Nutrition has been shown to play a critical role in respiratory health, and making appropriate dietary choices go a long way in preventing or managing respiratory disease. As someone with a respiratory condition, you must work harder to breathe, which increases your metabolic rate. This means you need more calories to replace the energy you use. When you do not consume enough calories to meet your body’s energy needs, your body breaks down stored fat and muscle. This breakdown causes both muscle loss and weight loss, which in turns weakens your immune system. A weakened immune system puts you more at risk for lung infections. You may experience tiredness and fatigue, making it harder to complete everyday tasks. Proper nutrition can help improve lung function and reduce symptoms, making it an integral part of lung care. Nutrition recommendations for Healthy Lungs.

Carbohydrates

Carbohydrates give your body energy for breathing, but the side effect of high carbohydrate diet is it increases carbon dioxide, hence it’s important to have low to moderate carbohydrate diet with emphasis on choosing from complex carbohydrates like wholegrain, quinoa, oats, brown pasta and rice or wholegrain or multigrain bread. Complex carbohydrates being unprocessed are high in fibre and minerals. Limit simple carbohydrates, like table sugar, candy, juices, bakery products and soft drinks.

Protein

Respiratory conditions can sometimes affect appetite and nutrient absorption, leading to unintentional weight loss and malnutrition. High protein diet can help maintain nutritional status and prevent muscle wasting and support immune function, helping to reduce the risk and severity of respiratory infections. Studies have shown protein and energy malnutrition increased the risk for severe infections and was associated with frequent hospitalization.

Protein-rich foods such as lean meats, poultry, fish, pulses, dairy products, nuts and seeds need to be incorporated as part of a daily diet to facilitate improved respiratory function and physical performance.

Omega 3 fatty acid

Omega-3 fatty acids are essential fats found in fish, nuts, and seeds that play a crucial role in respiratory health. Higher levels of omega-3 fatty acids promoted lung health by lowering the rate of yearly lung function decline, according to results published in American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine. Consuming foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids, such as salmon, tuna, walnuts, chia seeds and flaxseeds, can help support optimal lung function and reduce the risk of respiratory disease.

Vitamin D

Studies have shown that low vitamin D levels are associated with lower lung function and an increased risk of infection, hence do keep a tab on your levels by checking Vitamin D status annually. To increase your natural levels of Vitamin D, it is advisable spending a few minutes (5-15 minutes, not during peak of day) outside. You can also increase your Vitamin D intake by including fatty fish, whole eggs, mushroom, fortified milk in your diet.

Vitamin C

Vitamin C is a potent antioxidant that helps protect the lungs from oxidative stress caused by environmental pollutants, cigarette smoke, it helps boost immunity, increases your body’s resistance to viral and bacterial infections. Studies show that vitamin C may reduce the risk and duration of respiratory infections. Incorporate citrus fruits, kiwi, orange, tomato, lemon, pineapple, grapefruit in your diet to get the benefits of vitamin C.

Hydration

Drinking plenty of fluid will keep you hydrated and keeps phlegm and mucus thin for easier removal. If phlegm sits in your airways and lungs, you’re more likely to get an infection. Unless instructed otherwise by your doctor, drink 8-12 glasses of water (lukewarm preferably) every day. Avoid drinking water along with meals, rather have it half hour before or after meals and spread it out over the entire day. Try infusing your water with fresh fruit, or sip on herbal or green tea.

Limit Inflammatory/Processed Foods

Minimize intake of processed foods, refined sugars, and trans fats, which can contribute to inflammation and compromise lung health.

Overall, nutrition plays a pivotal role in pulmonary rehabilitation by supporting energy levels, muscle health, immune function, inflammation reduction, weight management, hydration. Remember, your lungs are a vital asset, fuel them with the nutrition they deserve for a lifetime of healthy breathing.

References

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2. Vitamin D and respiratory health, Clin Exp Immunol. 2009 Oct; 158(1): 20–25.
   
   
3. Vitamin D deficiency and chronic lung disease, Can Respir J. 2009 May-Jun; 16(3): 75–80.
   
   
4. Vitamin C—An Adjunctive Therapy for Respiratory Infection, Sepsis and COVID-19, Nutrient. 2020 Dec 7;12(12):3760. doi: 10.3390/nu12123760.
   
   
5. The effects of vitamin C on respiratory, allergic and immunological diseases: an experimental and clinical-based review, Inflammopharmacology. 2023; 31(2): 653–672.