Don’t neglect your lung health. You only get one pair for life; take care of them!

What you eat affects how you breathe. Look at your daily diet and make a concerted effort to choose foods that contain antioxidants, vitamins, and Omega-3s. These powerhouses can help reduce inflammation and support overall lung health.

Quick Read:

  • Your lungs are constantly working. Even when you’re asleep, they still keep oxygen flowing and remove carbon dioxide.
  • Pollution, smoking, and unhealthy habits can take a serious toll on lung health.
  • Poor lung function can lead to constant fatigue, lower energy levels, and even affect your cognitive health due to reduced oxygen intake.

What does good lung health mean?

You will be happy to know that your lungs have a “self-cleaning” ability thanks to tiny hair-like structures called cilia. These cilia line the airways, sweeping out dust, bacteria, and other particles. The problem is that when exposed to pollutants or smoking, this system can get overwhelmed. 

The good news is that your lungs can begin to heal themselves once they are no longer exposed to pollutants. According to the American Lung Association, “The best way to ensure your lungs are healthy is by avoiding harmful toxins like cigarette smoke, vaping, and air pollution, as well as getting regular exercise and eating well.”

Boost lung health

Food friends for good lung health

Healthy fats

  • Don’t run away from all fats! Learn more about healthy fats and start adding them to your diet to boost lung health. For an easy entry to healthy fats, start with fish, such as mackerel, herring, salmon, shrimp, and sardines. These contain good doses of Omega-3 fatty acids which help to reduce inflammation in the airways and assist in improving lung function in conditions like asthma and COPD. You can also find healthy fats in chia seeds, tuna, avocados, and walnuts.

Leafy greens

  • If you’re constantly turning your nose up at vegetables, have a change of heart – for your lungs at least. Spinach, kale, mustard greens, and broccoli, are all fantastic health helpers with substantial doses of vitamins and antioxidants, particularly Vitamin C. This vitamin works like a shield, helping to protect your lungs from harmful molecules and stress caused by pollution and other irritants.

Blueberries

  • Blueberries are filled with antioxidants, which help reduce oxidative stress in the lungs and protect against cellular damage. These antioxidants can also help reduce inflammation and improve the way your lungs function. Plus, they’re delicious! Enjoy fresh or frozen blueberries as a snack, add them to smoothies, or sprinkle them on top of oatmeal or yoghurt.

Garlic and ginger

  • Think of these two as a dynamic duo for your lungs! Ginger is a natural anti-inflammatory, which means it helps calm swollen airways – good news if you have asthma or bronchitis. Plus, it gets your blood flowing better, giving your lungs the extra love they need to stay healthy. Garlic, on the other hand, is an overall star for your immune system. It contains a compound called allicin, which works to boost lung function and fight off infections. Together, they’re not just kitchen staples – they’re your lungs’ best friends.

Green tea

  • There’s so much goodness in that cup of green tea, most it coming from antioxidants. As we now know, antioxidants help protect your lungs from damage caused by free radicals. Green tea also has anti-inflammatory properties to calm irritated airways. This is helpful if you have a respiratory condition like asthma or COPD. Green tea can also boost overall circulation, helping your lungs get the oxygen they need. Plus, studies suggest it might even reduce the risk of lung infections and improve lung function over time. So, sip your way to healthier lungs, one cup at a time…

Images: Freepik

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