When it comes to your health, what you put into your body goes a long way. That’s no different for your lungs. If you truly want to improve your overall health, it’s important to take good care of your lungs. If you’re concerned about warding off lung diseases, repairing any damage that you may have done over the years with smoking, or managing an existing lung condition, such as COPD or asthma, listen up.
There are specific foods that you can eat that have been proven to be able to make a difference in the health of your lungs. Providing the right foods for your lungs can improve their function and impact overall health. And in today’s post, we will tell you the best foods that you should eat to treat unhealthy lungs and have easier breathing. From Soy, Carrots, Tomatoes, and Garlic to Salmon and more, read till the end to learn about all of them.
#1 Apple: Apple is a healthy, nutrition-packed, and high energy, high fiber, low-calorie food. It sits on the top of our list and it’s probably on top of almost every nutritionist and dietitian's list as well. Its flavonoids and a wide variety of vitamins, and antioxidants, particularly vitamin C, can help you maintain a strong immune system and a healthy respiratory system. When you have healthy respiratory functions, you can fight off lung diseases and prevent them naturally.
Are you a fan of apples? No? Yes? What is your favorite healthy fruit? Tell us quickly in the comments section down below!
#2 Turmeric: Turmeric has been recognized as a powerful antioxidant, thanks to its active ingredient curcumin. Curcumin destroys damage-causing cells and any potential lung tumors before they can be formed. It is best absorbed in the body in the presence of pepper. Curcumin is also a potent antiviral and antibacterial agent which can effectively stop a viral infection that usually attacks your respiratory system in its tracks. An ideal combination would be equal amounts of organic turmeric and pepper, not more than 3 grams per day mixed with a drop of olive oil. Although, keep in mind that using turmeric in cooking destroys its antioxidant properties to a large extent.
#3 Green Tea: Green Tea is loaded with antioxidants, one of which is Quercetin. This antioxidant acts like a natural antihistamine. By slowing the release of histamines, quercetin helps to reduce inflammation and protect your lungs from any irritants. Green tea is also rich in another antioxidant called flavanol which has been known to benefit heart health and has anti-cancer properties.
Read this post: Drink Green Tea and Become Rich by Health
#4 Mushrooms: Part of maintaining healthy lungs is getting a sufficient amount of vitamin D. This is because low vitamin D levels have been associated with an increased risk of asthma, whereas healthy vitamin D levels can help reduce asthma attacks. One of the best ways you can increase vitamin D intake is by absorbing sunshine, but mushrooms can also help you up your vitamin D levels. Mushrooms, especially ones that were exposed to a lot of sunlight, are some of the best natural sources of vitamin D. Aim to eat maitake and Portobello mushrooms.
Read this post: Magic Mushroom Therapy: Do mushrooms affect depression?
#5 Cayenne Pepper: Eaten both as a foodstuff and used as a seasoning, these popular peppers have a wide range of health benefits. They contain capsaicin, which has been known to help suppress irritating coughs and sore throats and help with indications of cold and flu. Cayenne pepper helps break up and move congested mucus, making it a recommended food for anyone who is suffering from bronchial congestion or respiratory ailments.
#6 Soy: Studies have shown that soy foods can help reduce your risk for lung cancer by as much as 60 percent. Phytonutrients called isoflavones in soy foods protect both smokers and non-smokers from developing lung cancer. A study found soy isoflavones inhibit DNA repair in certain types of lung cancer cells. This effect both inhibits lung cancer and makes cancer cells more sensitive to radiation therapy.
#7 Ginger: This root is a powerful antioxidant and a natural anti-inflammatory which can clear your lungs of any lingering pollution. Ginger contains Gingerol which reduces excess mucus. It also contains another compound that can stop your bronchial tubes from tightening. It also relaxes the tissues in the muscles that line your lungs, making it easier for asthmatics to breathe. You can add ginger slices to tea or make delicious cookies using it.
Read this post: Avoid Ginger If You Have These Health Problems
#8 Carrots: Want to have healthy lungs? Load up on carrots. They are high in beta-carotene, which shields your lungs from air pollution and smoke, keeping the small air sacs clean and healthy. The antioxidant in carrots is converted to vitamin A which can help reduce the incidence of asthma. In addition, carrots are rich in vitamins A and C and lycopene – all of which help to lower the chances of developing lung disease.
#9 Spinach: If you smoke or go for drinking sessions frequently, it’s time to load up on spinach. Smoking and frequent alcohol consumption drain folate from the body. A lack of folate may compromise the health of your lungs, most severely putting you at risk of anemia. Spinach is loaded with folate – the B vitamin that protects your cells from tobacco carcinogens. A study found that former smokers who had sufficient folate in their diet lowered their risk of lung cancer by 40 percent.
