According to the American Lung Association, the average adult takes 20,000 breaths each day.
If you have been diagnosed with lung disease, these breaths will be harder for you, so it is particularly important to eat healthy foods so that your body is nourished and has the energy to support your breathing.
You can eat many foods to support lung function, and we have compiled some recipes for you to try.
Since it can be difficult to cook and eat when you’re suffering from lung disease, we chose foods that are easy to make and consume.
Here are some recipes for lung detox that promote healthy lung function:
Rosemary and Garlic Roasted Salmon
Salmon is high in omega-3s. A study published in Chest reported that those who consumed omega-3s saw a significant drop in lung inflammation and improved results on the six-minute walking test.
Ingredients:
- 2 garlic cloves
- 2 fresh 6″ rosemary sprigs, about 1 tablespoon chopped
- 1 1/2 to 2 pounds of salmon, preferably Copper River Salmon
- 1/8 teaspoon sea salt
- 1/8 teaspoon black pepper
Directions:
- Preheat oven to 425°.
- Peel and chop garlic and rosemary and set aside.
- Place salmon on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Sprinkle with salt, pepper, rosemary, and garlic. Place in the oven and roast for 12 minutes or until the salmon is flaky.
Lung Cleansing Drink
This healthy juice contains watercress, which helps soothe swollen breathing passages and lubricates the lungs.
Turnips are high in vitamin A and lemons contain vitamin C, which are both full of antioxidants and both will help promote lung health.
Garlic is a natural antibiotic, antiviral and antibacterial.
Ingredients:
- 1 bunch watercress
- 1 cucumber
- 1 turnip
- 3 large carrots
- 1 clove garlic
- 1 lemon
Directions:
Place all the above ingredients in a juicer, blend it and serve! If you don’t have a juicer, you can put these items in a blender, then separate the juice and pulp using a strainer.
Enjoy this once or twice a day. This healthy juice is best absorbed on an empty stomach. This recipe is for one serving.
Lung Stimulating Smoothie
This tasty smoothie contains lemons and oranges, both of which reduce the production of free radicals in the body. They can help reduce phlegm, making it easier to breathe.
Pineapple reduces swelling, and pineapple juice has been known to help reduce coughing. Additionally, pineapple contains the enzyme bromelin which helps the lungs remove debris and detox naturally.
Peppermint contains menthol, which soothes and relaxes the respiratory tract. The lung stimulating smoothie can be consumed multiple times each day to help reduce symptoms.
This recipe makes just over two cups.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup fresh orange juice (2 large oranges)
- 1/2 cup fresh lemon juice (from about 2 lemons)
- 1 tbsp raw honey
- 1 piece of ginger (peel removed) 2″ long up to 1″ thick
- 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
- 1/2 cup chopped pineapple (can be fresh or frozen)
- 1 tbsp coconut oil
- 1 tsp peppermint oil (or 5 peppermint leaves)
Directions:
Combine all ingredients in a high-speed blender, blend then serve immediately. You also can store half the smoothie in the fridge for a snack later.
Love Your Lungs Juice
Cilantro helps the body remove heavy metals, which have been linked to lung disease.
Carrots are a great source of vitamin A.
Celery is full of organic sodium, which helps eliminate carbon dioxide from the body.
Ginger helps remove air pollutants and other irritants from your lungs before they have time to irritate the lungs. It also reduces congestion and improves circulation.
Ingredients:
- 1 pineapple center (contains the most bromelin)
- 3 celery stalks (the greener the better)
- 2 carrots
- Small handful of cilantro
- 1 inch ginger root (peeled)
Directions:
Place all the above ingredients in a juicer, blend it and serve! If you don’t have a juicer, you can put these items in a blender, then separate the juice and pulp using a strainer.
Enjoy this once or twice a day. This healthy juice is best absorbed on an empty stomach.
This recipe is for one serving.
Christine Kingsley, APRN is the Health and Wellness Director at the Lung Institute where she focuses on providing helpful online resources for people looking for information on various lung diseases, breathing exercises, and healthy lifestyle choices. She advocates for holistic care that involves working with your doctor to explore all options including traditional and alternative care while focusing on diet and exercise as proactive measures.