Wellness Joy

Lung Health During Covid

In this pandemic, it’s very essential to keep your lungs healthy. This time of uncertainty where this disease is causing long-term or permanent damage to the lungs is something that will be studied for years to come. 

While there is still much to learn about recovering from COVID-19. Your path to recovery will be unique, depending on your overall health, the treatment provided, and any co-existing conditions.

It becomes essential to recommit to good health practices that keep your lungs functioning at their best, including eating healthy food, doing breathing exercises, getting adequate rest, and avoiding exposure to smoke and air pollution. 

Strengthen Lungs Naturally

A holistic approach with lifestyle modifications, including natural remedies, Ayurveda herbs, and daily exercise can help protect your lungs and even reduce lung damage and symptoms of the disease.

Some specific nutrients and foods along with herbs have been identified to be particularly beneficial for lung function.

Foods & Herbs That May Help Boost Lung Function

Beetroot

Beetroot and beet greens are rich in nitrates, which have been shown to benefit lung function. Nitrates help relax blood vessels, reduce blood pressure, and optimize oxygen uptake.

Additionally, beet greens are packed with magnesium, potassium, vitamin C, and carotenoid antioxidants — all of which are essential to lung health.

You must include Super Beets Energy with Beetroot Juice

Beetroot Juice Recipe for Detoxification
This amazing beetroot juice recipe not only quenches your thirst but also helps in weight loss and detoxification. 

Whole Grain Plant Based Diet

They’re all high in fiber, which is great for your lungs. Research suggests people who eat more fiber have lungs that work better than those who don’t eat much fiber. 

1. Include whole grains for breakfast. Start with oatmeal, quinoa, buckwheat, or barley. Add some nuts or seeds along with fresh fruit.
2. Whole Grains in your main meals. Include barley, brown rice, teff, millet, wild rice, quinoa, amaranth, steel cut and rolled oats, whole wheat
3. Legumes like beans, black beans, black-eyed peas, chickpeas, Bengal gram fava beans, kidney beans, soybeans, green beans, peas, mung beans, lentils, lima beans, pinto beans, horse gram. 

Checkout: Whole Grain Plant Based Diet: A Beginner’s Guide

Raw Juice Therapy 

A plant based diet which nourishes, naturally cleanses our body, and detoxifies it. It’s a holistic way for a healthy lifestyle. Learn > Raw Juice Therapy is a Nature Cure for Holistic Health

Microgreens

Microgreens are your Daily Dose of Nutrition. Add these young green shoots of herbs and vegetables to your smoothies, sandwiches, wraps and salads. Include 

Microgreens Daily Dose of Nutrition to Boost Immunity

Wheatgrass juice is a popular example of a juiced microgreen.

Tomatoes Linked to Lung Health

Tomatoes are the richest source of lycopene, which is linked to lung health. Eating tomatoes and tomato products like tomato juice can improve airway inflammation if you have asthma and may lower your chance of death if you have chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Lycopene is also tied to less decline in lung function for young adults. These benefits are even more pronounced for people who used to smoke.

Turmeric

Turmeric promotes overall health due to its potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects.
Curcumin, the main active component in turmeric, may be especially beneficial for supporting lung function.
Lakadong Turmeric Super Spice comes with Highest Curcumin. It has a bright, golden yellow hue that can only come from the high curcumin content packed with many medicinal properties.

Walnuts

Walnuts are a great source of omega-3 fatty acids. Eating a handful of them can help fight asthma and other respiratory conditions. Omega-3 fatty acids are thought to be anti-inflammatory nutrients with protective effects in inflammatory ailments.

Garlic

Garlic comprises flavonoids that stimulate the production of glutathione, which helps enhance the elimination of toxins and carcinogens, further helping your lungs to function better.

Yogurt

Yogurt is rich in calcium, potassium, phosphorus, and selenium. According to research, these nutrients may help boost lung function and protect against COPD risk.

Coffee

In addition to boosting your energy levels, coffee is packed with caffeine and antioxidants, which may be beneficial for lung health.

A review of 15 studies found that long-term coffee intake was associated with positive effects on lung function and a reduced risk of asthma. (Reference)

Barley

Barley is an excellent source of dietary fiber, but also contains other essential minerals, including magnesium, manganese, and selenium. High fiber diets rich in whole grains have been shown to have a protective effect on lung function and may reduce the risk of mortality from lung-related diseases.

Learn the 6 Potential Benefits of Barley Water & It’s Recipe for Good Health

Cocoa

Cocoa and cacao products like dark chocolate are high in flavonoid antioxidants and contain a compound called theobromine, which helps relax the airways in the lungs. (refer source)

Herbs to Boost Lung Health

5 Incredible Herbs To Boost Lung Power are Astragalus, Pippali, Licorice, Kalmegh, VasakaThese herbal compounds are valuable to Alleviate chest and nasal congestion, Soothe irritated throat and air passages, Ease the symptoms such as coughing, sneezing and swollen lymph, Work as a potent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant. Learn More

Ayurvedic Herbal Drinks

According to the holistic science of Ayurveda, adding certain foods to the diet will support normal respiratory functions in the body. Have these herbal drinks to uplift your lung health.

Turmeric Shot

Consuming turmeric drink on a daily basis aids in lessening the inflammation in the air passage. The goodness of active compound curcumin in turmeric supports in cleansing the lungs naturally and flushes toxins out of the system, thus strengthening the immune response. Have this drink with milk or water to keep infections at bay.

Peppermint Tea

Mint is a time-tested natural cure to treat respiratory problems. The wealth of medicinal compounds in peppermint tea can cure sore throat by clearing the mucus and lessen inflammation caused due to lung infections.

Ginger Tea

Ginger tea is greatly prized for its potent anti-inflammatory properties that cures common coughs and colds, which aids in clearing toxins from the respiratory tract. Laden with potassium, magnesium, and zinc consuming ginger tea can build a robust immune system and combat seasonal flu and infections.

Cardamom Shot

Have this aromatic, stimulating, and refreshing drink to improve lung health and kindle digestive fire.

Breathing The Right Way Matters

Breathing in the right way maintains healthy levels of oxygen and carbon dioxide in your blood. You can learn how to pace your inhales and exhales to relax and manage anxiety too.

Covid-19 Home Breathing Exercises To Improve Lung Capacity And Health

Conclusion

Consuming a diet high in fibre and super nutritious foods, along with beverages, herbs and breathing exercises is a smart way to support and protect lung health.

Try incorporating a few of the foods, herbs and beverages listed above into your diet to help support the health of your lungs.