Narrow arteries can be caused by plaque build-up, high-blood pressure or hardening of the arteries, for example. Diminished lung capacity can result from asthma, tissue loss associated with aging, lung infections or lung disease. Treatments may include medication, exercise and/or surgery. Consult with your doctor to design a plan of action for healthy lungs and arteries if you're suffering from related health problems.
Step 1
Identify lifestyle habits that are detrimental to healthy lungs and arteries. Smoking, inactivity and being overweight or obese contribute to narrow arteries or weak lung capacity. Other contributing factors include alcohol, stress and diet quality. Smoking and inactivity negatively impact lung health, but all these factors increase your risk for heart disease.
Step 2
Modify your eating habits. To improve and maintain heart health, the American Heart Association recommends that you cut trans fat from your diet completely and limit saturated fat to no more than 7 percent of your caloric intake. Limit cholesterol and added sugar in your diet. Regulate your calorie consumption to support weight loss, if applicable, or to maintain a healthy body weight. A healthy, balanced diet not only helps manage conditions that constrict your arteries, but it will also provide the energy and nutrients you need to get and stay active, which will help improve your lung capacity.
Step 3
Manage diseases that contribute to narrow arteries and reduced lung capacity. High blood pressure, high blood cholesterol and diabetes may contribute to restricted arteries, while certain conditions, such as asthma and lung disease, weaken your lungs. Closely follow your physician's recommendations for the management of these conditions, if applicable.
Step 4
Start a regular exercise program that aligns with your doctor's recommendations. Exercise reduces stress, helps manage conditions, such as high blood pressure, and lowers plaque build-up in your arteries. Other benefits include increased lung capacity and weight management. Regular physical activity is key to strengthening your lungs and counteracting conditions that cause narrow arteries.
Step 5
Perform yoga at least once a week. Yoga helps relieve stress, anxiety and sleep-related problems, which can all contribute to unhealthy lungs and arteries. Yoga can also help manage blood pressure and lower your resting heart rate. Check with your doctor before starting a yoga program; choose a program that matches your experience level.
References
- National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute: Coronary Artery Disease
- MayoClinic.com: Asthma
- MedlinePlus: Aging Changes in the Lungs
- University of Chicago Medical Center: Frequently Asked Questions About Interstitial Lung Disease
- American Heart Association: Control Cholesterol
- MayoClinic.com: Exercise: 7 Benefits of Regular Physical Activity
