Home - health,Diets & Meal Plans - Top 9 Foods For Healthy Lungs
Top 9 foods for healthy lungs

Top 9 foods for healthy lungs

Life isn’t fun when one can’t breathe properly. Years of unhealthy lifestyle habits and other factors can seriously affect the functions of the lungs, resulting in asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), pulmonary fibrosis, and other respiratory diseases that decrease quality of life. Fortunately, one can manage these diseases and even prevent them altogether by incorporating certain foods into their meal plans. Here are some foods that can boost lung health:

Beetroots
When it comes to the health of the vital organ, beetroot and even its leaves are among the best foods anyone can have. That’s mainly because both beetroot and beet greens are rich in nitrates, which help relax blood vessels, reduce blood pressure, and optimize oxygen uptake. Beet greens are full of nutrients essential to lung functions, such as vitamin C, potassium, magnesium, and carotenoid antioxidants. To benefit from beets, add them to salads or make beet juice.

Turmeric
This yellow spice has been used for centuries to treat various ailments. Curcumin, the main component in turmeric, is behind all the health benefits. Its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial characteristics can make turmeric extremely useful for improving lung function and aiding in conditions such as asthma, COPD, and pulmonary fibrosis. Turmeric can be used in a powdered form and added to smoothies, salads, stir-fry recipes, and curries.

Walnuts
These nuts are beneficial for the lungs for two main reasons. First, they are an excellent source of magnesium, an important electrolyte that helps to support the lung muscles. Second, walnuts are the best plant-based source of omega-3 fatty acids. Omega-3s are healthy fats with anti-inflammatory effects that can help decrease lung inflammation and make breathing easier. Munching on a handful of walnuts every day can help combat asthma, COPD, and other respiratory conditions.

Tomatoes
Tomatoes have copious amounts of lycopene. This carotenoid antioxidant gives tomatoes their bright color and has been linked to improved lung function. Studies show that lycopene can reduce airway inflammation, easing breathing problems in people with asthma. It may also protect against lung cancer. Tomatoes can be eaten raw, but it’s been found that the body absorbs lycopene from them better when they are cooked.

Peppers
Green and red bell peppers contain high amounts of vitamin C than the popular citrus fruit, orange. Vitamin C is a water-soluble nutrient that functions as an antioxidant in the body and keeps lung diseases like asthma, COPD, and lung cancer at bay. Peppers are also rich in capsaicin, a compound that protects mucous membranes in the lungs by stimulating healthy secretions. Make sure to add peppers to salads, stir-fry, or pasta dishes.

Quinoa
Quinoa is a whole grain and one of the most nutritious sources of complex carbohydrates and fiber. These nutrients help regulate the digestive system and blood glucose levels. Quinoa also makes an excellent substitute for simple carbohydrates like white rice or white bread, which can cause hypertension, impacting breathing. The whole grain also contains a wealth of other nutrients that promote lung health and protect against cellular damage.

Green tea
Green tea is among the healthiest beverages. A cup of green tea is brimming with potent antioxidants such as epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) and quercetin. EGCG may inhibit scarring of lung tissues or pulmonary fibrosis and even protect against lung cancer. Quercetin, on the other hand, acts like a natural antihistamine and slows down the release of the chemical histamine in the body, curtailing inflammation and irritation in the lungs.

Apples
Apples are loaded with phytonutrient quercetin. Eating five or more apples per week has been linked to improved lung function and a decreased risk of COPD. This fruit may also lower the risk of developing asthma and lung cancer, thanks to the high concentration of antioxidants such as flavonoids and vitamin C.

Garlic
The main active component in garlic, allicin, has strong anti-inflammatory properties and helps the lungs function better. It curbs damage caused by free radicals and reduces the risk of infections and inflammation that can lead to respiratory illnesses like asthma and bronchitis and serious conditions like lung cancer. To reap maximum benefits from garlic, have them raw. If that’s difficult, include them in a wide variety of recipes.

While these foods can soothe various respiratory problems, doctors may prescribe treatments to relieve specific conditions. These treatment options may include:

Tezepelumab
Tezepelumab is prescribed for the treatment of severe asthma. It works by blocking thymic stromal lymphopoietin, a molecule that contributes to airway inflammation. Tezepelumab is commonly available in the form of injection and is usually taken once every four weeks.

FASENRA®
FASENRA® (benralizumab) is an FDA-approved treatment option for severe asthma. It reduces the levels of eosinophils, a type of white blood cell that may contribute to the disease.

ZYRTEC®
ZYRTEC® (cetirizine) is used to treat allergy symptoms, such as sneezing, itching, watery nose, and runny nose. It’s an antihistamine, meaning it’s made to reduce the effects of histamine, a chemical found in the body.

