Lungs work tirelessly to bring oxygen to our bloodstream and release carbon dioxide waste products, allowing all our organs to function well. However, the air you inhale may contain pollutants and germs, increasing your risk of lung diseases such as asthma, COPD, and bronchitis.
According to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America, approximately 25 million people (1 in 13 people) in the U.S. have asthma. Nevertheless, you can help your lungs function properly by consuming a well-balanced diet. Research reveals that lung health is better among those who eat a healthy diet.
So, here’s a compilation of lifestyle recommendations to support your lung function by practicing regular exercise and eating healthy foods.
A diet including fruits, fiber, vegetables, and healthy fats can reduce inflammation in the body, reducing the risk of developing COPD and other lung diseases. According to this study, the antioxidants in apples and tomatoes can help promote better lung function. Another study suggests that fiber-rich foods such as lentils and beans can improve your lung health.
Accompanying a healthy diet, exercising regularly can help strengthen the lung muscles, helping them to function more efficiently. Simple exercises like walking, running, and vocal warm-ups like humming can significantly improve your lung function.
Surprisingly, one way to get better sleep is to eat the right kinds of food. In addition to improving body functions and supporting your immune system to fight off infections, a nutrient-dense diet will also provide you with vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients that possess sleep-promoting properties.
Apples are rich in antioxidants, flavonoids, beta carotene, and vitamins C and E, which can reduce the risk of COPD by slowing down lung function decline.
Nitrates in beets help relax blood vessels, reduce blood pressure, and optimize oxygen intake in the lungs. Moreover, the green leaves in the beetroot contain potassium, magnesium, carotenoid antioxidants, and vitamin C, which are micronutrients supporting the immune system and healthy lungs.
Tomatoes and tomato-based products contain a carotenoid antioxidant called lycopene, which helps to boost lung function by reducing airway inflammation.
Grapefruit contains a flavonoid called Naringin that suppresses the functioning of a cancer-causing enzyme. This flavonoid is high in white grapefruit, but pink grapefruit also contains a small amount, along with the lycopene antioxidant.
Turmeric contains curcumin that helps to resolve inflammation of the airways and chest congestion.
Edamame beans are rich in isoflavones that can reduce wheezing and improve your lung function.
Flax seeds are high in natural vitamin E, which can reduce lung cancer risk.
Brazil nuts are rich in selenium that can reduce lung cancer risk, and improves respiratory and immune functions.
Blackberries, blueberries, and strawberries are rich in antioxidants called anthocyanins (cyanidin, delphinidin, malvidin, peonidin, and petunidin). Anthocyanins help reduce inflammation and mucus in the lungs and can slow down age-related lung function decline.
Walnuts are a good source of omega-3 fatty acids that reduce the inflammation seen in asthma and other respiratory conditions.
Cordyceps mushrooms contain numerous bioactive compounds that help to keep your airways open, thus reducing the risk of shortness of breath.
Olive oil is a great source of anti-inflammatory antioxidants, including vitamin E and polyphenols, which counteract the inflammation common to asthma.
Pumpkins are high in carotenoids, including lutein, zeaxanthin, and beta-carotene. Carotenoids are known for their effective antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, which boost your lung health.
Ginger has anti-inflammatory properties that help to detoxify and eliminate pollutants from the lungs. It helps to unclog airways, relieving congestion.
Chili peppers are packed with capsaicin that helps to stimulate healthy secretions to protect mucus membranes from upper and lower respiratory tract infections.
Red cabbage contains anthocyanins that help to slow down lung function decline. It is also rich in fiber.
Green tea has antioxidants (epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG)) and anti-inflammatory properties that counteract fibrosis or scarring of tissues in the lungs.
Nitrites used for processing and preserving meats may inflame your lungs, increasing your risk of lung diseases such as pneumonitis, pleurisy, etc. Processed meats include ham, bacon, deli meat, and sausage.
When digesting the simple carbohydrates in white bread, your body has to expel more CO2, causing your lungs to work harder. Patients with lung diseases may have a harder time metabolizing these carbs.
Potato chips contain increased amounts of salt and saturated fat, which can impact your lung function: salt in the chips increases water retention and bloating, impacting breathing effort, and saturated fats increase inflammation throughout the body, including lung tissue.
