung health! We’ve shared the top tactics for breathing better in no time. The only thing left to do now is take the first step at res.

As we said from the start, our lung supplement has been carefully formulated by Dr. Vivek Lal, a double board-certified physician, and his team of scientists. The solution is clinically validated & pulmonologist-formulated, the first of its kind.

It’s all thanks to a multi-strain probiotic blend that features Lactiplantibacillus plantarum RSB11®, Lactobacillus acidophilus RSB12®, and Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus RSB13®, each of which is clinically studied to support lung structure and function.*

We’ve also included the most powerful herbs for lung health, like vasaka, holy basil, and turmeric. These ingredients all work in synergy to deliver benefits such as:

Respiratory structure and function support*
May clear mucus & minimize cough*
Seasonal sinus & bronchial support*
Improved digestive, gut, & immune health*
Better sleep due to better breathing*

You can trust that you’re getting a product free from animal products, gluten, GMOs, heavy metals, and other common irritants because all res products are third-party tested.

Our all-natural supplements are manufactured here in the USA in a cGMP (Current Good Manufacturing Processes) environment after sourcing from FDA-certified suppliers.

Some customers report breathing better within the first week - but within a month, we guarantee you’ll see an improvement.* If not, we’ll refund your purchase, simple as that!

So, start your journey to lung health support on the right foot at res today.

Final Thoughts on How to Improve Lung Health

That does it for our guide on how to support lung health. From diet to supplements, exercise to lifestyle changes, there are many ways you can start breathing better fast.

We hope you feel confident in taking the next steps now that you know how to improve lung health. So, don’t wait to breathe easier and feel better. Incorporate resB® Lung Support Probiotic into your daily routine and give your respiratory system the support it craves!