Common food items and lifestyle choices to boost your lung health
The type of food we eat is vital to our overall health in a number of ways, including how healthy our lungs are.
Our diet is important to keep us strong and healthy overall and this includes our lungs. The type of food we consume is important for this, as some studies suggest certain types of food are linked to poorer lung health.
A 2007 study suggested cured meat was "associated independently with an obstructive pattern of lung function and increased odds of COPD." COPD - chronic obstructive pulmonary disease - is the same of a group of conditions that can cause people problems with their breathing.
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Lung strength is important for our overall health (Getty Images)So many play a part in our lung health and people should be careful to not just rely on a healthy diet. So, what are some of the unusual ways we can look after our lungs?
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Coffee
Coffee isn't always hailed as the best and healthiest drink for people to indulge in due to the quantities of caffeine found in it, but Healthline says caffeine and antioxidants "may be beneficial for lung health."
Tea can help relieve stress and reduce heart disease risk (stock photo) (Getty Images)Caffeine acts as a 'vasodilator,' according to the health experts. This means blood vessels are dilated and blood can flow more easily, allowing for easier breathing.
"The foods you eat provide your body with nutrients like carbohydrates, fats and proteins," the American Lung Association said. "Eating a diet with less carbohydrates and more fat may help you breathe easier. When your body metabolises carbohydrates, it produces more carbon dioxide for the amount of oxygen used. When your body metabolises fat, it produces the least."
Fruit and vegetables
Some fruits contain antioxidants we need (Getty Images)Fruits and vegetables like tomatoes, pumpkins and apples could all be beneficial to our lung health, according to Healthline. Essentially, foods that contain antioxidants can help prevent inflammatory reactions to harmful things like pathogens, enabling easier breathing.
HP Bharathi, Deputy Chief Medical Officer at Jindal Naturecure Institute, told the Hindustan Times: "Eating a healthy diet rich in fruit and vegetables provides essential nutrients and antioxidants that help keep your lungs healthy."
Conversely, products like alcohol can affect lung cells and worsen asthma symptoms. You are more likely to get lung problems if you drink too much.
Avoid the booze for better lung health (Getty Images)People may also want to avoid foods that are high in salt and sugary drinks.
Turmeric
Turmeric is widely used in cooking and is a key ingredient in curry. In 2019, a study found that the intake of curcumin, found in turmeric, is linked to better lung function.
Curcumin in smokers "was associated with 9.2 percent greater lung function compared with smokers who did not consume curcumin," Healthline said.
Exercise
Not so unusual, but exercise is important for our overall health and for strengthening our lungs. Around 30 minutes of moderate physical activity around five days a week is ideal, but any major changes to your exercise routine should be discussed with a doctor first
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The American Lung Association said: "Exercise has lots of benefits for everyone, whether you are young or old, slender or large, able-bodied or living with a chronic illness or disability. Physical activity can reduce your risk of serious illness, including heart disease, stroke, diabetes and some forms of cancer, including lung cancer."
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