The Amazing Body Systems: Respiratory System
The System functions:
The human body requires a constant stream of oxygen to stay alive. The respiratory system is responsible for prov
iding oxygen to the body’s c
ells while removing carbon dioxide, a waste product that can be lethal if allowed to accumulate. There are three major parts of the respiratory system: the airway, the lungs and the muscles of respiration.
Airway
This includes the nose, mouth, pharynx, larynx, trachea, bronchi and bronchioles. The airway carries air between the lungs and the body’s exterior.
Lungs
Lungs act as the functional units of the respiratory system by passing oxygen into the body and carbon dioxide out of the body.
Muscles of Respiration
These include the diaphragm and intercostal muscles, which work together to act as a pump, pushing air into and out of the lungs during breathing.
Associated organs:
Nasal cavities, sinuses, oropharynx, pharynx, larynx, trachea, right and left bronchus, and lungs.
What you can do to help support a healthy Respiratory System:
Recommended Dietary Supplements:
- VitaDaily
- Vital C
Amazon Herb Supplements:
- Aqua Algae
- Enviro Defense
Essential Vitamins & Minerals:
- Vitamin A
- Vitamin B9 (Folic Acid)
- Vitamin C
- Vitamin E
Foods to include:
- Fruits
- Vegetables
- Protein/Dairy
- Nut & Seeds
- Miscellaneous
Foods you should avoid or limit:
Do your best to read the labels on packaged food. If the names are too hard to pronounce, they are likely chemical based ingredients and not very good for you.
- Processed and high-sodium foods such as cured ham, bacon, sausage and potato chips.
- Foods that contain all-purpose flour such as pizza, bagels, pretzels, white bread, and flour tortillas.
- Foods that contain artificial sweeteners such as yogurt, cereal, whole muffin blends and microwave popcorn.
- Beware of “reduced sugar” labels which are usually loaded with artificial sweeteners.
Artificial sweeteners you should try to avoid:
- Aspartame
- Acesulfame
- Potassium
- Alitame
- Cyclamate
- Dulcin
- Equal
- Glucin
- Kaltame
- Mogrosides
- Neotame
- NutraSweet
- Nutrinova
- Phenylalanine
- Saccharin
- Splenda
- Sorbitol
- Sucralose
- Twinsweet
- Sweet ‘N Low
- Xylitol
Recommended activities:
Physical activity is essential for good health. New studies show even 15 minutes of elevated heart rate from activity has numerous benefits. Find activities you enjoy doing and aim for at least 15 minutes 4 to 5 times per week.
CARDIO: Biking, Hiking, Walking, Running, Swimming, Dancing, Zumba
STRENGTH: Weight Training, Pilates, Vigorous Yoga, P90X, Crossfit, Barre
FLEXIBILITY: Yoga and Stretching
