In an ideal world, we are able to avoid pollutants, microbes, or pathogens that can be harmful to the lungs. Notice how we said an “ideal world” and not the real world, because the human body encounters an array of environmental pollutants and airborne toxins on a daily basis. Because of this frequent exposure, respiratory conditions like asthma, pulmonary fibrosis, interstitial lung disease, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) have become commonplace. There are, however, nutrients that can keep the lungs health and decrease the risk of respiratory diseases.
Making a dietary change can be difficult for anyone, especially when you need to make a drastic change overnight. With rising rates of COPD, asthma, chronic lung disease, and other respiratory diseases in the United States, it seems that change is necessary. A 2017 survey found that 22.5 million American adults (9.1%) were living with asthma, and about 16.3 million American adults (6.6%) were diagnosed with COPD. Additionally, 33.2 million American adults (13.4%) reported that they had chronic lung disease.
How Can Juicing Help?
Juicing is an excellent way to deliver the essential, unharmed nutrients from fruits and vegetables to the body. We say “unharmed nutrients” because cooking foods can decrease the amount of enzymes, vitamins, and minerals in the given foods. The purest form of nutrients is when you get them from raw fruits and vegetables. Research has shown that one of the easiest ways for the body to absorb vitamins A, C, and D, omega-3, folate, zinc, and other phytonutrients from raw foods is via juicing.
A Dietary Note: Be aware that certain fruits, vegetables, or herbs may have negative interactions with certain respiratory medications. Do your research before incorporating foods, which you’re not used to consuming, into your diet.
4 Juice Recipes For Respiratory Health
Ginger, Carrot, Turmeric, And Grapefruit Juice
This juice contains a powerful combination of anti-inflammatory properties (from the ginger and turmeric), vitamin C (from the grapefruit), and vitamin A (from the carrot). Together, these nutrients can help reduce phlegm in the airways and protect the body from harmful free radicals.
Ingredients:
- 3 medium carrots, peeled and ends removed
- ½-inch piece ginger root, peeled
- ½-inch piece fresh turmeric, peeled
- ½ grapefruit, peeled and cubed
Instructions:
- Process all of the ingredients through your juicer. Drink filtered or unfiltered.
- Enjoy within 15 minutes of juicing.
Apple, Ginger, Raspberry Juice
Studies have shown that adding dark berries, such as blueberries or raspberries, to your diet can help decrease the risk of lung cancer. This is primarily attributed to anthocyanins that are present in berries, which also contain antioxidants that protect cells from free radical damage.
Ingredients:
- 2 apples, cored and chopped
- ¼ medium pineapple, peeled and chopped
- 1 cup raspberries
- 1-inch piece ginger root, peeled
Instructions:
- Process all of the ingredients through your juicer. Drink filtered or unfiltered.
- Enjoy within 15 minutes of juicing.
Pineapple Papaya Juice
Folate, vitamin B6, and vitamin B12 are some of the most important nutrients for respiratory health. They are necessary for maintaining healthy cardiac function, which helps the heart circulate blood throughout the body. These nutrients, which have been known to reduce allergy symptoms and asthma attacks, are found in oranges, papayas, and cantaloupe.
Ingredients:
- 5 sprigs fresh mint
- 1 pineapple, peeled and cubed
- 1 medium papaya, peeled and seeded
Instructions:
- Process all of the ingredients through your juicer. Drink filtered or unfiltered.
- Enjoy within 15 minutes of juicing.
Anti-Inflammatory Juice
You can never go wrong with anti-inflammatory ingredients, especially when it comes to the health of your lungs. This juice contains quercetin, which is a powerful antioxidant that has been known to reduce inflammation and fight early signs of aging.
Ingredients:
- 4 celery stalks
- ½ cucumber
- 1 cup pineapple, peeled and cubed
- ½ Granny Smith apple, cored and cubed
- 1 cup spinach
- 1 lemon, peeled
- 1-inch piece ginger root, peeled
Instructions:
- Process all of the ingredients through your juicer. Drink filtered or unfiltered.
- Enjoy within 15 minutes of juicing.
Vincent Stevens is the senior content writer at Dherbs. As a fitness and health and wellness enthusiast, he enjoys covering a variety of topics, including the latest health, fitness, beauty, and lifestyle trends. His goal is to inform people of different ways they can improve their overall health, which aligns with Dherbs’ core values. He received his bachelor’s degree in creative writing from the University of Redlands, graduating summa cum laude. He lives in Los Angeles, CA.
