I quit smoking after 5 years. Is there anything that I can actively do to aid my lung repair?

December 29th, 2008 | by Jeff Trikoleti |

Besides not smoking again, keeping away from smoky bars, etc?

Unfortunately, besides smoking cessation, no other treatments have been shown to improve lung function. Studies have shown that lung function may improve by 1 year in ex-smokers with mild lung disease. Those with severe lung disease may reduce their symptoms.

However, no other treatments have been shown to aid lung repair. Large doses of vitamins (including antioxidants) have not been shown to work. In fact, a recent study suggested that taking large doses of vitamin E can paradoxically increase your chances of developing lung cancer.

Exercise also cannot repair your lungs. It does, however, improve your cardiovascular tolerance and efficiency, allowing you to run farther, faster, etc. Also, exercise may improve your cholesterol profile and lower your blood pressure - all factors in the development of heart disease & strokes. It can also improve your mood and help regulate your sleep/wake cycle.

Lastly, remember that smoking is an addiction, and like any addiction, you need to take it one day at a time. Best of luck!

  1. 11 Responses to “I quit smoking after 5 years. Is there anything that I can actively do to aid my lung repair?”

  3. By gcason on Dec 29, 2008 | Reply

    Continue to keep away from smoking. Your body will take care of the rest.
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  4. By Mitsy on Dec 29, 2008 | Reply

    Get plenty of cardio exercise! That'll whip your lungs back into shape. Otherwise, there are breathing exercises you can do to increase lung function. Good for you for quitting!
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  5. By Faerifay on Dec 29, 2008 | Reply

    Aerobics, anything that builds good cardio vascular health builds the lungs as well.
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  6. By D J on Dec 29, 2008 | Reply

    Start to run repair your lungs. Working out some how getting your heart beating. Sit ups, push ups what ever it takes. Lots of fluids mostly water.
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  7. By Sara on Dec 29, 2008 | Reply

    DO lots of CARDIO!

    buy a rope and jump! jump!
    it's a great exercise and it's very very cheap!
    and you also burn 1,000calories an hour and you will get amazing legs!!!

    and healthy lungs!!!

    you can run too or try the elliptical machine :)
    good luck and it's never too late to start!!!
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  8. By onetruerick on Dec 29, 2008 | Reply

    You only smoked for 5 years, so unless you smoked 4-5 ppd, you are probably okay. Using your lungs and heart, like starting out walking or hiking, would be good. But if you do that, then you're outside, sucking down pollen and air pollution. Unless you move to Alaska, or better yet, Antarctica.
    You can't win. Take some vitamins, drink orange juice maybe, and stay away from schoolchildren and their germs.

    Maybe it would be easier to just smoke.
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  9. By thatoneguy on Dec 29, 2008 | Reply

    Any cardio (lung) work. Running, jogging, walking, stairs, bicycling, things like that. Most exercising can help build your lung power, and the better you can breath the better you can do everything
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  10. By hockey mom on Dec 29, 2008 | Reply

    Don't smoke anymore. The damage has already been done
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  11. By Aimee R on Dec 29, 2008 | Reply

    EXERCISE
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  12. By keepitsimple on Dec 29, 2008 | Reply

    lung damage is irreversable chemical irritants like bleach,sprays, any second hand smoke avoid people with signs of colds beware of your environment and pollutants
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  13. By Dr. C on Dec 29, 2008 | Reply

    Unfortunately, besides smoking cessation, no other treatments have been shown to improve lung function. Studies have shown that lung function may improve by 1 year in ex-smokers with mild lung disease. Those with severe lung disease may reduce their symptoms.

    However, no other treatments have been shown to aid lung repair. Large doses of vitamins (including antioxidants) have not been shown to work. In fact, a recent study suggested that taking large doses of vitamin E can paradoxically increase your chances of developing lung cancer.

    Exercise also cannot repair your lungs. It does, however, improve your cardiovascular tolerance and efficiency, allowing you to run farther, faster, etc. Also, exercise may improve your cholesterol profile and lower your blood pressure - all factors in the development of heart disease & strokes. It can also improve your mood and help regulate your sleep/wake cycle.

    Lastly, remember that smoking is an addiction, and like any addiction, you need to take it one day at a time. Best of luck!
    References :

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