14 Foods for Healthy Lungs and Improved Breathing

Healthy lungs are necessary for the normal functioning of your body because if you don’t have a well-functioning respiratory system then you can breathe properly. However, as you age you become more prone to develop various lung problems including COPD, asthma, and pulmonary fibrosis. These disorders mainly develop due to improper diet, smoking, and other lifestyle factors. If you experience any signs of lung issues then the first thing that needs to be done is to contact a reputed lung specialist in Siliguri.

Along with medications and surgical interventions, another major measure that doctors always recommend to get healthy lungs is lifestyle modification. The main factor that needs to be considered in terms of your lifestyle is your diet. Herein, it is vital for you to follow a nutrient-rich diet that will protect and prevent your lungs from any potential damage. There is no single food that can sustain lung functioning but a proper diet with all the necessary nutrients can be quite effective in improving breathing and ensuring healthy lungs.

Foods You Must Add In Your Diet For Healthy Lungs

1. Apples- We all know that the phrase apple a day keeps a doctor away. This can be a true fact because it is proven that high antioxidants in apples can promote lung function and reduce risks of cancer and asthma.
2. Beets- Beetroots and their green are the best sources of nitrates which are found to be extremely effective for lung function as they reduce blood pressure and relax blood vessels.
3. Turmeric- The antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties found in turmeric also make it a great food for healthy lungs. It also has high curcumin which can improve lung function among smokers.
4. Green tea- You can often see the best pulmonologist doctor in Siliguri advising you to drink green tea. This is because the catechin found in this tea can reduce lung scarring and fibrosis for better functioning.
5. Blueberries- Blueberries are a rich source of various powerful pigments and nutrients such as anthocyanins that can protect your lungs from any oxidative stress while preserving normal lung functioning.
6. Yoghurt- Phosphorus, calcium, potassium, and selenium are some nutrients that can protect your lungs from COPD and ensure lung function. You can get all these nutrients together by adding yogurt to your diet.
7. Lentils- Another food that can support lung function is lentils. Lentils are rich in iron, magnesium, potassium, and copper which can also protect your lungs from COPD and lung cancer. This is why it is advised to increase your legume consumption.
8. Peppers- Vitamin C is one of the most important ingredients for people with a smoking history as smoking negatively affects the antioxidants stored in your body. Herein, to get enough amount of Vitamin C you must add peppers to your diet.
9. Olive oil- Your lungs can be protected from various respiratory problems such as asthma by eating olive oil. Herein, you can consider cooking your food with olive oil to get high amounts of anti-inflammatory antioxidants.
10. Leafy greens- Lung inflammation is considered the main cause behind deteriorated lung function. Leafy greens such as spinach, kale, and bok choy can work wonders in decreasing inflammation and sustaining lung health.
11. Avocadoes- Avocadoes are indeed one of the most delicious and creamy fruits with high amounts of unsaturated fats. These fats which don’t cause cholesterol can be helpful in making breathing easier.
12. Nuts- The most common snack that we love munching on is nuts. Nuts are also the best source of healthy fats that can also improve lung function. By eating nuts regularly, the chances of clogging in the blood vessels can be reduced.
13. Whole grains- Whole-wheat bread, quinoa, brown rice, oats, and barley are some whole-grain foods that one can include in their lung-friendly diet. These foods are rich in anti-inflammatory properties and fibre which can improve breathing.
14. Tomatoes- To ensure proper lung functioning and enhanced breathing, you can also add tomatoes to your diet. These veggies have high amounts of lycoprotein that can stop lung function decline and reduce airway inflammation.

Remember that every individual has specific health needs and dietary requirements and to get a personalized diet plan for you, you can schedule an appointment with a lung specialist in Siliguri. Along with diet, reduced exposure to pollution, smoking cessation, and regular exercising also play a vital role in protecting lung health.