Certain foods support healthy lungs

barbara

Pioneer Founding member
The Leader News.com
May 7, 2020

Shana Tatum
By Shana Tatum RD, LD
I am hopeful all of The Leader’s readers are remaining healthy and beginning to consider the slow steps to re-enter some form of community life.
It has been an unusual experience for certain. With the CDC guidelines putting attention on prevention, my hope is that this redirects the conversation to the modifiable lifestyle factors that serve as a foundation to good health. Sleep, stress, movement and diet have been part of the discussions recently seen on social media. As a health professional that sings this mantra, keep engaging in these healthy behaviors.
Since the beginning of the year, these monthly nutrition features have focused on a specific part of the body and how key nutrients enhance function. There was an exception with last month’s article on immunity for COVID-19. Today’s report concerns the lungs.
Asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, also known as COPD, are two of the most common respiratory diseases. It has been shown that dietary modification positively affects the management of these conditions. Some of this evidence highlights the Mediterranean diet, one high in vegetables, fruits, fish, nuts and seeds as a way to improve symptoms. In addition to these foods, part of the diet’s benefit may be in the monounsaturated fat in olives and olive oil, a key feature of the diet. These studies show that while moderate in fat intake, the Mediterranean diet provides a protective effect on wheezing and asthma symptoms.
Contrast this to the typical westernized, standard American diet (SAD), which contributes to inflammation. This way of eating is high in refined grains and sugar and processed meat. It also is high in industrial seed oils used for foods like French fries as well as high-fat dairy. A diet high in these foods have been associated with higher rates of asthma in children and adults and COPD in adults. Overnutrition has also been correlated with negative effects in respiratory disease.
Fruits and vegetables specifically provide antioxidants that are lacking in the westernized diet. A few examples include:
Vitamin C – provides anti-inflammatory and anti-asthmatic effects as well as restoring damaged lung tissue in emphysema patients. Sources include broccoli, oranges, tomatoes, kiwi and red, orange and yellow bell peppers.
Vitamin E – the term Vitamin E refers to eight fat-soluble molecules called tocopherols. It is likely involved in strengthening parts of the cell-mediated immunity. It can be found in sunflower seeds, almonds, turnip greens, tomato paste and peanut butter.
Flavonoids and carotenoids – types of antioxidants and are found in red, blue and purple berries, white and green tea, chocolate, black beans and many herbs like parsley and thyme.
In addition to these nutrients, Omega 3 fatty acids from marine sources have been shown to reduce inflammation. One of the dangers reported with COVID-19 shows that once the immune system has reacted, that inflammation can be hard to reduce. It has been referred to as a cytokine storm. These long chain fatty acids help to reduce cytokines, a protein the body uses as a regulator and signaling system of immune coordination. Fatty fish such as salmon, sardines and anchovies can provide this protection. In addition, some plant foods provide sources of Omega 3, however the conversion to a useable form is not as efficient. Chia, hemp and flax seeds as well as walnuts are plant sources that can be consumed to support Omega 3 intake.
Nutrient-dense dietary intake has been correlated with improvement of respiratory conditions such as COPD and asthma. Following nutrition guidelines with a Mediterranean diet can bring great benefit not only for respiratory health, but overall wellness. Making steps to reduce reliance on processed and refined foods and sugar support improvement in many chronic conditions. Consider trying the recipe below to keep inflammation at bay and reap the benefit of good healthy fats and antioxidants.
 

jgp

Member
For FYI generic for dalieresp is in Canada called old name roflumilast at about $1 a pill also on ADC called Rofaday but stock out right now.
 

barbara

Pioneer Founding member
For FYI generic for dalieresp is in Canada called old name roflumilast at about $1 a pill also on ADC called Rofaday but stock out right now.
That's a good price. I used to take it but haven't for several years. It was great for knocking out my chronic bronchitis problem.
 
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