Can You Detox Your Lungs?

With a quick internet search, you can find countless products that allegedly cleanse your lungs in a matter of days. Pills, vitamins, teas, oils, salt inhalers and masks are just a few types of items marketed as cure-alls for lung damage caused by tobacco use, vaping or air pollution. But do these products really work?

When it comes to lung health the general rule to follow is: don't trust quick fixes.

Detox remedies may seem like a great concept, but unfortunately many claims made by companies selling unproven treatments are exaggerated. More concerning, they can even be harmful, particularly if the products are inhaled.

"There are some aerosolized products (or vapes) that contain ‘essential oils' which are promoted as being healthy but inhaling any kind of oil or other lipid [oils] can be dangerous," said Dr. Norman Edelman, Senior Scientific Advisor to the American Lung Association.

Some common ingredients in supplement-based cleanses have been shown to have positive results, such as Vitamin D, which plays an important role in boosting immune system responses and helps to reduce airway inflammation. But most of these detox products are not FDA approved and do not have adequate scientific data to recommend their use.

Can you safely "cleanse" your lungs?

Here's the good news: there is a way to improve your lung health without pills and concoctions. Lungs are self-cleaning organs that will begin to heal themselves once they are no longer exposed to pollutants. The best way to ensure your lungs are healthy is by avoiding harmful toxins like cigarette smoke, vaping and air pollution, as well as getting regular exercise and eating well.

Follow these simple tips for optimal lung health:

• Quitting smoking is the most effective thing you can do to minimize and heal lung damage. This includes quitting other tobacco products like e-cigarettes. Whether you've been smoking or vaping for three days or 30 years, quitting is the first step to healthier lungs.
• Indoor air is also important to keep clean. Avoid bringing and using chemicals into your home through cleaning supplies, hobby supplies, and personal care products. Do not burn in your home through candles, fireplaces, or natural gas. Reduce the dust and allergens in your home by vacuuming with a HEPA vacuum cleaner. Consider a portable mechanical air cleaner in the primary rooms that you live and sleep in. Visit our Clean Air Pages to learn more.
• The quality of the air that we breathe is a huge factor in our lung health. To keep your lungs healthy, it is important to be aware of harmful pollutants and avoid them, if possible. You can check your local air quality index (AQI) using an online tool from airnow.gov. If the AQI value is higher, there is more pollution in the air and more concern for people's health and wellbeing.
• Adjusting your diet can also help benefit your lung health, especially if you're living with a chronic condition. Adding antioxidant-rich foods (for example veggies, berries and beans) and diet with a variety of vitamins and nutrients will keep your mind and body healthy.
• Regular exercise is part of a healthy lifestyle, even if you have chronic lung disease. The right amount and type of activity has many benefits, including natural and healthy restoration of your lungs. Be sure to ask your doctor before you make changes to your exercise routine.