Keeping your lungs strong and healthy can help you ward off serious respiratory issues and diseases. However, environmental pollution, inflammatory foods, smoke, and existing conditions can take a toll on these organs by affecting the airways, tissues, or vessels in the lungs. Simple lifestyle modifications, nutrient-rich meals, and regular exercise have been associated with better lung function and repairing any sort of lung damage. So, here are a few foods that can improve lung health:

Tomatoes
Carotenoids like lycopene, lutein, and zeaxanthin found in tomatoes can improve lung health. These components exhibit powerful antioxidant properties that help them fight free radicals that damage the cells of the lungs. Further, tomato, and its products, can help reduce inflammation in the lungs caused by diseases like chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and asthma. Rich in potassium and vitamins E and B, tomatoes can also help reduce the risk of lung cancer and help prevent emphysema, a condition that damages the air sacs in the lungs. Studies indicate lycopene in this fruit can slow down the decline of lung function that comes with age, so this should be added to your meal plan.

Apples
Apples, when consumed regularly, can improve respiratory health as they can help purify or cleanse the lungs. This fruit is rich in plant chemicals known as flavonoids which exhibit antioxidant properties. Apples lower the risk of diabetes and heart diseases while strengthening the capacity of the air sacs in the lungs. The antioxidants in apples offer countless health benefits, including mitigating the effects of asthma. Enriched with vitamin C, apples can also boost your immunity, improve the condition of the airways, and help you stay energized. Another antioxidant called quercetin in apples has also been associated with improving lung function.

Pumpkin
Adding pumpkins to your food plan is a simple yet effective way to improve lung health. The fruit is enriched with carotenoids like lutein, beta carotene, and zeaxanthin, which exhibit strong antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties. Additionally, beta carotene can also reduce the risk of lung cancer. Studies reveal that consuming foods like pumpkins results in higher carotenoid levels that are linked to improved lung function. This nutritious fruit is also rich in fibers and vitamin C which can boost the immune system, and improve lung health in people with asthma and other pulmonary diseases.

Blueberries
This is a superfood that is loaded with nutrients that help preserve lung function. Blueberries are a rich source of anthocyanins, including cyanidin, delphinidin, peonidin, and malvidin. Anthocyanin, one of the flavonoids found in dark-pigmented fruits like blueberries, is an antioxidant that can slow down the lungs’ natural decline with age. Studies also indicate that cyanidin, an active component of blueberry that exhibits antioxidant properties, protects the lung tissues from oxidative damage by neutralizing free radicals that damage the cells and tissues of the lungs. So, about 2–3 servings of blueberries a week can help in maintaining lung health.

Beets and beet greens
Both beets and beet greens contain nitrates that can help relax blood vessels and improve oxygen uptake. They also contain antioxidants like betalains and are rich in fibers, helping optimize lung function and protect the lungs cells from damage caused by conditions like pulmonary hypertension. Beet greens are also packed with potassium, vitamin C, magnesium, and carotenoids that help to optimize the overall functioning ability of the lungs. The vegetable also improves the breathing capacity of the lungs when afflicted with serious issues such as COPD.

Treatment options for lung issues
Health conditions like asthma, infections, and cancer can damage the lungs and, as a result, affect the oxygen supply and functioning of other organs. To deal with such issues, the following prescription treatment options might be required:

Tezepelumab: This is one of the best biological treatment options that work with the immune system to block the effect of chemicals and proteins (like thymic stromal lymphopoietin) that swell up the airways. This helps tezepelumab prevent uncontrolled and severe asthma and reduce frequent attacks. It is usually injected and is approved for use in patients above the age of 12.
Fasenra: This option is prescribed to adults with eosinophilic asthma. It is a monoclonal antibody that can be used as an add-on along with other asthma treatments. Fasenra is the only respiratory biologic that can treat this rare kind of asthma within 24 hours.
Nucala: It is an injectable maintenance treatment for patients with severe eosinophilic asthma. Patients aged 6 and above can use this option. Nucala helps destroy the excessive amount of eosinophils in the bloodstream and reduces the frequency of flare-ups.
Xolair: This option assists in reducing allergic reactions in the body. This option is prescribed to treat persistent asthma in those above 6 years of age. A single dose is usually injected every 2–4 weeks, depending on the severity of the condition and individual characteristics. Xolair is ideal for dealing with severe to moderate asthma attacks.
Zyrtec: This is an antihistamine that is used to treat allergies that are triggered by pollution and other allergens. An oral prescription treatment, Zyrtec can be used to relieve symptoms like sneezing, itching, runny nose, and watery eyes.