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Healthful Living

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Chapter 26—The Lungs and Respiration

Physiology of Respiration

704. The health of the entire system depends upon the healthy action of the respiratory organs.—How to Live 6:57. HL 171.1

705. In order to have good blood, we must breathe well.—The Health Reformer, November 1, 1871. HL 171.2

706. The lungs, in order to be healthy, must have pure air.—How to Live 4:63. HL 171.3

707. Your lungs, deprived of air, will be like a hungry person deprived of food. Indeed, we can live longer without food than without air, which is the food that God has provided for the lungs.—Testimonies for the Church 2:533. HL 171.4

708. The strength of the system is, in a great degree, dependent upon the amount of pure, fresh air breathed. If the lungs are restricted, the quantity of oxygen received into them is also limited, the blood becomes vitiated, and disease follows.—The Health Reformer, February 1, 1877. HL 171.5

709. It is impossible to go out in the bracing air of a winter's morning without inflating the lungs.—Testimonies for the Church 2:529. HL 171.6

710. The compression of the waist by tight lacing prevents the waste matter from being thrown off through its natural channels. The most important of these is the lungs. In order for the lungs to do the work designed, they must be left free, without the slightest compression. If the lungs are cramped, they cannot develop; but their capacity will be diminished, making it impossible to take a sufficient inspiration of air. The abdominal muscles were designed to aid the lungs in their action. Where there is no compression of the lungs, the motion in full breathing will be observed to be mostly of the abdomen.... When tight lacing is practiced, the lower part of the chest has not sufficient room for action. The breathing, therefore, is confined to the upper portion of the lungs, where there is not sufficient room to carry on the work. But the lower part of the lungs should have the greatest freedom possible. The compression of the waist will not allow free action of the muscles of the respiratory organs.—The Health Reformer, November 1, 1871. HL 171.7