Toxic lungs can lead to inflammation, coughing, and many other symptoms. If not cleaned, the condition will worsen. Here are the foods you should eat to reduce inflammation.
20 Foods to Cleanse the Lungs
Pneumonia is a very common illness that often occurs in winter and extends through spring. The temperature difference between indoors and outdoors during this time is relatively large, and poor air quality can lead to the onset of various diseases, including pneumonia.
For those suffering from pneumonia, improving your diet while on medication can help alleviate the condition and promote quicker recovery.
Here are some foods that are excellent for cleansing and detoxifying the lungs:
1. Pear
Rich in nutrients such as malic acid, citric acid, and carotene, pears help support lung cleansing.
Pears function well in supporting lung cleansing and contain many nutrients like malic acid, citric acid, carotene, vitamins B1, B2, C, etc. Therefore, consuming pears can improve the inflammation condition of pneumonia patients.
However, since pears are considered a cooling food, women suffering from pneumonia during their menstrual period should avoid eating pears. Instead, you can slice pears into water and cook them. For patients with pneumonia who have weak spleen and stomach, cooking pears is also a suitable method.
2. Cabbage
Cabbage is a great food for detoxification, phlegm elimination, and cough reduction…
Cabbage is an excellent food for detoxifying, clearing phlegm, and reducing cough, making it very suitable for pneumonia patients.
Due to its sweet taste, pneumonia patients can eat it raw, but it can also be prepared by boiling, stir-frying, or making soup…
Additionally, for pneumonia patients experiencing constipation, consuming more cabbage can have a laxative effect.
3. Walnuts
Walnuts have the effect of treating asthma and soothing the lungs or reducing cough.
Many people know that walnuts provide excellent nutrients for the brain, but we may not realize that they also have therapeutic effects for asthma and can soothe the lungs or reduce coughing.
Walnuts also help regulate liver function, improve blood circulation, and nourish the stomach. Therefore, pneumonia patients can consume a small amount of walnuts to help manage their condition, but should not eat too many to prevent obesity due to walnuts’ high nutritional content.
4. Honey
Pneumonia patients can consume a little honey to alleviate their symptoms.
Honey is also a great food for reducing lung disease symptoms; pneumonia patients can consume a bit of honey to alleviate their symptoms.
Since honey is sweet, if you are concerned about increasing sugar intake while undergoing treatment, patients can dilute honey in water. This method of consumption can also hydrate and supplement water better.
In summary, pneumonia patients looking to improve their symptoms through dietary supplements should consume a variety of foods that enhance lung and liver function. Avoid foods that are likely to irritate or cause heat, such as spicy foods.
5. Green Tea
Green tea is rich in antioxidants that can help reduce inflammation in the lungs. These compounds can even protect lung tissue from the harmful effects of inhaling smoke.
A study conducted with over 1,000 participants in South Korea reported that those who drank at least two cups of green tea daily had better lung function than those who did not.
6. Apples
An apple is nutrient-rich, high in fiber, and low in calories, making it a staple in nutritionists’ recommended foods. Flavonoids and various vitamins found in apples, especially vitamin C, help maintain a healthy immune and respiratory system. When we have healthy respiratory function, we can fight against lung diseases and prevent them.
Long-term research with 650 British and European participants showed that a diet rich in tomatoes and fruits, particularly apples, can speed up the healing of lungs damaged by smoking.
7. Olive Oil
The monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats and phytonutrients found in olive oil are excellent for skin, hair, heart, and especially the lungs. In fact, olive oil can help combat health risks associated with air pollution, such as high blood pressure and weakened blood vessels—factors that can reduce your oxygen supply, causing your heart to pump faster and leading to breathing difficulties.
“Olive oil is a healthy oil with antioxidant functions,” said Professor Norman H. Edelman, senior scientific advisor for the American Lung Association. “It helps combat the primary effects of pollutants, which are inflammation and harmful molecules that cause inflammation.”
8. Garlic
Garlic also has anti-inflammatory properties and reduces damage caused by free radicals. A study published in the journal Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers & Prevention showed that those who ate raw garlic were less likely to develop lung cancer compared to those who did not consume raw garlic. Furthermore, smokers who ate raw garlic had a 40% lower risk of lung cancer than smokers who did not consume raw garlic. However, this is not a substitute for quitting smoking. If you smoke, the best course of action is to quit.
9. Berries
Berries such as cherries and blueberries are among the most effective fruits for keeping your lungs healthy. The vitamin C, vitamin A, and various phytonutrients in blueberries function as powerful antioxidants that can help protect cells from damage caused by free radicals associated with diseases.
