As seasons change, so does the body’s ability to fight off infections which indicates that one should try and have seasonal and fresh foods. But did you know there are certain foods that are also good for your lung health? Addressing the same, we came across an Instagram post that enlisted commonly found foods as good for lung health, as per Chinese medicine.
“In Chinese medicine, fall is the season which correlates to the lung and large intestine. Whatever benefits the lungs, also helps the skin, helps us deal with grief and sadness, and helps us let go of what no longer serves us. The digestive system is the “mother” to the lung, meaning for proper lung function, digestion must be strong,” Dr Lily Choi, licensed acupuncturist said.
Here are some of the foods.
Honey
Dr Choi said that it supports the energetic function of the stomach and the lungs. “Pure honey relieves cough, moistens intestines to smooth stool and alleviates pain. Make sure to try and choose raw, local, and organic honey for purity and potency. Bee pollen is also great,” Dr Choi mentioned.
According to clinical dietitian Garima Goyal, honey is also known to break up the mucous that is obstructing your airway and reduces inflammation in the bronchial tubes.
Pears
It helps to regenerate bodily fluids, quench thirst, calm the heart, lubricate the lungs, relieve restlessness, promote urination, clear heat, promote detoxification, lubricate the throat, dissolve mucus, and relieve cough.
Pears contain certain potent phytonutrients such as catechins that protect the lungs from chronic disease. “Research has indicated that consumption of high catechins foods is linked with lesser incidence of chronic cough and breathlessness and are known to reduce the production of phlegm,” Goyal mentioned.
What are some foods that help the lungs? (Source: Freepik)
Scallions
The white bottoms support the lungs with their warm and spicy essence, while the green tops nourish the liver. They open up circulation to the lungs, chest, and skin.
Goyal shared that Ayurveda has been long practicing the use of scallions both as a decongestant and an expectorant. “They are believed to help in clearing the sinuses and creating warmth in the center of the chest,” said Goyal.
Ginger
The most beloved food for the spleen system also helps the lungs. “Ginger warms the middle of the body and the lungs to help coughs, colds, nausea, and indigestion,” Dr Choi mentioned.
A combination of honey and ginger is a good way to remove mucous from the lungs. “Ginger has a thermic effect and gives warmth to the body, which is needed for soothing the airway,” said Goyal.
Fermented foods
Eat these daily to optimise intestinal flora for immune health and digestion health. According to Dr Choi, anything spicy (like garlic, chilli pepper, radish, daikon), helps and supports the lungs.
What other foods can help?
Blue flower tea
The extract of blue tea leaves has shown to possess anti-asthmatic activity and can be used as a potential alternative for the treatment of allergies and other respiratory disorders such as bronchitis, Goyal said. “Its anti-inflammatory properties make it an excellent treatment option for cold and cough and reduce lung irritation,” said Goyal.
Foxtail millet
This is a great grain to strengthen our lungs and respiratory system and consuming it during illnesses such as viruses helps to recover quickly by strengthening our internal body systems. “Also it’s a great grain for the heart, type 2 diabetes, and wards off anaemia too. Its mineral richness makes it an ideal food for those individuals who have special needs such as growing children and pregnant and lactating women. Foxtail millet is not only a preventive food, but also something that can cure your illness too!” Goyal said.
Amla or gooseberry
Gooseberry or amla has vitamin C which helps improve one’s immunity and clear off bronchial infections, Goyal said.
Gooseberry or amla too helps soothe the airways (Source: Getty Images/Thinkstock)
Pineapple juice
This juice contains bromelain which helps to clear lung congestion.
Holy basil or tulsi
Tulsi is known as a strong medicinal plant and its leaves can be boiled in the water for consumption or tulsi tea can be made.
Barley
Barley is a nutritious whole grain that’s high in fiber. “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. The antioxidants found in whole grains like flavonoids and vitamin E also promote lung health and protect against cellular damage,” Goyal noted.
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Can certain foods help? (Source: Freepik) 
What are some foods that help the lungs? (Source: Freepik)
Gooseberry or amla too helps soothe the airways (Source: Getty Images/Thinkstock)
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