Our lungs play a vital role in the functioning of our body, so it is crucial to care for them. Increased exposure to air pollutants, microbes, and allergens can cause inflammation in the airways and lead to breathing trouble. These pollutants can also increase the risk of severe respiratory problems like asthma and chronic bronchitis. One way to keep the lungs healthy in the long term is to eat foods that help them function better. Apples Apples are packed with the antioxidant quercetin, which helps keep the lungs healthy. This red fruit also contains vitamin C, vitamin E, and flavonoids, which promote lung function. People who eat apples regularly have an improved lung capacity and experience a slower decline in lung functioning that occurs naturally with age. Peppers Vitamin C is an antioxidant that protects against certain lung diseases like asthma and lung cancer. This vitamin is abundant in red bell peppers, chili peppers, and cayenne peppers. Cayenne peppers, in particular, are also a great source of capsaicin and beta-carotene. One can add these peppers to salads or pasta to benefit from vitamin C and antioxidants. Beets This root vegetable is loaded with nitrates, a natural chemical that may support lung health.

Pulmonary fibrosis is a chronic and progressive lung condition that leads to scarring of the lungs. A build-up of these scar tissues impacts the ability of the lungs to transport oxygen into the bloodstream. Fortunately, there are certain foods that pulmonary fibrosis patients can have to manage their discomforting symptoms. Read on to learn more about the relationship between nutrition and pulmonary fibrosis and the best foods to include in daily meals. The connection between nutrition and pulmonary fibrosis Your lungs play a critical role in maintaining your immunity and functionality of the body at the cellular level. When lung function is compromised, it leads to a chronic state of stress in the body. This state of fight or flight may not allow your body to absorb nutrients properly and lead to malnourishment. Some studies, like the one in Therapeutics and Clinical Risk Management, have also found a connection between pulmonary fibrosis and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). GERD itself contributes to nutritional deficiencies and may lead to serious health concerns. Appropriate foods help the body in multiple ways and simplify living with pulmonary fibrosis. They help in: Optimizing your weight reduces the pressure on your lungs and makes breathing easier Keeping your immunity levels high Enhancing your energy levels In the long run, healthy foods improve your pulmonary fibrosis symptoms and determine how well you respond to its treatment.

Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is a chronic condition characterized by high blood pressure in the arteries that go from the heart to the lungs. One may also experience chest pain, shortness of breath during periods of activity, dizziness, and swelling in the ankles and legs. The condition causes the narrowing or blocking of the arteries in the lungs, making the heart work harder to pump blood. This leads to weakened heart muscles and heart failure. Nutrition tips Living with PAH can be difficult. Although there is no cure yet, doctors may recommend treatment plans to manage the condition better. These treatments can further be supplemented by following a healthy nutritional plan. So, here are some tips to help one manage PAH better: Reduce salt and sodium intake Cutting back on salt and sodium intake is often the first piece of advice for those when dealing with PAH. Those living with PAH must limit their sodium intake to less than 2,000 milligrams a day. This is because excess sodium increases water retention in the body, making the heart work harder to pump blood, worsening the symptoms of PAH. Salt is a common additive in baking mixes, pickled foods, deli meats, frozen dinners, cheese, milk, canned vegetables, condiments, and sauces.