Your lungs are one of the key players that help your body fight against environmental toxins. This means that insufficient pulmonary function may decrease your tolerance when faced with these toxins. A larger lung capacity also improves stamina and makes you healthier overall.

Here are a few ways you can improve your lung function.

Pushing Out

To do this exercise, stand on the ground with your knees loose. Bend at your waist as you push out all of the air in your lungs. Slow stand back upright as you inhale to the point that you have filled your lungs completely and hold your breath for 20 seconds or as long as your can. While you're counting to 20, lift your arms up over your head. Then, slowly release your breath as you relax. Do this a total of four times.

Rib Stretch

Standing up straight with let all of the air in your lungs out. Breathe in as much air as you possibly can and hold it in for 20 seconds. While you are doing this, have your hands resting on your hips with your fingers facing downward. Breathe out slowly and do this three times.

Abdominal Breathing

Lay on your back and put one hand on top of your stomach and the other on to of your chest. Slowly breathe in all of the air that you can into your stomach. This means the hand on your stomach will be the one that is rising. Slowly let the air out of your lungs. Inhale slowly again and hold your breath for seven seconds. Take a full count of eight to release the air from your lungs. Tighten your stomach muscles as you're exhaling, to let go of any leftover air. Do this five times.

Clean Your Home

It is important to keep your living environment clean to keep your lungs healthy as well. Having excess dust, airborne pollutants, and chemical fumes can lead to decreased lung capacity. Fabric window treatments, carpets, and curtains are popular allergens around the home. Make sure to cover your mattress and your pillows in zippered cases that prevent dust mites from getting in them and make sure to launder your bed sheets on a hot cycle.

You should also pay attention to the quality of the air outside. Close your windows if the air quality outside is not good and make sure to put HEPA air filters on your house. Consider getting an air filter for your house that has a HEPA filter on it.

Improve Exercise Tolerance

Make sure to get your exercise because working out makes your heart and breathing rates go up, which gives your body sufficient oxygen and increases the strength of your heart and lungs. Working out on a regular basis can increase your lung capacity by up to 15%. Talk with your doctor before beginning an exercise program.

Vitamins

Vitamin D may help you if your lung capacity is suffering. It can also help improve your exercise capacity and lung muscle strength. The theory behind this is that vitamin D reduces inflammation, which which may reduce your lung capacity.

Pursed-lips Breathing

This can slow down your respiratory rate, which makes it easy on your body to breathe. It also improves the rate at which your body changes oxygen to carbon dioxide. This is a great breathing exercise for beginners that can be practiced at any time.

To do this: Slowly breathe in through your nose. Purse your lips, as if you're blowing up a balloon. Breathe out from your pursed lips, taking twice as long as you did to breathe in. Repeat.

Tips for keeping your lungs healthy

Prevention is key, and it is easier to maintain healthy lungs than it is to repair damaged lungs. To keep your lungs in top shape, refrain from smoking and avoid environmental irritants as much as possible.

Get your flu and pneumonia vaccines to help prevent lung infections that can lead to damage. Exercise frequently to help your lungs function well, and improve the quality of air in your home by investing in filters.