The recommended daily intake of water is 6 to 8 glasses a day. But you probably already know that, though.
Drinking water is vital to our health and well-being, and for patients suffering from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), staying hydrated is doubly important. Water helps to thin mucus in the lungs.
The question then becomes, “How do I drink that much water?”
The detox water answer
Some people just do not enjoy the taste of water. It is plain and bland, but it does not have to be. Spice up your water for your lungs and change the game. Detox waters are becoming more popular as a new trend that many are starting to add into their daily routine.
The addition of herbs, fruits and veggies will give your water some depth of flavor. For patients suffering from COPD, adding these recipes to your daily routine can improve the way you feel.
These detox waters also have several health benefits including strengthening the immune system, aiding in digestion and promoting a healthy weight.
Boost your immune system
Having a strong immune system can help manage the symptoms of a condition like COPD. This detox water includes lemon which can help boost the immune system. Cucumber has anti-inflammatory properties and mint leaves aid in digestion and add a sweetness to the water.
Cucumber lemon detox water
8 cups of water
1 cucumber, sliced
½ lemon, sliced
About 10 mint leaves
Mix these ingredients into a large pitcher and let the water marinate overnight for maximum flavor.
Shrink fat
A direct link between COPD and weight gain have not been established, but feeling unable to exercise due to your lung disease can lead to unwanted fat and weight gain. Maintaining a healthy weight is often just as challenging as drinking enough water. Fortunately, this recipe gives you a one-two punch to improve your body. This Slim Down Detox Water has the potential to shrink fat and cleanse toxins from the body. Grapefruit promotes healthy weight, while the lemon and lime help to flush toxins from your digestive tract.
Slim down detox water
8 cups of water
½ grapefruit
½ cucumber, sliced
½ lemon, sliced
½ lime, sliced
5 mint leaves
Again, mix all ingredients together and let sit for at least two hours to let the flavors sink in.
Support your digestion system
Drinking aloe can help support circulation and digestion, along with increasing energy levels. With fewer feelings of fatigue, patients suffering from COPD can feel more desire to be active, and reducing fatigue is the key to help feel more active.
Aloe water
2 Tablespoons of aloe gel
1 lemon, sliced
2 Tablespoon of lemon juice
4 cups of water
Aloe gel is available in stores, but fresh aloe straight from the plant is best. Extract aloe gel by cutting off the prickly edges of the plant.
Then peel back the top layer of leaf to expose the aloe gel. Mix the gel, water, and lemon in a blender and pulse for one minute. Store in the refrigerator for several hours and enjoy.
Water is the key to staying hydrated, flushing out toxins and keeping your body clean. Spice up your water for your lungs to make sure you are taking in enough water daily.
When dealing with a condition like COPD, drink the recommended amount of water to keep up with your health.
Christine Kingsley, APRN is the Health and Wellness Director at the Lung Institute where she focuses on providing helpful online resources for people looking for information on various lung diseases, breathing exercises, and healthy lifestyle choices. She advocates for holistic care that involves working with your doctor to explore all options including traditional and alternative care while focusing on diet and exercise as proactive measures.
