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Breathe. The top foods for your Respiratory System.



Nutritional therapy is recognised as a complementary medicine based in the application of nutrition science to support and promote health. It is appropriate for individuals with chronic conditions, as well as those seeking to enhance their health and sense of wellbeing via a personalised nutrition plan.

The respiratory system is composed mainly of the trachea, throat, lungs and nose. Its primary function is to inhale fresh oxygen into the lungs and exhale old air in the form of carbon dioxide.

Unfortunately, sometimes things such as air pollutants, sinus infections, microbes and allergies can cause inflammation in the airways and lungs making harder to breathe.

Being active, not smoking, and avoiding pollution are some ways to improve breathing and support lung health. But did you know that certain foods can help as well?

1. According to data published in the American Journal of Physiology, a diet rich in antioxidants may improve lung function and protect against the progression of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) (1). Flavonoids in blueberries, strawberries, cherries, blackberries, grapes, radishes and blackcurrants are a good example.

2. Green, red and orange vegetables are rich in carotenoids. Carotenoid-rich foods such as carrots, tomatoes, pumpkin, squash, tangerines and sweet potatoesmay have a protective effect against lung cancer. A recent review of eighteen prospective studies found a positive correlation between reduced lung cancer risk and higher concentrations of several carotenoids and retinol in the blood (2).

3. Green tea contains catechin, a potent anti-inflammatory compound with therapeutic potential. Its consumption may have positive effects in pulmonary conditions such as bronchitis, asthma and emphysema (3).

4. Vitamin E has shown to boosts antioxidant defence, protect cell membrane and enhance immune function. It may lower the risk of contracting upper respiratory tract infections, especially the common cold. Excellent sources are avocados, raw seeds and nuts such as almonds, walnuts, Brazil nuts, sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds and flaxseed (4).

5. Honey has had a remarkable place in traditional medicine for centuries. It has been reported to contain about 200 healing substances that work together to provide a synergistic antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and antibacterial effect.It has been shown to aid common lung and chest infections, as well as those caused by chronic diseases such as cystic fibrosis, and pneumonia (5).

6. Zinc has shown to supports the immune system and may be beneficial reducing the duration and severity of symptoms of the common cold (6). Oysters, spinach, pumpkin seeds, beans, cashews and wheat germ are excellent sources.

7. Allicin, a substance found in garlic, has proven a variety of antimicrobial activities and it is commonly used in naturopathic medicine as an antiviral, antifungal and antiparasitic agent. To benefit from its therapeutic effect, it must be consumed raw or as a supplement(7).

What we put on our plates can dramatically affect our health. The above is just an example of some of the foods that have shown to strength the respiratory system, helping us to fight infections and reduce inflammation. Introducing them daily in your diet can help you to promote an optimal respiratory health.

Danny Johnson’s approach to personal training and rehabilitation is grounded in the way nature designed our bodies to operate. His unique and individually designed programs, will help you to recognize and provide you with the tools to incorporate nature’s design back into your lifestyle, so your body can work out, feed, rest and repair better, as it was designed to.

You can find out more about our approach to nutrition here, or get in touch for a quick chat about how we can help with a full, holistic approach here

References

1.Rossman, Matthew J. et al. “Oral Antioxidants Improve Leg Blood Flow during Exercise in Patients with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease.” American Journal of Physiology - Heart and Circulatory Physiology309.5 (2015): H977–H985. PMC. Web. 15 Mar. 2017.

2.. Abar, Leila et al. “Blood Concentrations of Carotenoids and Retinol and Lung Cancer Risk: An Update of the WCRF–AICR Systematic Review of Published Prospective Studies.” Cancer Medicine 5.8 (2016): 2069–2083. PMC. Web. 15 Mar. 2017.

3. Massimo Donà et al. "Neutrophil Restraint by Green Tea: Inhibition of Inflammation, Associated Angiogenesis, and Pulmonary Fibrosis” The Journal of Immunology 170.8 (2003): 4335-4341; DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.170.8.4335

4. Hanson, Corrine et al. “Serum Tocopherol Levels and Vitamin E Intake Are Associated with Lung Function in the Normative Aging Study.” Clinical nutrition(Edinburgh, Scotland) 35.1 (2016): 169–174. PMC. Web. 15 Mar. 2017.

5.Eteraf-Oskouei, Tahereh, and Moslem Najafi. “Traditional and Modern Uses of Natural Honey in Human Diseases: A Review.” Iranian Journal of Basic Medical Sciences16.6 (2013): 731–742. PMC. Web. 16 Mar. 2017.

6. Hulisz Dl. Efficacy of zinc against common cold viruses: an overview Journal of the American Pharmacy Association 44(5)(2003):594-603. PMC. Web. 15 Mar. 2017.

7.Farrell Frankel, et al. Health Functionality of Organosulfides: A Review. 19:3(2016)International Journal of Food Properties, 537-548. PMC. Web. 15 Mar. 2017.

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