As the human body is a system of interconnected and interdependent parts, you need to keep each system healthy, balanced and functioning optimally. Clear and unrestricted breathing is essential to your vitality and to getting enough oxygen to the brain. Eating foods that promote good respiratory health can enhance the overall functioning of your body.
The Respiratory System
The Franklin Institute notes that the respiratory system's primary function is to get oxygen into the blood so that the blood can then deliver the oxygen to all the other systems of the body. This is done through the process of breathing; you inhale oxygen and you exhale carbon dioxide.
Foods that produce mucus or that you are allergic to can congest your respiratory system and obstruct your ability to breathe clearly.
Foods That Produce Mucus
The University of Maryland Medical Center (UMMC) suggests avoiding foods that you might be allergic to or that promote excess mucus in your body. Common food allergens are dairy products, red meats, wheat and soy products. You can test your tolerance to these foods by eliminating one for a few weeks and observing whether you feel better and are producing less mucus. If so, keep it out of your diet. If not, go to the next one and do the same observation. Make sure that you substitute other foods that will meet your vitamin and mineral requirements if you take these foods out of your diet.
Foods that Clear Mucus and Increase Immune Function
Onions, garlic, horseradish and ginger are a few ingredients that you can use to begin clearing mucus from your system. Eating fish, nuts and whole grains can help to clear your system as well. Quinoa and brown rice are high-fiber grains that help to cleanse the lungs. Dark leafy greens and orange vegetables, such as squash, are useful for improving your overall immune system.
Additional Support for the Respiratory System
Green tea is a natural anti-oxidant. A cup of green tea daily can help to support your immune system. All 4 Natural Health recommends lotus root tea for lung detoxification and for controlling mucus build-up which it says can lead to asthma attacks in extreme cases.
The information provided in this article is for educational purposes only. For any health condition or symptoms, please contact your physician or other health-care professional.