Read this post: Why is it Important to Eat Vegetables?
#10 Grapefruit: Grapefruit may taste slightly bitter, but it is sweet on your lungs. Flavonoids in grapefruit are great for purifying lungs that have been polluted by carcinogens. The fruit has also been linked to helping lung problems such as COPD. In a research, scientists found that sufferers of the condition who had consumed grapefruit on a regular basis showed improved lung function and higher overall fitness scores than those who did not eat the fruit at all.
#11 Tomatoes: In a study, researchers analyzed former smokers’ lungs in relation to their diet. They discovered that eating tomatoes accelerated the participants’ recovery. Plus, tomatoes slowed down lung degeneration, which prevented the damage from growing worse. But tomatoes don’t just help smokers. People’s lungs naturally begin to decline around age 35 as the diaphragm and inner tissues become weaker. Eating tomatoes several times per week may delay this process to keep your lungs strong.
#12 Garlic: Garlic possesses powerful anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that can help protect against oxidative stress within the lungs and throughout your body. What’s more, one study even found that eating raw garlic at least two times per week was associated with a lower risk of developing lung cancer over time.
#13 Salmon: As one of the top lung cleansing foods, salmon is a great source of anti-inflammatory omega-3 fatty acids. Some research suggests that these heart-healthy fats can help promote blood flow to the heart and are beneficial for certain respiratory conditions. One study found that consuming higher amounts of omega-3 fatty acids was associated with lower markers of inflammation in those with COPD, a lung condition.
#14 Bananas: Rich in potassium, fiber, and vitamin C, bananas are a powerhouse of nutrition and can be especially beneficial when it comes to lung health. So why exactly is banana good for the lungs? Studies show that the potassium found in bananas helps the lungs contract and expand, which can prevent breathing problems. Other research has found that bananas could preserve lung function and may even be associated with a lower risk of wheezing caused by childhood asthma.
#15 Beans: First of all – beans are a great source of magnesium, a game changer for respiratory function. One of magnesium’s main jobs is to relax muscles, and it does just that to the muscles surrounding your airways. This ultimately helps them stay open and easy for breathing. After all, it’s when those muscles constrict that you experience an asthma attack. Then you also have plenty of antioxidants in beans that reduce inflammation. One interesting study showed that the nutrients in beans helped lung disease patients spend less time on a ventilator.
#16 Oranges: Most of you may already know oranges have plenty of vitamin C, and that’s good news for asthma sufferers. Studies have shown that people who take more vitamin C than others have a lower chance of dealing with asthma. But the goodness doesn’t stop there. Oranges can also help the lungs with oxygen transfer.
#17 Whole Grains: Choose high-fiber foods made with whole grains instead of refined carbohydrates such as white bread. A high-carb diet may increase carbon dioxide production. Because your lungs are tasked with exhaling carbon dioxide, the more carbs you eat, the more stress is put on your lungs. So keep carbs to a minimum, but meet your nutrition needs with whole grains.
#18 Coffee: Did you know that a cup of coffee can help alleviate asthma symptoms?
Caffeine acts as a bronchodilator, which opens up those tight airways in asthmatics and reduces respiratory muscle fatigue. Studies have shown that drinking a cup of coffee in the morning will improve your breathing and improve your lung functions as well. Apart from being good for your lungs, coffee has other mind-blowing benefits for your body. To find out all of them, read this post titled “07 FACTS ABOUT COFFEE YOU MIGHT NOT KNOW”.
#19 Water: Not technically a food, but lack of water or fluids can affect systems in your body and entails your respiratory system as well. Drinking water aids in depleting the mucus lining in your airways and lungs. Dehydration can lead mucus to thicken and get gooey, which hinders overall respiration and makes you more prone to illness, allergies, and other respiratory problems. Water is an effective way to remove toxins from your body naturally. Increase the intake of water or fluids as it can help you to prevent bronchitis, and breathing problems, and resist allergies. Read this post: Don't Leave a Glass of Water Near Your Bed
Which foods from today’s post do you eat regularly? Do you think it has helped your lungs get better? Let us know in the comments section below!
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The information I provided in this blog is for educational purposes only and does not substitute for professional medical advice. You should never use content in my writing as a substitute for direct medical advice from your doctor or another qualified clinician. Please consult a medical professional or healthcare provider if indicated for medical advice, diagnoses, or treatment. I am not liable for risks or issues associated with using or acting upon the information in this blog. Thank you.