Breath Of Clean Air: THE LUNGS
The lungs are essential for oxygenating your body and expelling toxins through every breath. As your body’s primary respiratory organs, they work tirelessly to filter out pollutants, irritants, and excess carbon dioxide. When your lungs are clear and supported, your entire system functions more efficiently, and you feel lighter, more energized, and clearer.
In this phase of the Summer Detox Challenge, we’ll focus on practices that promote deep breathing, clear the airways, and enhance lung function. By supporting the natural detox processes of your lungs, you help your body expel built-up toxins, reduce inflammation, and refresh your breath with each inhale.
By caring for your lungs, you’re not just improving your respiratory health — you’re breathing life into every cell, boosting your energy, and enhancing your sense of clarity.
Targeted Foods for Lung Detox
The health of your lungs depends on foods that nourish your respiratory system, reduce inflammation, and support the body’s natural ability to clear out toxins. These foods help boost circulation, strengthen the immune system, and clear the airways for easier, deeper breaths. Incorporate these foods into your diet to support clear, vibrant lungs:
Vitamin C-Rich Fruits & VeggiesOranges, strawberries, kiwi, bell peppers, broccoli
Vitamin C is essential for lung tissue repair and reducing oxidative stress. These foods also help fight inflammation and support immune function.
Garlic, onions, ginger, turmeric
These powerful ingredients help reduce inflammation in the lungs, clear mucus, and fight infection. Garlic and ginger also have natural antimicrobial properties.
Spinach, kale, Brussels sprouts, cabbage
Rich in antioxidants and fiber, these vegetables support lung detox by promoting healthy blood circulation and reducing cellular inflammation.
Lemons, apples, pears, thyme, peppermint
Lemons support detoxification, while peppermint and thyme help to clear congestion and support respiratory health.
Tip: Focus on incorporating a colorful variety of these foods into your meals to provide antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals that nourish and protect your lungs. Pair with plenty of water to help flush out toxins.
Herbal Teas for Lung Detox
Herbal teas are a soothing way to support lung health, clear the airways, and calm inflammation. Many herbs have natural expectorant properties, helping to loosen mucus and improve breathing. Sipping these teas can also aid in reducing stress, which further supports your respiratory function. Here are three excellent teas to support lung detox:
Mullein Leaf TeaMullein is a powerful lung herb that helps clear the airways, reduce inflammation, and promote healthy lung function. It’s especially useful for soothing a dry cough or clearing mucus.
Licorice Root TeaLicorice is known for its ability to calm the respiratory tract, reduce inflammation, and act as a natural expectorant, helping to expel toxins and mucus from the lungs.
Peppermint TeaPeppermint acts as a natural decongestant and is excellent for opening the airways. It’s especially helpful for clearing congestion and promoting easier breathing.
Tip: Sip these teas throughout the day, especially in the morning to clear any overnight buildup in the lungs. Add a touch of honey or lemon for extra soothing benefits.
Daily Movement for Lung Detox
Movement is essential for maintaining healthy lung function and encouraging deep, full breaths. Physical activity helps improve circulation, oxygenate the body, and stimulate the respiratory system, making it easier to clear out toxins. Whether it’s stretching, breathing exercises, or aerobic activity, movement supports the lungs’ natural detox processes. These movements help activate your respiratory system and support deep, cleansing breaths:
Recommended Activities:- Breathwork & Deep Breathing Exercises
Practices like diaphragmatic breathing and alternate nostril breathing can help increase lung capacity, improve oxygen intake, and reduce stress, all of which benefit your lungs’ ability to detoxify. - Brisk Walking or Light Cardio
Moderate exercise, such as walking or light jogging, helps increase lung capacity and oxygen flow throughout the body. It also supports the body in expelling toxins through sweat and breath. - Yoga with Chest Openers & Twists
Yoga poses like upward facing dog, camel pose, and gentle twists help open up the chest, improve lung capacity, and promote better airflow through the lungs. For a guided practice that focuses on breath and chest opening, explore our 19-Minute Lungs & Breathing Yoga Flow — designed to support respiratory health through mindful movement and breathwork. - Outdoor Breathing
Spend time in fresh air, taking deep, intentional breaths to clear your lungs. Nature is a great way to improve your breathing quality and connect with the environment.
Tip: Practice deep breathing or gentle stretching first thing in the morning to get your lungs moving and start your day with a fresh, cleansing breath.
Simple Wellness Practices for Lung Detox
Supporting your lungs goes beyond diet and movement — it’s about creating daily habits that foster clear airways, boost respiratory function, and reduce environmental stress on your lungs. These practices encourage deep breathing, help clear toxins, and promote overall lung health.
Hydrate for Lung HealthDrinking plenty of water throughout the day helps thin mucus, making it easier to clear out of the lungs. Aim for 8–10 cups daily to keep your respiratory system flowing smoothly.
Practice Deep Breathing or PranayamaDeep breathing exercises, such as diaphragmatic breathing, can help increase lung capacity, improve oxygen intake, and reduce any built-up tension or stress that can restrict airflow.
Diffuse Essential Oils or Herbal VaporsEssential oils like eucalyptus, peppermint, or lavender can help open airways, reduce inflammation, and support deep breathing. Use a diffuser or inhale the vapors directly to soothe and clear your lungs.
Incorporate Morning Breathwork or MeditationStarting the day with mindful breathing or a short meditation practice helps activate the respiratory system, calm the nervous system, and set a positive tone for lung health throughout the day.
Tip: Consistency is key — integrating these simple, daily practices will support long-term lung health and make breathing easier, clearer, and more energized.
Citrus-Ginger Smoothie Recipe
+ 1 orange, peeled
+ 1/2 cup pineapple
+ 1/2 banana
+ 1-inch piece fresh ginger
+ 1/2 cup almond milk or water
Optional: pinch of turmeric
Blend and enjoy! Ginger helps clear mucus; citrus supports lung tissue.