Studies have shown that antioxidants can inhibit tumor growth and reduce inflammation in the body, affecting the esophagus, lungs, mouth, throat, endometrium, pancreas, prostate, and colon cancer.
10. Sugarcane
Sugarcane contains many natural sweeteners that can help keep the throat moist.
According to Sohu, when mentioning sugarcane, people often think of its sweetness, but in reality, sugarcane has another miraculous effect of reducing cough and phlegm, which is very helpful for asthma. Sugarcane’s natural sweetness can help keep the throat moist. Additionally, sugarcane can help alleviate symptoms of dry mouth and throat.
Due to its high alkaline content, sugarcane can prevent cancer, particularly colon and lung cancer. This is also a lung-nourishing food that helps cleanse the lungs effectively.
11. Figs
Figs are not only food but also a precious medicine for the lungs.
Fig is not only a food but also a precious medicine for the lungs. According to modern medicine, figs are rich in malic acid and oxalic acid, which provide three main benefits for the human body: first, they can promote the stomach and intestines in digesting food; second, they play an anti-inflammatory and anti-swelling role; and third, they are beneficial for the respiratory system, helping to keep the throat and lungs warm and moist.
For this reason, figs are also dubbed the “vacuum cleaner” of the lungs. If used properly, figs not only support digestion but also nourish the lungs.
12. Pig Blood
Pig blood is like a “filter” that helps the body quickly eliminate harmful waste.
When mentioning blood, many people immediately think of food that is rich in iron and superior protein. However, this food also has the effect of combating dirt and waste accumulating in internal organs, particularly the intestines and lungs.
Modern medicine indicates that the protein in pig blood, after undergoing the digestion process with stomach acid, produces a substance that can disinfect the intestines. This substance can destroy biochemical reactions caused by metal particles and subsequently eliminate toxins through excretion.
It can be said that pig blood is a “filter” that helps the body quickly expel harmful waste, benefiting not only the lungs but many other organs as well. However, it is advisable not to eat raw blood; it should be thoroughly cooked before consumption. Especially, purchase blood from reputable shops and avoid consuming blood from sick pigs or blood that shows signs of spoilage.
13. Broccoli
Broccoli is a vegetable rich in vitamin C, folate, carotenoids, and phytochemicals, which help combat harmful factors in the lungs. Notably, this cruciferous vegetable contains a compound called L-sulforaphane, which helps cells switch to anti-inflammatory genes to prevent respiratory diseases.
14. Ginger
According to Indiatimes, ginger is one of the most widely used home remedies for coughs and colds around the world.
Ginger is known for its anti-inflammatory properties, helping to eliminate toxins from the respiratory tract. It is rich in vitamins and minerals, including potassium, magnesium, beta-carotene, and zinc. Some extracts from ginger are also known to kill lung cancer cells. The best way to boost immunity and fight seasonal flu is to drink ginger tea daily at home.
15. Grapefruit
Research indicates that the minerals and vitamins found in grapefruit are very effective in pushing back lung cancer cells while limiting the progression of the disease.
16. Pomegranate
Pomegranate is rich in antioxidants, making it very beneficial for health. Notably, the nutrients in pomegranate can slow the development of lung tumors in patients.
17. Grapes
Grapes also contain flavonoids and many essential vitamins and minerals that help enhance lung function. Regularly eating grapes can also help cleanse the lungs and expel toxins.
In summary, if you want to cleanse and maintain healthy lungs, cultivate the habit of exercising, avoid smoking, minimize exposure to polluted environments, and establish a scientific, reasonable diet with foods that are good for lung health.
18. Turmeric
Curcumin is especially beneficial for supporting lung function.
Curcumin is the main component of turmeric. This substance is particularly beneficial for supporting lung function due to its strong antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. In studies of smokers, scientists found that those with higher curcumin levels showed a 9.2% better recovery of lung function compared to others.
19. Parsley
The apigenin in parsley is a very effective anti-cancer agent.
According to Scientific Origin, parsley is one of the foods highest in apigenin. Many years ago, scientists discovered that apigenin is a very effective anti-cancer agent, especially against lung cancer. Therefore, experts recommend adding a spoonful of parsley to daily meals to reduce the risk of lung cancer.
20. Fish
Fish rich in omega-3 fatty acids help combat lung inflammation.
This food is particularly rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which help combat lung inflammation. Cold-water fatty fish such as salmon, mackerel, and herring are high in omega-3 fatty acids. The Journal of the American College of Nutrition published a study showing the relationship between omega-3 and respiratory health. Researchers found that a diet rich in omega-3 helps blood flow efficiently through the lungs, potentially preventing some respiratory inflammatory diseases.
