Because your lungs provide life-sustaining oxygen to your body, you should keep your lungs strong and healthy keep how your to lungs healthy. according to dr. melinda ratini on webmd, we breathe around 12 to 20 times a minute. for your lungs to function properly, dr. ratini says that your airways need to be free from inflammation, swelling, and blockages like excess mucus. 1. As is true for many health issues, the less inflammation in your body, the lower your risk of respiratory problems and lung cancer. help decrease inflammation by eating foods high in antioxidants, fiber, and healthy fats, including green leafy vegetables, nuts, fatty fish, and olive oil. To keep your lungs healthy, do the following: stop smoking, and avoid secondhand smoke or environmental irritants. eat foods rich in antioxidants. Healthy aging is about more than your heart, brain, or joints—keeping your lungs in tip-top shape is important too. here's what doctors recommend for easy breathing. start slideshow...