Lung-Healthy Food Types
While exposure to asbestos or hereditary asthma might not be avoidable, you have the power over what foods you eat. Shying away from high-calorie, fried foods can help you maintain your overall health while easing symptoms of lung disease.
- Healthy Fats Monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats don’t contain cholesterol and usually come from plant sources. These healthy fats can help manage blood pressure, reduce inflammation and improve your overall health, which can help you breathe easier.
Recommended- Nuts
- Eggs
- Olive oil
- Avocado
- Proteins Proteins help keep your body strong and can help your body produce immune system cells. You’ll want to eat a good source of protein at least twice per day to help strengthen your respiratory cells and make you stronger.
Recommended- Lean meats
- Eggs
- Beans
- Complex Carbs Complex carbohydrates are high in fiber, which can help regulate the digestive system and blood sugar levels. You’ll want to limit simple carbohydrates such as table sugar and candy, which can cause obesity and hypertension. Instead, opt for complex carbs such as those found in some produce and whole-grain bread and pasta, which can help provide fiber and energy.
Recommended- Whole-grain bread
- Pasta
- Fresh produce
- Fresh Produce Fresh fruits and vegetables include minerals, vitamins and fiber that help keep your body healthy and in shape. However, some produce is better for your lung health than others. Opt for berries, pineapples and grapes over apples, apricots and peaches, which can cause bloating.
Recommended- Low-FODMAP fruits, including:
- Berries
- Pineapples
- Grapes
- Non-starchy vegetables, including:
- Broccoli
- Peas
- Tomatoes
- Low-FODMAP fruits, including:
- Potassium Potassium can help reduce water retention, regulate blood pressure and improve digestion, so it’s important to have a healthy level of it to maintain good lung function. The most common source of potassium is bananas, but it’s also found in other produce items.
Recommended- Bananas
- Leafy greens
- Tomatoes
- Beets
