Diet Foods for Respiratory Lung Problems

Lungs are paired, spongy organs that allow you to breathe. The term chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, or COPD, refers to numerous lung diseases, including emphysema, refractory asthma and chronic bronchitis. Other conditions that can affect your lungs include lung cancer, lung injuries and cystic fibrosis. Although these conditions vary in specifics, each can cause pain, exhaustion and breathing difficulty. In addition to medical treatments, a healthy diet geared toward respiratory health may help reduce your symptoms.

Fruits and Vegetables

Fruits and vegetables play an important role in most healthy diets, including those for improved lung health. As top sources of antioxidants, they strengthen your body's ability to fend off diseases and infections. Avoiding foods that trigger gas or bloating is important if you have COPD, according to the Cleveland Clinic, because a bloated abdomen can worsen breathing problems. Potentially gaseous fruits and vegetables include apples, melons, beans, onions, hot peppers, radishes and cruciferous vegetables, such as:

• broccoli
  
• cauliflower
  
• cabbage

Antioxidant-rich fruits and vegetables less likely to trigger gas include

• berries
  
• citrus fruits
  
• mango
  
• tomatoes
  
• leafy greens
  
• sweet potatoes
  
• bell peppers
  
• baked potatoes
  
• winter squash

Nuts and Seeds

Cold-Water Fish

Cold-water fish are valuable sources of protein, which promotes tissue repair and physical strength important for recovery, and omega-3 fatty acids. The UMMC recommends fish as a healthy alternative to red meat and regular omega-3 fat consumption for improved immune function and reduced inflammation. Fish particularly high in omega-3 fats include:

• salmon
  
• albacore tuna
  
• herring
  
• lake trout
  
• flounder
  
• sardines
  
• mackerel
  
• halibut

For best results, use low-fat cooking methods, such as

• baking
  
• broiling
  
• steaming
  
• grilling atop nonstick cooking spray or olive oil

Whole Grains

Whole grains contain all nutritious components of the grain. As a result, they provide more protein, fiber and antioxidants than refined grains, such as white flour. The Cleveland Clinic recommends that people with lung conditions consume fiber-rich foods, including whole grains 1. Whole grains also provide glucose -- your body's top food source of energy. Try replacing refined foods, such as:

• enriched breads
  
• pasta
  
• cereal
  
• snack foods
  
• with whole grains