Foods containing healthy fats, proteins and complex carbohydrates such as fruits and vegetables can promote lung health.
Healthy fats
Fat is an indispensable part of the diet. They participate in many processes of building body structures such as cell membranes, vision, bones, immune system, brain… Fats are beneficial or harmful depending on the type and amount used.
Everyone should add omega-3 fatty acids such as fatty fish, nuts, and walnuts to their diet. These healthy fats help reduce airway inflammation, promote better lung function, and reduce the risk of diseases like asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
Protein
Protein helps keep respiratory muscles healthy and improves lung function. They are beneficial for damaged tissues, synthesizing substances that strengthen the immune system. People with pneumonia should increase their protein supply to help speed up the body’s recovery process.
According to recommendations from US health authorities, on average a person needs 0.8 g of protein per kg of body weight. This is the minimum amount of protein the body needs to avoid getting sick. To determine your daily protein intake, you can multiply your body weight (kg) by 0.36 or use an online protein calculator. For example, a 50-year-old woman who weighs 63 kg and is sedentary needs to eat 53 g of protein a day. Protein-rich foods include seafood, meat, poultry, eggs, nuts, soy products…
Complex carbohydrates
Carbohydrates (carbs) include starch, sugar and fiber, which are fuel for metabolic processes, energy generation, digestive function and many other important activities in the body. There are two types: simple carbs and complex carbs. Simple carbs often contain little or no fiber or protein. Eating simple carbs alone raises blood sugar levels more than complex carbs because they are digested quickly.
People who follow a low-carb diet have a reduced risk of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Everyone should choose complex carbs. Whole grains, legumes, vegetables, and fruits are rich in these nutrients.
Vitamin
Fruits and vegetables contain lots of vitamins A, C, B, D, E that are good for the lungs. Having enough vitamin D in the body contributes to reducing the possibility of lung infections and improving asthma symptoms. This vitamin prevents COPD and helps people with the disease improve their health quality. Vitamin C helps strengthen the body’s immunity against viral and bacterial infections such as pneumonia and other respiratory diseases. Vitamins A and E prevent lung infections and participate in the natural repair process of lung tissue.
Kali
Hypokalemia (low potassium levels) is common in people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. To have a healthy respiratory system, each person should maintain stable potassium levels. Food sources rich in potassium are bananas, avocados, milk, beans and salmon.