Eating for Lung Health

What would you say if I told you that you can improve the health of your lungs by eating specific foods. We know that eating a healthy balanced diet is essential to our health and wellbeing. But some of the foods that we eat can actually improve your airways too and lower inflammation in the lungs. As we know, all diseases are inflammation.

We are now aware that this Coronavirus attacks the lungs, so now is an important time to really consider your lung health.

If you do have the onset of chest pains, discomfort in breathing and wheezing, always please consult your GP.

I have sourced the below information and this is an excerpt from  the following website: https://draxe.com/nutrition/best-foods-for-your-lungs/?utm_source=curated&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=20200419_curated_gutimmune

1. Apples

Not only can an apple a day keep the doctor away, but apples may also help promote better lung health as well. One study published in The European Respiratory Journal reported that apples could help slow declining lung function over a 10-year period, especially for former smokers.

The phytochemicals found in apples has also been shown to decrease oxidative stress and inflammation, which could potentially enhance pulmonary function.

2. Green Tea

Green tea is brimming with antioxidants and polyphenols that can be beneficial for lung function, including epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), which has been shown to help supress lung cancer cell growth in in vitro studies. Green tea also contains theophylline, a powerful compound that acts as a bronchodilator to improve airway function and ease breathing difficulties.

What’s more, other research shows that regular consumption of green tea could be linked to a lower risk of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), a group of progressive lung diseases that can cause shortness of breath, coughing and wheezing.

3. Leafy Greens

Leafy greens like kale, spinach and arugula are jam-packed with essential nutrients that can support lung health, including antioxidants, fiber, vitamins and minerals.

In fact, studies show that eating more leafy green vegetables may be linked to a lower risk of lung cancer, COPD and adult asthma.

4. Garlic

Garlic possesses powerful anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that can help protect against oxidative stress within the lungs and throughout the body. What’s more, one study out of China even found that consuming raw garlic at least two times per week was associated with a lower risk of developing lung cancer over time.

5. Ginger

Ginger is a potent spice that has been extensively studied for its medicinal properties, especially when it comes to lung health. In one animal model, administering ginger to rats was effective at decreasing lung damage and protecting against inflammation and excess oxygen levels.

Another animal model showed that ginger extract prevented DNA and tissue damage in the lungs caused by alcohol.

6. 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 could help promote pulmonary blood flow and may be beneficial for certain respiratory conditions.

One study conducted by the Centre for Research in Environmental Epidemiology in Barcelona even found that consuming higher amounts of omega fatty acids was associated with lower markers of inflammation in those with COPD.

7. Turmeric

Turmeric is one of the best foods for your lungs thanks to its content of curcumin, the chemical that provides turmeric with its vibrant color and impressive health benefits.

Preliminary research suggests that the anti-inflammatory properties of turmeric could aid in the treatment of several respiratory conditions, including asthma, COPD, acute respiratory distress syndrome, lung injury and pulmonary fibrosis.

8. Bananas

Rich in potassium, fibre 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 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.