The lungs play an integral role in your overall health, absorbing oxygen from the environment and transferring it to the bloodstream. This fundamental process determines how well you are able to function in your everyday life.
Proper respiration, or the exchange of gas, affects the body’s pH balance, your speech pattern, blood circulation, immune system, your metabolism, and mobility. Nourishing you lungs with a proper diet can have some beneficial results especially if you suffer from lung and respiratory problems.
Given the importance of their function, it is our responsibility to care for the lungs properly. That means not inhaling any smoke or consuming any foods that are acid or mucus forming. Avoiding air pollutants, both indoors and outdoors, is also a great way to improve the health of the lungs. The best way to nourish the lungs and simultaneously protect them from airbone toxins is by consuming the right foods. In this article you’ll find some of the healthiest foods that have been proven to help you breathe better and improve your oxygen intake.
Water
It’s referred to as the elixir of life for a reason. Water, in its most natural and purest form, cleans, nourishes, and hydrates the body. The lungs also serve as a filtration system, absorbing oxygen and expelling carbon dioxide. Because of this, you must drink water throughout the day to clean and hydrate the lungs. Since toxins can cause your respiratory system to function improperly, it is essential obtain extra oxygen from water to keep them clean and healthy.
Ginger
This well-known anti-inflammatory food can help eliminate toxins and pollutants in the lungs. The inherent health properties help to establish a clean and alkaline environment in the lungs, assisting with mucus and acid reduction to help you breathe better.
Turmeric
A close cousin to ginger, turmeric is a root vegetable that has quite a few health benefits, from aiding in digestion to serving as a potent anti-inflammatory food. The active compound in turmeric is curcumin, which has been scientifically proven to cause death to cancer cells. This will help the body fight any long lasting lung-related illnesses.
Apples
Packed with vitamins C and E, this popular fruit has been known to help the lungs and respiratory system function better. Research conducted by John Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health has indicated that apples have a way of improving the lungs of former smokers. The high level of quercetin, an antioxidant and flavonoid, helps protect the lungs from harmful toxins and pollutants that are inhaled from the atmosphere. Eating just a few apples a week can positively affect the lungs and body overall.
Oranges
This vitamin C and B6-rich citrus helps the lungs transfer oxygen to the blood and throughout the body. The cleansing properties of orange also protect the lining of the lungs and bronchial tubes from harmful toxins and pollutants. Oranges can be a former smokers go to fruit since it helps to heal the lungs after they’ve been damaged from smoke inhalation.
Grapefruit
This fruit is a must have for anyone who is looking to cleanse their lungs, especially after smoking for a long period of time. It has a high amount of lycopene and narigin, both of which help detox the body of unhealthy cancer-causing enzymes. Three tall glasses of freshly squeezed grape fruit juice per day can put you on the right path to healthier lungs and better breathing as a result.
Carrots
Packed with vitamins A & C and lycopene, carrots have all the antioxidants that are necessary or optimal lung health. Carrots are also known for reducing a person’s risk of respiratory related diseases. Be like Bugs Bunny and start chomping on those carrots.
Nuts and Seeds
Nuts and seeds are naturally rich in protein and magnesium, which is a much-needed mineral that helps keep the lungs healthy. Magnesium has been known to help fight asthma symptoms. Nuts and seeds are also packed with healthy fatty acids that contribute to optimal cardiovascular function.
Cruciferous Vegetables
Vegetables such as cabbage, kale, Brussels sprouts, and broccoli are some of the most chlorophyll-rich foods, and chlorophyll is essential for healthy cells and respiratory function. The natural compounds in these cruciferous vegetables help reduce the risk of lung cancer for those who were long time smokers.
Garlic and Onions
If you can withstand the pungent smell and involuntary tears, these two vegetables make excellent additions to the list of foods that improve the respiratory system. Not only do they help reduce inflammation but they also help fight against bacteria, infections, and bad cholesterol. They are great cleansers for detoxing the lungs and respiratory system.
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.
