Everyday we are exposed to harmful toxins that may negatively impact our lung health, such as air pollution, second-hand smoke, and chemicals in cleaning or beauty products. A diet high in inflammatory foods can also contribute to poor lung health and put you at greater risk of respiratory infections, such as COVID-19 and the flu. These risks are significantly higher for people with respiratory conditions such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and pulmonary fibrosis. Following a diet rich in anti-inflammatory foods can help protect your lungs and reduce lung damage and risk of disease. Here are our top foods for lung health.
Turmeric
Turmeric has been used for thousands of years in traditional Indian medicine and is growing in popularity due to its powerful anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. It contains a compound called curcumin that helps fight inflammation by suppressing molecules that are involved in the inflammatory response. Research suggests curcumin may help improve lung function in COPD and according to one study, smokers who consumed a high intake of curcmin had significantly better lung function than those who didn't.
However, turmeric needs to be consumed in large quantities in order to take advantage of its benefits. Our high strength turmeric supplement can provide you with the required quantities of curcumin for better lung health.
Tomatoes
Tomatoes are rich in lycopene, an antioxidant that is known to improve lung health by reducing damage from harmful free radicals. These highly reactive molecules are produced when the body is exposed to toxins and can cause damage to cells and contribute to inflammation in the lungs. Research shows a diet high in tomato products reduces airway inflammation in people with asthma and improves overall lung function.
Omega–3s
Omega-3s are extremely efficient at reducing inflammation as they help reduce the production of inflammatory molecules. Consuming a diet high in fish can help ensure you are receiving plenty of these helpful fatty acids and has been shown to help reduce asthma symptoms.
If you struggle to get enough fish in your diet, try our omega-3 fish oil supplement to help fight inflammation.
Peppers
Peppers contain high levels of vitamin C, a strong antioxidant that helps protect the lungs from damage. Evidence suggests that vitamin C is especially important for smokers, and that those who smoke and have high vitamin C intake have better lung function than smokers who have a low intake.
Our vitamin C tablets can help ensure you are getting enough vitamin C in your diet and also contain turmeric, another ingredient to help protect your lungs from oxidative stress and inflammation.
Blueberries
Blueberries are known as a superfood for a reason. They are packed full of essential nutrients and have strong antioxidant properties that make them powerful inflammation fighters. Multiple studies have linked blueberry consumption to better lung health. One study in particular found that two or more servings of blueberries per week slowed lung function decline in veterans by up to 38%.
Beetroot
Beetroot is another super food that has significant health benefits, mostly due to its high levels of nitrates. These are believed to help relax blood vessels, reduce blood pressure, and optimise oxygen uptake, all of which improve lung function. Research has shown that beetroot juice can improve lung health in people with lung conditions, such as COPD.