Dieters follow detoxifying cleanse plans to eliminate toxins from their organs. A lung detox diet is designed to clean your lungs and improve their efficiency. Breathing exercises and herbal supplements typically accompany dietary changes during the cleanse. Talk to your doctor before beginning a lung detox diet to determine if it is safe for you.
Significance
The lungs take in oxygen from the air and release carbon dioxide from the body. Soot, smoke and other air pollutants enter the respiratory tract and can become trapped in lung tissue. Chronic smokers, coal miners and other people exposed to pollution have lungs blackened by debris. The Body Detox Diet website notes that a heavy coating of mucus disrupts efficient gas exchange and prevents optimal oxygen transport in the lungs. A detox diet may eliminate dangerous toxins from lung tissue and reduce this mucus coating.
Features
Eliminate processed and junk foods from your diet for the duration of the lung detoxification plan. The bulk of your diet should consist of fruits, vegetables, juice and water. Eating fresh fruits and vegetables boosts your levels of antioxidants, which may clear lung tissue of toxins. Eat plenty of onions, garlic, pepper or ginger; these foods may reduce mucus production and improve lung efficiency. Avoid all dairy products, which promote mucus formation.
Considerations
Some dieters include herbal supplements that benefit lung health, such as fenugreek seed, hyssop, mullein, thyme, horehound, nettles or sage. These herbs can reduce inflammation, eliminate excess mucus and soothe the respiratory system, reports Body Detox Diet. Boost blood flow to lung tissue by engaging in light to moderate exercise. Deep breathing exercises further stimulate blood flow, improve oxygen exchange and may drive toxins from your lungs.
Benefits
A lung detoxification diet improves symptoms of bronchitis, emphysema, throat infections and bad breath, according to the website Lung Cleanser. Following a lung detox diet, your lungs should contain less mucus and fewer dangerous toxins. This makes breathing easier and improves your ability to take in oxygen. Eliminating processed foods from your diet boosts energy levels and may cause you to lose weight.
Warning
Detoxification diets may be dangerous. MayoClinic.com reports that little scientific evidence suggests that a detox diet will improve your well-being. Diet changes alone may not effectively remove dangerous toxins from your lungs. Avoiding exposure to soot, dust and smoke reduces the impact of air pollution on your body. Before beginning a lung detox diet, talk to your doctor to discuss possible medical risks.
