Pneumonia is an infection of the lung cavity. With pneumonia, the lungs become inflamed and fluid begins to build up causing several symptoms including shortness of breath and cough. If you have been diagnosed with pneumonia, your doctor will likely prescribe antibiotics and other medication for treatment. Eat foods that deliver the proper nutrition to help keep your body strong while you fight the infection.
Pneumonia
Pneumonia is a serious condition that affects your lungs and is often caused by either a virus, bacteria or fungi, explains MedlinePlus. Your risk factors increase if you are elderly, have an underlying illness or have a weakened immune system. With pneumonia, you may have difficulty breathing, fever and an increased flow of mucous. Nutrition is important when dealing with pneumonia because you want to eat foods that improve your health, yet are easy to eat and digest.
Nutrition Benefits
Focus on vitamin packed foods that contain vitamin A and C as well as plenty of dietary fiber. Fiber-rich foods will help you maintain a healthy cardiovascular system. With pneumonia, your respiratory and cardiovascular system can be affected due to the stress of the illness. Examples of fiber-rich foods include dark leafy lettuce, spinach, watercress and cauliflower. Vegetables such as carrots, winter squash and red sweet pepper are a good source of vitamin A -- a vitamin essential to help your body fight of pneumonia and other infections. Vitamin C can be found in citrus fruits such as grapefruit and oranges.
Fluids
Keeping your body hydrated during and after pneumonia is essential to recovery. Loss of fluids through fever, frequent urination and increased mucous may cause you to become dehydrated. Dehydration can lead to low electrolyte levels. A fruit smoothie that contains pineapple as its main ingredient may help with pneumonia symptoms and inflammation, explains the University of Maryland Medical Center. Pineapple contains bromelain, a protein-digesting enzyme that helps reduce inflammation associated with infections. Drinking broth-based soups can also help with replenishing fluids and sodium levels in the body.
Precaution
Pneumonia is a serious respiratory condition and should be taken seriously. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention report that there are on average, 52,306 deaths yearly related to pneumonia complications. If you are not able to meet your daily nutritional needs while you are sick, you could face further complications including weight loss, hypokalemia and hypoglycemia in addition to dehydration. These conditions are serious and require immediate medical attention.
