Diet plays a vital role in our physical and mental wellbeing. Taking good diet also is crucial in disease prevention.
As winters are upon us, the most common complaints people have are about their lungs’ health. Good news is diet can help you keep your lungs health as well.
There are certain foods that can improve the functioning of your lungs, however, diet may also negatively affect the performance of the lungs.
Foods bad for the lungs
Processed meat
Amongst foods which are bad for the lungs is processed meat. Many meats are preserved using the curing and smoking techniques, that lead to production of nitrites. These then lead to inflammation in the lungs, causing various problems that require intervention of the Pulmonologist in Lahore then.
Sugary beverages
Another staple to the diet that is bad for the lungs, and the health, are the sugary beverages. Whether it be carbonated drinks or the juice packs, all are packed with sugar that increases inflammation in the body, which can be bad if you already have lung problems like bronchitis.
Sugary drinks also exacerbate the symptoms of asthma in children.
Alcohol
Similarly, indulging too much alcohol also has implications for the health of your lungs. Alcoholic beverages contain sulfites in them, that can aggravate the symptoms of asthma. Moreover, ethanol, the core component of alcohol, also has a negative impact on the lungs.
Too much salt
Salt is not just bad for hypertension, but it also is not good for the lungs either. Too much salt for people suffering from asthma can aggravate their symptoms. Moreover, there is also also a correlation between consuming too much salt and long-term bronchitis.
Foods good for the lung
Coffee
Coffee is great for not just for waking up, but it also helps in making your lungs stronger as well. Caffeine has anti-inflammatory properties and polyphenols, that help in keeping the lungs functioning well.
Dairy
Dairy products are also good for preventing the risk of lung cancer. However, people with allergies should refrain from adding dairy to their diet.
Berries
Not just great for making desserts, but berries are also great for health. They contain a compound, anthocyanin, which is an excellent antioxidant. Moreover, they also help in slowing the age-induced decline of the lungs.
Broccoli
It may be hard to convince yourself to eat broccoli but know that having them is helping in keeping your lungs healthy.
Broccoli has sulforaphane, a compound that helps in increasing the performance of a gene that protects the lungs against toxins.
Moreover, broccoli is also a good source of vitamin C.
Fiber
Fiber is not just good for the gut, but it also is great for keeping your lungs healthy. Links have been established between the better performance of the lungs and increased fiber intake. So, add plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables alongside wholegrain meals to your diet.
Oranges
Oranges are an excellent source of vitamin C, which helps with the common cold alongside COPD and lung cancer as well.
Green leafy vegetables
Green vegetables are packed with nutrients that help the lungs. They are also packed with vitamin A, C, E, and other antioxidants that help in lowering inflammation. Some research has also unearthed that green leafy vegetables can help in lowering the risk of lung cancer.
Apples
An apple a day keeps the doctor away, and there is no exaggeration in that. Apples are a good source of fiber, which is one way they are beneficial for the lungs.
Moreover, apples also contain the compound quercetin, which is also good for the lungs. It helps in abating the risk of asthma. It also helps in improving the complications induced by COPD. However, do not rely on the application alone; alongside having a good diet, it is also important for you to follow the guidelines your Pulmonologist in Islamabad gave you.
