Smokers can actively practice a number of exercises to improve the condition of their lungs. Aerobic exercises, in particular, have been shown to enhance the quality of lung function in smokers. Seek the guidance of your health care professional before performing any strenuous exercise routines, especially if you smoke.
What do Cigarettes do to Your Lungs
According to the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, the chemicals that are in cigarettes, such as nicotine, carbon monoxide and tars, come into your body through your lungs. Smoking cigarettes causes changes to occur in your airways and lungs, resulting in illness and disease. Many of these are short term, such as colds, while others are permanent and more serious, such as lung cancer and emphysema.
Aerobic Exercises Reduce Lung Damage In Smokers
According to a report published in Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers & Prevention, after looking at 7,000 current and past smokers, researchers found that those who engaged in aerobic exercises at least three times per week had a less likely chance of getting lung cancer. However, only one third of smokers exercise regularly, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Which Exercises to Do
According T.L. Clanton, PhD, with the Davis Heart and Lung Research Institute, while many aerobic exercises enhance the lung function, the best aerobic exercise for smokers is swimming because it involves a rhythmic pace of deep breathing. According to a study in the Journal of Applied Physiology, swimmers have enhanced lung capacity and lung endurance. Therefore, smokers wanting to enhance lung function and capacity, should take part in high intensity swimming at least three days per week, for at least 30 minutes per day. Running or jogging is another good aerobic exercise for smokers wanting to increase their lung functions.
Theories/Speculation
A study performed by the University of Alabama in 2004 on asthmatic mice showed that aerobic exercises lower a majority of the factors that lead to inflammation of the lungs, according to a report published in the Journal of Immunology. The researchers theorized that aerobic exercises may be successful in enhancing lung function in smokers because the lung function of asthmatic mice and smokers are highly similar.
Misconceptions
Although aerobic exercise is beneficial at enhancing the lung function in smokers, that doesn't make smokers any healthier by continuing to smoke cigarettes. Exercise helps the functionality of your lungs, but quitting is the best option for your overall health. Your health care professional can discuss a variety of different options with you to help with quitting.
References
- Health and Fitness: What is Aerobic Exercise and Why should I do it?
- University of Pittsburgh Medical Center: Smoking and your Lungs
- "Journal of Immunology": Aerobic Exercise Attenuates Airway Inflammatory Responses in a Mouse Model of Atopic Asthma
- "Journal of Applied Physiology": Effects of Swim Training on Lung Volumes and Inspiratory Muscle Conditioning
- Washington Post: Huffing and Puffing
