Vaping, smoking and an inflammatory diet negatively impact lung function, just like environmental toxins in the air. Add asthma, COPD or pulmonary fibrosis and quality of life is severely affected. Help reduce lung damage, support lung health, and breathe easier, by incorporating these 20 dietary ingredients into mealtime:
- Beets: Rich in nitrates that relax blood vessels and reduce blood pressure.
- Peppers: Rich in the antioxidant Vitamin C.
- Apples: High concentration of antioxidants, including flavonoids and Vitamin C.
- Pumpkin: Rich in the antioxidants and anti-inflammatory carotenoids, including beta carotene, lutein and zeaxanthin.
- Turmeric: Potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory due to active component curcumin.
- Tomato: Rich in lycopene, a carotenoid antioxidant.
- Blueberries: Rich in anthocyanins, including malvidin, cyanidin, peonidin, delphinidin and petunidin.
- Green Tea: A catechin, EGCG, offers antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
- Red Cabbage: Another rich source of anthocyanins and fiber.
- Edamame: Isoflavones!
- Olive Oil: Anti-inflammatory antioxidants, including polyphenols and Vitamin E.
- Oysters: Not just an aphrodisiac, oysters contain zinc, selenium, B vitamins and copper.
- Yogurt: Rich in calcium, potassium, phosphorus and selenium.
- Brazil Nuts: Highly concentrated with 150% of recommended intake of selenium. Consume sparingly in one sitting.
- Coffee: Packed with caffeine and antioxidants.
- Swiss Chard: High in the anti-inflammatory magnesium which keep bronchioles in your lungs relaxed.
- Barley: High fiber whole grain with antioxidants like flavonoids and vitamin E.
- Anchovies: High in omega-3 fats to combat inflammation, and selenium, calcium and iron.
- Lentils: High in nutrients magnesium, iron, copper and potassium.
- Cocoa: High in flavonoid antioxidants and theobromine to help relax the airways.
Always check with your physician before changing your diet. The foods above are all rich in nutrients that support lung health by either improving lung function, aiding in a slower decline of lung function, reducing shortness of breath, protecting against lung cancer, improving respiratory function and/or protecting against respiratory disease. It’s worth talking with your doctor, especially those who vape/smoke.
