Pneumonia has many triggers including bacterial, viral and even fungal invasion of the lungs. The elderly or people already compromised with health issues have a greater chance of suffering this disease. Commonly those who are suffering another illness, such as the flu, are more susceptible to getting pneumonia than those with fully functioning immune systems. Building and strengthening your immune system, or the immune response, can help beat pneumonia.
Step 1
Eat a well-balanced diet to obtain the essential micronutrients that boost immune function. The immune system depends upon these nutrients to feed the soldiers of the immune system -- the white blood cells. Although research continues, vitamins A, B-2, B-6, D and folic acid, zinc and selenium show promise. The coughing and fatigue of pneumonia may preclude the desire to eat -- a standard multivitamin daily can provide the required nutrients until appetite resumes.
Step 2
Drink plenty of water and rest. Proper hydration provides a vehicle to carry healing nutrients throughout the body. Water has the added benefit of thinning bronchial secretions and keeping the mucous moist for expectoration. Adequate rest allows the immune system to function without distraction. Those who return to work or school within days of a pneumonia diagnosis can have a recurrence of the disease within a week, according to the MayoClinic.com.
Step 3
Stop smoking and avoid polluted environments. Smoking directly impacts the lungs and the immune system and interrupts healing. The tiny finger-like projections in your lungs, called cilia, are paralyzed by smoke and cannot move the mucous up the respiratory tree. Smoking is proven to diminish vitamin C throughout the body, with smokers requiring up to 30 mg per day more than nonsmokers.
Tips and Warnings
- When you feel well enough, a little exercise will speed nutrients throughout your body and help out your immune system.
