In a typical afternoon, two old friends were taking a walk in the park. One of them, touching his neck, said anxiously, “Lately, I’ve been feeling some swelling in my neck. It feels a bit hard when touched.” The other nodded in concern and responded, “I’ve noticed something strange too, my fingertips have become a bit odd-looking, swollen, and it feels not quite right.”
This conversation reveals a common yet often overlooked issue: lung health. Especially for individuals with a smoking habit, these subtle changes in the body may signal early lung function problems. However, many people are unaware of this or overlook the importance of these signs.
Why does smoking damage the lungs? Smoking mainly damages the lungs because the nicotine in cigarettes contains harmful components that can harm various organs in the body. The damage caused to the lungs is particularly significant.
It is essential to quit smoking. If there is lung tissue damage, it is advisable to be hospitalized for observation for a period of time and control it through the use of antiviral drugs.
For smokers, if they notice 3 protrusions on their body, it is advisable to be vigilant and check their lung function early:
1. Protrusions at the fingertips: Prolonged smoking can lead to protrusions at the fingertips after some time, resembling hypertrophy and indicating lung lesions. Lung cancer is closely related to excessive smoking habits, and it is a disease with a rapid increase in incidence and mortality rates. When lung function declines, there will be specific changes at the fingertips, appearing as protrusions.
2. Protrusions of lymph nodes at the clavicle: Lymph is an important component of the body. Under normal circumstances, lymph is a colorless liquid. However, if the body experiences abnormalities, lymph nodes can swell. For individuals who smoke for a long time, if there are protrusions of swollen lymph nodes at the clavicle, it must be taken seriously as it could indicate lung cancer. It is advisable to seek medical attention promptly and check lung health.
3. Protrusions of nodules in the lungs: Nodules are small protrusions on the body surface or within tissues. Pulmonary nodules, growing in the lungs, are one of the most common types of nodules. Many people develop pulmonary nodules first, which later progress to lung cancer. However, it is important to note that pulmonary nodules are not equivalent to lung cancer; they only serve as an early indicator of lung cancer. Patients do not need to be overly concerned and can simply have regular check-ups and follow-ups.
Take care of your lungs in four ways without spending a penny. You won’t have to fear nodular lung cancer!
1. Maintain physical exercise: To improve lung function, it is essential to engage in regular exercise every day. Adequate exercise promotes health, as prolonged inactivity can lead to a decline in physical condition and hinder the improvement of lung function. Healthy exercise helps promote circulation, metabolism, increase lung capacity during exercise, enhance cardiac contraction ability. Consistent exercise can lead to better lung function.
2. Proper hydration: In daily life, it is essential to drink sufficient warm water every day for lung moisture and to remove metabolic toxins from the lungs. Apart from warm water, drinking chrysanthemum tea, lo han guo tea, clove tea, etc., can help moisten, nourish, and cleanse the lungs.
3. Consume lung-moistening and lung-clearing foods: Winter is an excellent season for tonification. When tonifying, include lung-nourishing foods rich in nutrients but bland, warming yet not drying, promoting fluid production and nourishing the lungs. Choices like snow pear, Chinese yam, tremella, radish, lotus seeds, etc., are excellent options for lung nourishment. To improve lung health through food therapy, it is essential to learn professional dietary methods and consult doctors or nutritionists, as well as read professional books on dietary therapy, such as the book “500 Lung Nourishing Recipes” edited by Gu Yong.
4. Breathe fresh air: The lungs greatly appreciate fresh air. Fresh air contains more oxygen and fewer pollutants, allowing the lungs to absorb oxygen fully and filter out harmful substances from the air. Therefore, walking in the mountains or by the seashore to breathe in the sea breeze can be enjoyable for the lungs and beneficial for overall health.
Prioritize lung health! These four common foods can nourish and moisten the lungs—quickly replenish for those with lung issues.
1. Chinese yam: According to the theory of “color tonification for shape improvement,” consuming white foods often can nourish and moisten the lungs; Chinese yam is a prime example. Apart from minerals and vitamins, Chinese yam has a significant proportion of dietary fiber, improving gastrointestinal motility, promoting defecation and metabolism, nourishing the lungs and internal organs, as well as possessing heat-clearing and detoxifying effects. Note that Chinese yam is high in mucilage, so individuals with chronic constipation should limit daily consumption.
2. Houttuynia cordata: This plant, also known as fish mint, grows in regions like Hunan, Guizhou, Sichuan, and Yunnan. It can be used in dishes and medicines. Many people enjoy eating it as a salad, but the taste can be pungent, leading some to dislike it. It can be dried and soaked in water before drinking, maintaining its nutrition without the peculiar taste. Drinking steeped Houttuynia cordata daily can prevent and improve its effects, clearing heat and detoxifying, reducing smoking-related lung damage, assisting in expelling toxins, and aiding lung maintenance.
3. Carrots: The primary source of vitamin A is beta-carotene, a natural antioxidant that can convert to vitamin A in the body. Vitamin A promotes body growth, prevents bacterial infections, protects the respiratory and digestive systems, and offers various benefits. Beta-carotene also reduces the risk of exercise-induced asthma. Therefore, carrots are excellent helpers for lung cleansing and nourishing.
4. White radish: White radish is rich in vitamin C, fiber, and other nutrients. Vitamin C is a potent antioxidant that enhances immune system function, promotes collagen synthesis, and smooths and refines the skin. Fiber aids in the proper functioning of the digestive system, preventing constipation and other intestinal problems. Moreover, with a water content of 88%, radish moistens the respiratory tract, preventing lung heat and inflammation.
