MONDAY, (HealthDay News) -- Adding more grapes and berries to your diet is a tasty way to give your lung health a boost, new research suggests. People who ate the most foods with a particular type of flavonoids, called anthocyanins, maintained the best lung function as they aged, the researchers said. Maintaining healthy lungs is essential to feeling good. However, some common factors, such as exposure to tobacco smoke and environmental toxins, as well as an inflammatory diet, can affect this important pair of organs.
Here are 20 foods that can help improve lung function. Researchers observed a link between anthocyanin intake and lung health: the more people ate, the better their lung health. Walnuts are a great source of omega-3 fatty acids. Eating a handful can help fight asthma and other respiratory conditions.
Omega-3 fatty acids are believed to be anti-inflammatory nutrients with protective effects on inflammatory conditions. Tomatoes and tomato products are among the richest dietary sources of lycopene, a carotenoid antioxidant that has been linked to improved lung health. Blueberries are packed with nutrients and their consumption has been associated with a number of health benefits, including protection and preservation of lung function (20). For those with poor lung health, beer is a poor choice, particularly as it is also carbonated and can cause bloating, which puts extra pressure on the lungs and can make breathing difficult.
Whether you suffer from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), such as emphysema or bronchitis, have asthma or are dealing with lung pain from a mesothelioma diagnosis, lung disease can be uncomfortable and affect your quality of life. Ginger helps to relieve congestion, unclog air passages and improve circulation in the lungs, which improves lung health. Try incorporating some of the above foods and drinks into your diet to support your lung health. Eating a diet rich in nutritious foods and drinks is a smart way to support and protect lung health.
Due to the presence of the antioxidant quercetin, apples have been shown to reduce lung deterioration and even lung damage caused by smoking. Evidence suggests that smokers may have 25% lower concentrations of carotenoid antioxidants than non-smokers, which may impair lung health (1). (1) Staying away from fried and high-calorie foods can help you maintain your overall health while alleviating the symptoms of lung disease. These nutrients have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects, which can help reduce lung inflammation and promote overall health.
Lung diseases, such as COPD, can significantly reduce lung function and your ability to breathe comfortably. In addition, beet greens are packed with magnesium, potassium, vitamin C and carotenoid antioxidants, all of which are essential for lung health (...) So, if you want to boost your lung health, be sure to incorporate some healthy foods to help keep your lungs active and functioning. Antioxidants found in whole grains, such as flavonoids and vitamin E, also support lung health and protect against cell damage (. A study of 839 veterans found that blueberry intake was associated with the slowest rate of lung function decline and that consuming 2 or more servings of blueberries per week slowed lung function decline by up to 38%, compared to low or no blueberry intake (2).
