If you’ve recently jumped on the detox bandwagon, chances are that you’ve heard or read about the ‘lung detox’ or ‘lung cleanse’, which claims to clear toxins internally from your lungs, usually through detox supplements, beverages, treatments and do-it-yourself techniques.
Doctors, however, call these claims dubious and reiterate that there is no shortcut to better lung health.
Dr Gopi Krishna Yedlapati, senior consultant interventional pulmonologist, Yashoda Hospitals, Hyderabad, says “Lung detox drinks, oils, vitamins and supplements have now become a fad and a lot of people are flocking to them, hoping they will improve lung health. Scientifically, however, the benefits of none of these so-called detoxifying agents have been proven,” he tells Happiest Health.
Does lung detox work?
Dr Naveen Dutt, additional professor, pulmonary medicine, All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), Jodhpur, says, “Lung cleanses or lung detoxes are just a fad — there is no science behind it.”
“There is no evidence at present that supports the claim that something can cleanse your lungs. This is because it is not possible to remove toxins and pollutants from the lungs. Some of these polluting particles are so small that they get absorbed by your body’s cells,” says Dr Jayalakshmi T K, consultant, pulmonology, Apollo Hospitals, Navi Mumbai.
The most vulnerable victims of the tall claims of lung detox products are smokers, observe doctors. “These supplements and other detox agents will never take away the effects of smoking. It’s not as though a smoker can take these supplements and reverse the damage to their lungs,” she clarifies.
“In fact, some supplements can cause toxicity if they are above a normal range in the body. No supplements should be taken without any prescription,” adds Dr Dutt. Doctors warn against the overuse of supplements as they can turn toxic.
How the lung cleanses itself
Dr Yedlapati says that the lungs have their own natural repairing mechanism through which they can cleanse the bronchioles (airways) and the alveoli (air sacs).
He further explains the concept of surface immunity, which offers a natural layer of protection against pathogens. “Whatever you inhale, even if a pollutant or other toxin enters the airways, there is surface immunity. There is also a natural escalatory mechanism of the lungs — the bacteria, dust, smoke particles or pollutants which get absorbed are all engulfed in sputum, thus offering a first line of defence against infectious diseases. In another similar mechanism, white blood cells called macrophages engulf these particles, and they clean up the lungs. This is how the lung maintains its own health,” explains Dr Yedlapati.
Natural ways to cleanse your lungs
Protect your lungs: Avoid all exposure to smoke. If you are a smoker, quit smoking as early as possible and avoid exposure to harmful pollutants in the air to protect your lung health, say pulmonologists. Dr Yedlapati adds that one must be aware of the harmful effects of vaping or e-cigarettes, avoid exposure to passive smoke and be mindful of household smoke and indoor air pollution caused by room fresheners and incense sticks since these can affect one’s lung health upon prolonged exposure.
Dr Dutt adds that children, especially, should be protected from exposure to these pollutants and toxins because their lungs are still developing.
Follow a healthy diet: Dr Dutt says that one of the natural ways to maintain lung health is by following a healthy diet that contains all the essential vitamins and minerals. Dr Yedlapati recommends a diet rich in antioxidants, found in foods such as berries, leafy vegetables, kiwi, carrots and chia seeds.
Studies have also found that a diet rich in apples and tomatoes may help repair the lung health of those who quit smoking. Moreover, the regular intake of tomatoes as part of one’s diet may also help slow down the natural decline in lung function.
Exercises to improve lung health: There are several natural exercises for the lungs that pulmonologists recommend, including deep breathing to help enhance one’s lung capacity, singing, which can help improve breath control and pranayama, a form of focussed breathing that can help strengthen your lungs.
Physical exercise: Dr Yedlapati says that a lot of people wrongly assume that only breathing exercises can help improve lung function. Any exercise or physical activity, be it brisk walking, cycling, yoga or Zumba, will ultimately help in augmenting lung function and preparing them to handle any stress that they may have to withstand in the future, he says. “We recommend ‘active exercises’ requiring muscle exertion. Consider a 45-minute brisk walk or similar morning exercises to improve lung health,” he adds.
Prevent further infections: Dr Yedlapati says that people who already face issues with their respiratory system, such as those with recurrent infections or people suffering from asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and lung cancer are asked to take routine vaccines like the annual flu shot and the Pneumococcal vaccine. “Everyone must also follow hygienic practices like hand washing and wearing masks to prevent repeated infections,” he says.
Takeaways
- Although lung detox drinks, oils, vitamins and supplements have now become a fad, the claimed benefits of these detoxifying agents have no scientific basis, say pulmonologists.
- Natural ways to cleanse your lungs include regular physical and lung exercise, following a healthy diet and protecting your lungs from exposure to toxins and further damage.