Nitrates in processed cold cuts may impact lung function, worsening symptoms in those with asthma or COPD. Instead of cold cuts, you can consume lean meats, such as chicken and salmon.
Lung diseases, such as pneumonitis, COPD, and asthma, can impact your health and quality of life. However, with simple changes in your diet, you can improve your lung health, reducing your risk of such diseases and thereby improving your overall health.
If you or your loved ones need treatment for lung infections, visit one of our urgent care centers in Irvine Woodbridge Walk-In, Fountain Valley Urgent Care, or Costa Mesa Urgent Care, today. You can also reserve your spot online to avoid wait times.
Dr. Bunten is originally from Huntington Beach, CA. He attended high school in Tokyo, Japan, went to college at UC San Diego and then to medical school in the Midwest. He returned home to California for residency training in Family Medicine at Long Beach Memorial Medical Center. His immediate family all reside in Huntington Beach.
Dr Fishbein has been in the practice of family medicine for over 35 years in Irvine. He received his undergraduate degree from Southern Illinois University, medical degree from Chicago Medical School, and completed his family medicine residency at Memorial Hospital of Long Beach.
Dr. Kim is the Medical Director of Family Care Centers, Chair of the Department of Family Medicine at Hoag Hospital, and a recipient of the Physicians of Excellence award from the Orange County Medical Association. He is Board Certified in Family Medicine, and has been practicing in our community for over 20 years.
Dr. Memon is a board certified Family Medicine physician and recently completed her fellowship in Geriatrics at the University of California, Irvine Medical Center. She attended Saint George’s University, School of Medicine and completed her residency at Arrowhead Regional Medical Center. Her interest in medicine started at an early age and has since evolved into a passionate career.
Dr. Gina Nguyen obtained her Bachelor of Science degree in Biology at UC Irvine where she graduated Suma Cum Laude. She went to USC Keck School of Medicine, and returned to UC Irvine for a Family Medicine Residency. Since 2005, she worked at Kaiser Permanente, VNCOC, and Family Care Center Urgent Care.
Dr. Williams is Board Certified in Family Medicine and Sports Medicine. He is a native to Orange County and returned home after completing his medical degree at the University of New Mexico, Albuquerque. After completing his residency in family practice he successfully completed a fellowship in sports medicine.
Dr. Hye Lee is a board-certified Family Practice Physician, affiliated with the American Osteopathic Association and the American College of Osteopathic Family Practice.She obtained her Bachelor of Science degree in Biology at UC Riverside and earned her medical degree from Des Moines University Osteopathic Medical Center. Afterward, she did her internship at Downey Regional Medical Center in California and has been a primary care physician since 2005.
Dr. Coyne is a board certified family practice physician and a California native. He completed his undergraduate degree at UCLA before earning his medical degree at George Washington University in Washington, D.C. Dr Coyne spent 6 years in the US Air Force at Andrews and Luke Air Force bases, eventually separating as a Major. He enjoys working with patients of all ages.”
Dr. Jay Friehling is a Family Practice physician who has worked in Orange County since 1981. Born in Florida, he received his undergraduate degree from Cornell University and then earned a Medical Degree at the New York Medical College.” His healthcare interests include Diabetes, Geriatric Care, and Hospice Care.
Dr. Jennifer Shoquist is board certified in Family Medicine. Her special interest is woman’s health and her practice accepts patients from 6 years old to seniors. Dr. Shoquist received her M.D. degree at The University of Texas Medical School at Houston in Houston, Texas, and did her residency with Memorial Family Practice at memorial Southwest Hospital in Houston, Texas.
Dr. Tom is a board certified family medicine physician and native Californian. He received his bachelors of science with great distinction in biochemistry and honors in chemistry. Dr. Tom was awarded a Regents Scholarship to attend medical school at UC Irvine.
Dr. Yan attended Kirksville College of Osteopathic Medicine and completed her Family Practice residency at Kern Medical Center in Bakersfield, California. She joined Family Care Center in 2001. She chose Family Practice because she enjoys working with a wide variety of people and because it provides a unique opportunity for continuing care.