Nucala
Nucala (mepolizumab), another treatment option for asthma, also works by targeting eosinophils. It can prevent severe asthma attacks, improve breathing, and reduce dependency on other treatment options.

XOLAIR®
XOLAIR® (omalizumab) is used to treat moderate to severe, persistent asthma that is caused by allergies. It’s available in the form of an injection. XOLAIR® may also be prescribed to those with nasal polyps and chronic hives.

Latest Articles

5 smart ways of using tablet computers
Tablets

5 smart ways of using tablet computers

You see tablet computers everywhere. More and more people are now moving toward tablets in offices, coffee shops, homes, and even schools. This is because they offer more power and uses than a smartphone and better portability than a desktop or even a laptop. Tablets have many more uses than simply checking your emails or browsing social media. Here are some interesting ways to find more uses for your tablet computer: Second screen Some people like to work on two screens at a time due to the demand of their work. This also enhances productivity and cuts down on time. It is easy to mirror your Android to another Android or even a computer. To use your tablet as an extended display, you need to install an application on your computer and connect the tablet to it using a USB cable or Wi-Fi. Some of the best app options to do this include Spacedesk, Google Remote Desktop, iDisplay, Duet Display, etc. As a remote to control electronics Tablet computers can be easily used to control your electronics. A tablet is larger than a remote and much easier to find and operate with better features. You can control your PC and television with it. It can also dim your home lights, open your garage door, and operate your smart fridge and washing machine. For instance, if you have a Sony Smart TV, you can use the TV Sideview application for your Apple and Android systems. E-Reader If you are an avid reader and have an old tablet, you don’t need to purchase a new e-reader. Your tablet can easily be used as an e-reader to browse your favorite books, magazines, comic strips, and even news applications. Since tablet screens have more glare, we suggest getting an anti-glare film on the screen.
Ignore these 8 foods when diagnosed with hyperkalemia
health

Ignore these 8 foods when diagnosed with hyperkalemia

Potassium is an essential nutrient that allows your body to function optimally. A meal plan rich in potassium allows proper nerve function and regulates your heartbeat. However, certain conditions such as kidney diseases and consuming food rich in potassium excessively may increase its levels in your bloodstream leading to a condition known as hyperkalemia . Let’s look at foods you should limit to keep your potassium within normal levels. Bananas The first food that comes to mind when people think of potassium sources is bananas. One medium-sized banana contains almost 422 mg of potassium. Though it would take a lot of bananas to cause an overdose of potassium, if you are also eating other foods rich in potassium, it will lead to excessive potassium levels in your blood, which in turn, will trigger hyperkalemia . Tomato Sauce and Paste Raw tomatoes contain a decent amount of potassium. One medium tomato has about 292 mg of potassium. Concentrated forms of tomatoes, such as sauces, salsa, paste, puree, etc., contain even higher amounts of potassium. For instance, a small cup of tomato sauce contains almost 728 mg potassium. So, it is advised to skip tomato sauce and opt for alternatives such as basil or roasted red peppers. Milk If you have been advised a low potassium meal plan, you must avoid milk or at least its consumption needs to be reduced. A cup of whole milk contains around 350 mg of potassium. The lower the amount of fat in milk, the higher the potassium content. While you may have a small serving of milk daily, it should not exceed 300 ml. It means avoiding milk and dairy products such as buttermilk, yogurt, milk-based sweets, ice creams, and other desserts. Oranges and Orange Juice Oranges have a very high potassium content and are best avoided if diagnosed with hyperkalemia .
7 mistakes to avoid when buying a new computer
Tech

7 mistakes to avoid when buying a new computer

With all the options of computer brands available in the market today, you might think it is effortless to pick up one. However, with so many choices, it can get tricky as buying a computer is a hefty, long-term investment. That’s why you should be aware of some common buying mistakes people would make while purchasing this device. And so, here are a few things to avoid before you invest in a computer : Buying without knowing your needs Never buy a computer just because everyone is buying it or there’s a lot of hype around it. While you may want to prioritize aesthetics and popularity, you need to identify your need for a computer and its software . Make a list of all the features that you would need and get the computer configured accordingly. Unfamiliar with different software programs Not knowing the right software may cost you heavily. Purchasing expensive software with a long list of features may not be the best thing to do if half of these features don’t even apply to your work. Next, know how to install and use the software. You also need to know if the software is protected against bugs with an antivirus program and consider the after-sale service of the software. Not considering different operating systems There are four primary operating systems you should know – Microsoft, Apple, Google, and Linux. While technology has made it easier to switch between these operating systems, you may often find one or more applications not working on alternative systems. So, if you have an expensive software installed, check with your developer if it will be compatible with the OS you plan to get. Not accounting for other computer costs A common mistake made by many while purchasing a computer is not accounting for other costs that are part of the bundle.