Wise Food Choices Support Better Breathing

It's typical when the New Year rolls around to make resolutions about getting in shape and living healthier. For many, eating a more nutritious diet plays a significant role in their 2023 plans for better living. Yet, many don't realize that embarking on a balanced, healthy diet also supports better respiratory health and function. 

While the expression "food is medicine" is an ancient one, the importance of proper nutrition and a healthy diet remains as valid today as when the father of Western medicine, Hippocrates, uttered them some 2500 years ago.

At the office of North Jersey Pulmonary Associates, we provide comprehensive and integrated care to support your respiratory health and wellness. 

Wise, nutritious food choices not only enhance digestive function and metabolism but also help to alleviate inflammation, boost the immune system, and increase one's energy level. Although it's common knowledge that cigarette smoking, poor air quality, and environmental toxins can affect your respiratory health, what you may not realize is an unhealthy and inflammatory diet can also have a negative impact. 

Protecting your overall well-being and lung health means making wise food choices.

Keep in mind that staying away from salty foods, processed meats, and fried foods can help ease breathing help keep lung disease symptoms at bay.

Here’s a list of unhealthy foods to avoid and substitutions you can make:

• Instead of salt, season your food with herbs and spices to enhance its flavor

• Since dairy products can increase the body’s production of phlegm and mucus, look to plant-based substitutes like oat milk, almond milk, or soy milk

• Resist the temptation for processed meats and deli cold cuts that contain high levels of nitrates, which can exacerbate respiratory issues like COPD. 

• Think again before choosing a carbonated drink that can cause bloating and make it harder to breathe. Have a glass of water, decaffeinated or herbal tea instead.

• Avoid sugary foods and beverages that can lead inflammation and weight gain

• Don’t eat greasy or fried foods that can cause bloating, weight gain, and high cholesterol. All these consequences can exacerbate lung conditions and make it harder to breathe.

To promote lung health, eat more healthy fats, proteins, and potassium

Healthy, nutrient-rich food choices possess anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that, to varying extents, can ease symptoms, enhance oxygen intake, and help lower blood pressure while improving lung function and reducing decline.

A few examples of healthy food choices include:

• Apples
• Beets
• Pumpkins
• Leafy Greens
• Tomatoes

For Trusted and comprehensive care that supports wellness

As skilled, experienced providers of care, the professional team at North Jersey Pulmonary Associates takes a proactive approach to respiratory health and wellness. We offer integrated care to help our patients enjoy better health and breathe easier.