Foods that Help the Lungs

Personally I always try to include garlic, fresh root ginger, chilli, fresh herbs in my daily intake, sometimes not all but at least 3 of these each day. Chilli and curries are well known to help the respiratory system and garlic and ginger are well known in boosting the immune system. There is lots of encouraging information about these foods which can be found by doing a little research. Broccoli is another, apples, walnuts, many foods are natures natural medicines and help the body achieve is good working potential.

[i:94b34f0911]Below is information taken from a Health Food Guide on Lung Health, with some information added from my own personal experiences, which I hope you will find both encouraging and helpful:[/i:94b34f0911]

In today's health conscious world, proper care is taken to decide what foods to eat for lung health. We all know that lungs help us in breathing. Even this simple act requires a lot of energy from our body. If we don't eat well and don't take healthy food, our body will find it difficult to provide that kind of energy for breathing as well as for all its other daily functions. Proper nourishing food should be taken in the right quantity for better health of lungs as this effects the body's metabolism and even the amount of carbon dioxide produced by digestion whose excess can make you feel weak and fatigued.

For good lung health, we must take a nourishing diet. Unfortunately there is no food or food group that has all the nutrients required by the body. In a way it is good because it allows us to enjoy a variety of foods to meet the requirements. Therefore it is essential to combine three or four food groups in every meal. You can even have some healthy food snacks if you want.

Let us see some dos and don'ts about the foods eaten for lung health.

* Enjoying a variety of foods is a must. This will ensure proper nourishment for the body

* We all know that fruits and vegetables are very rich in nutrients. So it is important to include a generous serving of fruits and vegetables in your daily meal.

* Have plenty of cereals, breads and other grain products. This increases the fibre that is required by the body. [i:94b34f0911](some people are unable to tolerate all of these foods so recommended dietary alternatives may be required, see your GP, dietician or health food advisor)[/i:94b34f0911]

* Avoid oily and greasy foods and take low-fat dairy products. The foods high in calories will only harm the lungs.

[i:94b34f0911](Oily fish such as sardines, mackerel, salmon are recommend to eat 2-3 times a week)[/i:94b34f0911]

* It is better to have lean proteins such as eggs, fish, white meat chicken and turkey etc. Consuming lean meats reduce the intake of calories by us

* Excess of salt is very bad for lungs as well as the overall health. Limit the amount of salt consumed.

* Limit your intake of caffeine and alcohol. These foods are very addictive and are very bad for the lungs [i:94b34f0911]especially so in excess[/i:94b34f0911].

* Drink at least 6-8 glasses of water or other healthy beverages everyday. Its good for lungs and it also flushes out toxins from your body

* Don't go for carbonated and sugary beverages. The foods with added sugar and refined starches such as cakes and candies should be avoided

* Don't combine beverages along with you meals. Having them along with the meal increases the pressure on the diaphragm

* Avoid chewing gums as the air swallowed by us when we chew it causes bloating and gas

Besides having healthy eating habits it is also important to have healthy living style. You must be physically active and follow a regular exercise routine and maintain an ideal weight.

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[b:94b34f0911]

Attention Smokers![/b:94b34f0911]

The first and most important thing every smoker should do is to Detox your Lungs.Your lungs can go from black and clogged to pink and healthy in under a year by following this program.

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An overweight person carries extra weight around his stomach or the upper part of the body. It makes breathing difficult and puts strain on the lungs as well as on the heart. In the same way an underweight person will also face problems, as he will feel weaker and more tired easily. Therefore, try and maintain an ideal weight and take care about the best foods to eat for lung health and enjoy a long and healthy life.

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[b:94b34f0911]Some people with COPD have difficulty maintain weight. [/b:94b34f0911]

For these people it is recommended that eating 5 smaller meals a day is better than 3 main meals, a larger quantity of food can have a tendency to occupy breathing space and diaphragm muscle manoeuvreability.

If you are underweight do speak with your doctor about obtaining a prescription for fortisip to take in addition to your normal daily food consumption. Fortisip is similar to a milk shake which is fortified with vitamin and minerals as well as providing protein and carbohydrates.

An alternative to Fortisip would be to include something like complan which can be mixed with fruit juice or oat, soya, rice or cows milk, or there is the more expensive protein drinks that athletes take.

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[b:94b34f0911]When you are feeling unwell[/b:94b34f0911] it is important to try and take in the necessary nutrients each day, at times that you do not feel well enough to spend too much energy preparing food or even eating it, you may want to stock your cupboards with fruit and vegetable drinks as well as complan.

For those watching their weight may want to stock up with meal replacement drinks at these times of feeling unwell.

All these nutritional dietary aids / drinks are not recommended to be used as an alternative to eating fresh foods when you are feeling well enough.

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