Healthy lungs allow you to absorb fresh air, avoid stale air and speak well. Injuries, certain drugs, radiation treatment, smoking and illnesses, such as asthma, lung cancer, bronchitis and emphysema, can cause damage and scar tissue to develop in your lungs. Symptoms of lung damage include wheezing, shortness of breath, chest pain, coughing, mucus buildup and frequent respiratory infections. In addition to doctor-prescribed treatments, a healthy dietary lifestyle can help you manage your symptoms.
Fruits and Vegetables
Fruits and vegetables provide valuable vitamins, minerals and antioxidants, which support your body's ability to protect itself and heal from infections, injuries and disease. Chronic lung diseases often cause deficiencies of nutrients, including vitamins A and C, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. By consuming a variety of colorful fruits and vegetables regularly, you can help prevent these deficiencies and related complications, such as malnutrition, physical weakness and increased risk for colds and other health problems. Fruits and vegetables particularly rich in vitamins C and/or A include berries, citrus fruits, kiwi, mangos, papayas, tomatoes, leafy greens, broccoli, brussels sprouts, bell peppers, squash and sweet potatoes.
Whole Grains
Whole grains are grains that have not been stripped of nutrients and fiber during food processing. Whole grains provide greater nutrition and have a lesser impact on your blood sugar levels than refined grain products like enriched breads, pasta and snack foods. Whole grains also support appetite control, which is important if you're overweight, since maintaining a healthy weight can have a dramatic, positive influence on breathing difficulty associated with lung damage, according to the Mayo Clinic. Incorporate a variety of whole grains, such as millet, spelt, bulgar, whole wheat, oats, brown rice, wild rice, quinoa and popcorn, into your diet regularly for best results. When purchasing commercially-prepared foods, check nutrition labels to ensure that whole grains are listed as primary ingredients.
Fatty Fish
Fatty fish are rich sources of omega-3 fatty acids -- fats your body requires and must obtain from dietary sources. In addition to promoting heart health, omega-3 fats may help reduce inflammation associated with lung diseases such as asthma, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. Fatty fish also provides ample protein, which supports tissue repair, improved muscle mass and immune system function, and promotes absorption of fat-soluble nutrients. Consume fatty fish, such as salmon, albacore tuna, herring, lake trout, flounder, halibut and sardines, routinely for maximum benefits. For additional benefits, use healthy cooking methods, such as grilling in modest amounts of olive oil, baking, broiling and steaming.
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