Lungs are essential organs that help provide oxygen to the body and expel accumulated carbon dioxide. It keeps the body running efficiently by exchange of gases necessary for the life process. However, this essential organ is also prone to damage because of pollution, environmental toxins, a poor immune system, genetics, and other factors. Careful selection and inclusion of lung-friendly foods can help strengthen them and improve breathing in individuals with bronchitis, flu, asthma, and COPD.

Anchovies
Anchovies improve lung health and breathing capacity because of their high omega-3 fatty acid content. Their anti-inflammatory properties help reduce the risk of respiratory illnesses and severity and are also helpful because of their high calcium, iron, and selenium quantities.

Apples
Apples are rich in fiber and antioxidants. The high fiber content can help people with bloating and constipation and reduce the pressure on the lungs. Antioxidants in apples can decrease the amount of oxidative damage the body suffers. Their quercetin content has already been linked to better lung health since it is an anti-inflammatory compound.

Avocados
Avocados are a tasty and healthy source of omega-3 fatty acids that help reduce inflammation levels in the airways and contribute to improved lung function. It is also rich in vitamin E, which has been linked to improved lung function. Nuts and seeds like almonds, walnuts, chia seeds, and flaxseeds can also be incorporated into the menu. The alpha-linoleic acid found in walnuts helps reduce lung inflammation levels.

Berries
All types of berries are powerhouses of antioxidants and help the body fight off oxidative damage caused by the presence of free radicals. When an organ suffers prolonged damage from free radicals, it can increase the risk of developing chronic diseases. To help maintain lung and overall health, it is essential to include berries regularly.

Brazil nuts
Brazil nuts are high in selenium. This mineral is linked with a reduced risk of respiratory infections and improved lung function. Taken under a doctor’s guidance, the right amount of brazil nuts can even help reduce the risk of lung cancer.

Cocoa
Cocoa contains flavonoids, a compound that provides cocoa with anti-inflammatory properties making it a good choice to improve lung health and avoid respiratory infections. It is also rich in theobromine, a compound proven beneficial for lung health as it relaxes the airways and makes breathing easier.

Coffee
Coffee is a natural stimulant that can help relax the airway muscles. This can help increase the amount of oxygen entering the lung tissues, strengthening them and improving breathing. This act of bronchodilation or vasodilation can also help in the easy elimination of mucus, helping lungs some relief during a bronchitis flare-up. It is also rich in caffeine and other antioxidants providing the lungs and immune system a better chance to fight off infections and free radical damage.

Ginger
Ginger has been used as a remedy against inflammation and respiratory conditions for centuries. The root-vegetable helps reduce lung inflammation, thereby improving their function and reducing the severity of symptoms associated with lung conditions like asthma, bronchitis, COPD, and more.

Green tea
Green tea is a convenient and effective mode of adding antioxidants on a regular basis. It contains catechins, an antioxidant that effectively improves lung health and breathing in people. Catechins also help protect the lungs against environmental toxins.

Oranges
Oranges, along with other citrus fruits like grapefruit, lemons, limes, and kiwis, are rich sources of vitamin C. It helps improve lung health and reduce the risk of developing any respiratory infection. Their high antioxidant levels also protect the body against free radical damage.

Oysters
Zinc is another mineral linked to stronger lungs and better breathing. Oysters are all rich in other lung-friendly components like selenium, vitamin b complex, zinc, and copper. All of these have a role to play in lung health and preventing respiratory infections.

Peppers
Peppers pack high amounts of vitamin C, a very well-known antioxidant. Including peppers in daily meals can help improve a person’s lung health and overall immunity. It can also reduce the amount of free radical damage the body faces. In addition, the spicy component in peppers helps thin out the mucus in the lungs, thereby providing relief from a bronchitis flare-up.

Pumpkin
Pumpkins are known for their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. They are rich in beta-carotene, which is essential in maintaining healthy lung tissue and respiratory health. Pumpkins are also rich in compounds like lutein and zeaxanthin that contribute to the improvement of lung health.

Swiss chard
Vitamin K is an essential vitamin in the improvement of lung function. It is also helpful in reducing the risk of conditions like COPD. Its high magnesium content contributes to better relaxation of bronchioles, thereby helping patients lower the frequency and severity of their chronic bronchitis flare-ups. This also includes other green leafy vegetables like spinach, kale, and lettuce.

Tomatoes
Tomatoes are a huge part of day-to-day food. They are used in various food preparations, including sandwiches, pasta, salads, gravies, and sauces. They are rich in the antioxidant compound lycopene, which has been linked to a lower risk of lung cancer and other respiratory illnesses like asthma and COPD. Lycopene might also help reduce the severity of symptoms in a bronchitis flare-up.

Turmeric
A traditional spice, turmeric can be added to food preparation or drinks to obtain its lung and overall health benefits. Curcumin, the active compound in turmeric, has anti-inflammatory properties that help improve lung function by reducing inflammation in lung and airway tissues. Its high antioxidant content has been found useful against oxidative damage.

Water
Maintaining optimum hydration levels is the key to maintaining a healthy mind and body. Dehydration can cause drying up of the airways, leading to inflammation and irritation of the lung tissues. Drinking enough water can help keep the airways adequately hydrated. It also helps in the thinning of mucus in the lungs providing patients relief from chronic bronchitis flare-ups.

Yogurt
Yogurt is rich in probiotics and helps improve overall health and strengthen immunity. It also contains healthy doses of minerals like selenium, potassium, and calcium, known for their lung-related benefits and for helping avoid infections like COPD.