20 foods that promote lung health and 5 foods that should be avoided: by microbiology doctor dr (doctor_dr)

20 foods that promote lung health and 5 foods that should be avoided:

Lung illness is a prevalent sickness that affects millions of people in the United States, with new cases being identified every day. Whether you have emphysema or bronchitis, asthma, or are dealing with lung discomfort as a result of a mesothelioma diagnosis, lung illness may be painful and have a negative influence on your quality of life.

Nutrition is critical for mesothelioma patients who may be experiencing fatigue or weaker muscles as a result of therapy. A nutritious diet is vital for everyone, but it is especially critical for people who have COPD or mesothelioma cancer.

If you have lung discomfort or illness, keep reading to understand which foods to eat and which to avoid.

Types of Lung-Healthy Foods

While asbestos exposure or genetic asthma are unavoidable, you do have control over the things you eat. Avoiding high-calorie, fried meals will help you maintain your overall health while also alleviating lung disease symptoms.

1. Fats that are good for you

Monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats are cholesterol-free and often derived from plants. These healthy fats can help you breathe better by lowering blood pressure, reducing inflammation, and improving general health.

RECOMMENDED

• Nuts
• Eggs
• Olive oil
• Avocado

2. Proteins

Proteins assist your body stay healthy and can aid in the production of immune system cells. To assist build your respiratory cells and make you stronger, consume a healthy amount of protein at least twice a day.

RECOMMENDED

• Lean meats
• Eggs
• Beans

3. Complex Carbohydrates

Fiber-rich complex carbs can assist control the digestive tract and blood sugar levels. Simple carbohydrates like table sugar and sweets, which can lead to obesity and hypertension, should be avoided. Instead, choose complex carbohydrates like those found in various fruits and vegetables, as well as whole-grain bread and pasta, which may offer fibre and energy.

RECOMMENDED

• Whole-grain bread
• Pasta
• Fresh produce

4. Fresh Fruit and Vegetables

Minerals, vitamins, and fibre found in fresh fruits and vegetables help keep your body healthy and in shape. Some fruit, on the other hand, is better for your lungs than others. Avoid bloating by eating berries, pineapples, and grapes instead of apples, apricots, and peaches.

RECOMMENDED

Low-FODMAP fruits, including:

• Berries
• Pineapples
• Grapes

Non-starchy vegetables, including:

• Broccoli
• Peas
• Tomatoes 

5. Potassium

Potassium may aid in the reduction of water retention, the regulation of blood pressure, and the improvement of digestion, therefore it's critical to maintain a healthy amount of potassium in order to maintain optimal lung function. Bananas are the most frequent source of potassium, although it may also be found in other fruits and vegetables.

RECOMMENDED

• Bananas
• Leafy greens
• Tomatoes
• Beets 

Lung Health-Promoting Foods

These five foods have been proven to be beneficial to lung health.

1. Apple: 

Apples have been shown to decrease lung decline and even reduce lung damage induced by smoking due to the antioxidant quercetin. Those who ate at least five apples each week had a lower chance of acquiring COPD.

2. Beets:

Lung function, blood pressure relaxation, and oxygen intake optimization have all been proven to benefit beetroot and beet greens, all of which can aid someone who is struggling to breathe. Beets are also high in magnesium and potassium, both of which are beneficial to lung health. 

3. Pumpkin:

Carotenoids, which are abundant in pumpkins, have been linked to improved lung function. Carotenoids also have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory qualities, which are beneficial to one's general health and well-being. 

4. Tomatoes:

Tomatoes are one of the most abundant vegetable sources of lycopene, a carotenoid linked to better lung function. Tomatoes and tomato derivatives have also been related to a reduction in lung disease and inflammation. 

5. Leafy Greens: 

Carotenoids, iron, potassium, calcium, and vitamins abound in leafy greens including bok choy, spinach, and kale. These minerals contain anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, which can aid in the reduction of lung inflammation and the promotion of general health. 

Foods to Stay Away From If You Have Lung Disease

These foods should be avoided to keep lung disease symptoms at bay.

1. Salty Foods:

In individuals with lung illness, sodium promotes fluid retention, which can contribute to shortness of breath. While the salt shaker is the most visible source of sodium, the majority of sodium is consumed through food. Reduce sodium consumption by cutting back on salty spices and double-checking product labels to make sure they don't have more than 300 mg of salt per serving. 

To cut down on salt, use herbs and spices to season meals instead of salt, and read food labels before buying. 

2. Dairy Foods:

Casomorphin, a breakdown of milk digestion, increases the quantity of phlegm and mucus generated by the body when it digests dairy products. This might cause COPD sufferers to cough more, which can lead to wheezing and discomfort.

 To cut down on dairy, swap lactose for milk substitutes like almond, oat, or soy milk. 

3. Processed Meats:

Nitrates are commonly added to cured meats and cold cuts for colour and to help them last longer on the shelf. However, these nitrates have been linked to a rise in COPD-related hospital readmissions.
To cut down on processed meat, avoid deli meat or search for a product that says "no nitrates added." 

4. Soda:

Soda use can be detrimental to people with lung illness in a variety of ways. To begin with, soda is carbonated with carbon dioxide, which can create gas and bloating, making it difficult to breathe. Furthermore, the high sugar content can cause inflammation and weight gain, both of which can worsen COPD symptoms. 
To cut down on soda consumption, replace it with noncarbonated, flavoured beverages such as tea, flavoured water, or natural juice.

5. Fried:

Fried meals, such as french fries and onion rings, contain harmful fats that strain on the diaphragm, causing bloating and discomfort. In addition to the bloating that causes lung pain, fried meals can raise cholesterol and promote weight gain over time. These items can aggravate symptoms in persons who have lung illness.

Avoid fast food and drive-thru meals if you want to cut down on your intake of fried foods. 

Foods to Avoid That Harm Your Lungs

The effects of these five foods on lung function have been demonstrated.

1. White Bread:

Simple carbs, such as white bread, should be avoided since they require more effort from the lungs to digest. By substituting whole-grain, complex carbohydrates for simple carbohydrates, you can enhance your lung health. 

2. Potato Chips:

Potato chips are high in salt and saturated fat, both of which are bad for your lungs. Saturated and trans fats are bad for your heart and might elevate your blood pressure. The salt in chips can also cause water retention, making breathing more difficult. 

3. Chocolate:

To begin with, chocolate includes caffeine, which might cause medicine to become ineffective or raise heart rate. Chocolate is also heavy in sugar and low in nutrients, making it a poor choice for anybody suffering from lung illness. 

4. Beer:

Alcohol can cause inflammation in the lungs in general. Beer is a horrible option for people with poor lung health since it's carbonated and can induce bloating, which puts extra strain on the lungs and makes it difficult to breathe. 

5. Cold Cuts:

Processed cold cuts include nitrates, which have been related to lung disease and aggravating COPD symptoms. If you must consume meat, lean cuts such as salmon and chicken are a preferable choice.