- A diet rich in fruits and vegetables appears to be protective against the development of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), according to a study at the University of Southampton, in England. The study's participants were 266 smokers who had smoked at least 20 cigarettes per day for 10 years. It was found that just one or more tablespoons of vegetables per day, or one and a half pieces of fruit per day, could reduce their risk of developing COPD by nearly one-half.
- Apples and tomatoes may be the best choices for protecting your lungs against pollutants such as tobacco smoke and other airborne toxins. There are antioxidants and other nutrients in both of these "super foods" that can improve lung function, reduce wheezing and may help people who suffer from asthma breathe easier.
- All fruits and vegetables are rich in nutrients, and you should strive to eat five servings a day for lung health, as well as for the overall health of your body. Whole-grain cereals, breads and other products that increase fiber are thought to assist in lung health. People who eat large amounts of fresh fish, especially sushi, appear to have healthier lungs, according to one Japanese study. Soy foods such as tofu and soy milk are also purported to promote lung health.
- Calcitriol, a form of vitamin D-3 that is synthesized within the body, is an anti-inflammatory that may help protect lung function. Vitamin A can help heal the lungs, and eating carrots or drinking carrot juice is a excellent way to get this vitamin. And you can take Vitamins C and E in supplemental form if you don't always reach your goal of five servings of fruit and vegetables a day.
- While all these nutrients and vitamins may promote lung health and healing, the best thing you can do for your lungs is to avoid tobacco. If you do smoke, consider quitting. Though some of these foods and vitamins can assist in improving lung function and protection, even for smokers, the effects will be far more evident if you don't smoke.
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