As human beings, it’s only natural for us to breathe. Breathing is the first thing we'll ever do, and the last thing we want to stop doing. As it is now, too many people have started taking breathing for granted. Sure, they breathe, but there’s something to be said about the quality of how they do it.

Let’s talk about the differences between a set of healthy lungs against that of an unhealthy one.

1. Breathing Rhythm

Lungs are responsible for regulating the air we intake and siphoning oxygen from it. How efficiently it can do this depends on your breathing. Healthy lungs should be able to maintain a regular and stable rhythm while working. If you feel short of breath easily, there’s a problem.

2. Holding Breath

How long can you hold your breath? Normally, you should be able to reach 45 to 90 seconds without taking a breath.  Anything less, and your lung capacity is smaller than what should be the norm.

3. Wheezing Coughs

Everybody coughs—it’s just the body’s way of removing foreign contaminants from your lungs. However, if the coughs have a rough and raspy quality, then it’s likely some solid phlegm has developed in your lungs and trachea.

4. Intense Exercise

If you don’t feel winded by the time you finish the second flight of stairs, you’re probably in good shape.  However, if climbing stairs is a constant struggle that leaves you out of breath despite only having gone up a few steps, then it’s time to take a closer look at your health

5. Mucus Buildup

Ideally, there should be little to no mucus at all developing in your respiratory system. If you’ve had phlegm for more than a month, it’s highly likely that you have developed a disease in your lungs.

5. Chest Pain

If your chest hurts after a physically taxing task, and it did not involve the breaking of any bones in your chest area, it’s likely that your lungs are having problems. This is because the lungs have to work overtime to make up for all the physical activity you’re doing. It’s work that it just can’t handle.

Ways to Improve Your Lungs

Below are some tips on how to improve your lung health.  Just remember that It’s always good to seek professional medical advice if you think something is wrong with your lungs and the way you are breathing.

1. Deep Breathing

Your diaphragm should be doing the heavy lifting when you breathe. The lungs and nose can only handle so much of the workload before they start getting tired. It’s simple. Just breathe deeply from your belly, and slowly breathe out. Make sure your diaphragm is doing most of the breathing.

Do this whenever you are out of breath or in the mornings. Like any muscle, the lungs need an activity to stay strong. Lungs at rest only work at 50% capacity. If you don’t exercise them, that 50% is going to end up being your 100%.

2. Stay Away From Smoke

If you smoke, stop. There are no known health benefits of smoking cigarettes, and the temporary relief you get certainly doesn’t help the fight against lung cancer. Moreover, if you commute in a metropolitan area, consider wearing a face mask. The smoke from cars and jeepneys are just as bad as the smoke from smoking cigarettes.

3. Eat Food Rich in Antioxidants

Your lungs shouldn’t overexert themselves on removing all the oxidants from your body. Do your part by eating berries, beans, nuts, and the occasional dark chocolate. Their properties help remove those nasty contaminants while pleasing your appetite.