if your chest feels inflamed and you're having trouble breathing it may be due to increased
inflammation in the airways of your lungs inflammation is the body's natural response
to protect itself from infections injuries and irritation however if this response persists
it becomes chronic inflammation which can damage healthy tissue and lead to various health problems
including respiratory infections and difficulty breathing with that said most
people don't realize that the foods we eat in our diets can contribute to inflammation
leading to further health complications which is why in this video we're going to discuss the top
10 foods that can fight inflammation and make it easier for your lungs to function properly
be sure to listen till the end because there's one food in particular that i think
will surprise you so if you're ready let's get into it the first food on our list is flax seeds
flax seeds are a popular superfood high in fiber antioxidants and omega-3 fatty acids all of these
nutrients play a role in reducing inflammation in the body unfortunately the diet of most
adults is rich in omega-6 fatty acids which are unhealthy properties common in vegetable oils
and processed foods these negatively affect our body systems and can lead to chronic inflammation
for this reason it's important to include foods in your diet that are rich in omega-3 fatty acids
like flax seeds omega-3s have been shown to reduce the risk of chronic diseases including those that
affect the lungs number two is pumpkin believe it or not pumpkins are good for more than decorations
during the fall season this orange squash is packed with carotenoids and antioxidants that have
anti-inflammatory effects researchers found that individuals with higher levels of carotenoids in
their system had better overall lung function this is likely due to the fact that carotenoids help to
protect cells from damage caused by inflammation pumpkins are also high in vitamin a which is a fat
soluble vitamin that helps maintain the mucous membranes in the lungs this is essential for
protecting against viruses bacteria and foreign invaders number three on our list is turmeric
turmeric is a popular spice well known for its potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects
the active component in turmeric is curcumin which researchers believe is responsible for its health
benefits curcumin has been shown to improve lung function and reduce inflammation in the airways
it may also protect the lungs from damage caused by pollution and smoking in fact studies found
that curcumin intake resulted in improved lung function in healthy adults it was also shown to
be beneficial in smokers who are at an increased risk of lung disease turmeric is typically used
as a spice while cooking but it can also be taken in supplement form however it's important to speak
with your doctor before taking any supplements next up on our list is citrus fruits vitamin c is
a powerful antioxidant that can boost your immune system and decrease the risk of chronic diseases
everyone knows citrus fruits are loaded with vitamin c which is why they're often recommended
to those who feel under the weather but did you know that vitamin c can also have profound
benefits on your respiratory system vitamin c consumption is believed to help prevent lung
inflammation but some researchers believe it may even reduce the risk of developing lung cancer
so do your lungs and overall health a favor by incorporating more citrus fruits into your diet
coming in at number five is tomatoes tomatoes are another food rich in antioxidants and
nutrients that offer anti-inflammatory benefits the most potent antioxidant in
tomatoes is lycopene which is responsible for their red color lycopene is a carotenoid that
has been shown to decrease inflammation and improve lung function it's also believed to
reduce airway inflammation in obstructive lung conditions such as asthma and copd
tomatoes are often consumed cooked which makes the lycopene more bioavailable
however raw tomatoes are also a healthy option and can be added to salads or used as a topping
on your favorite sandwich number six on our list is green tea green tea is a healthy beverage rich
in antioxidants including catechins and flavonoids these nutrients have been shown to offer
anti-inflammatory effects and protect cells from damage green tea is also a good source of theanine
which is an amino acid that has calming effects on the body this can be beneficial for those with
lung conditions that are exacerbated by stress such as asthma some researchers believe that
green tea consumption is associated with improved lung function in patients with pulmonary fibrosis
this is a chronic condition characterized by scarring of lung tissue which makes it
difficult to breathe you can enjoy green tea as a hot or cold beverage however it does
contain caffeine so it's best to consume it in moderation if you're sensitive to the stimulant
coming in at number seven is olive oil olive oil is a widely recognized superfood around the world
it's rich in healthy fats vitamins and minerals that offer a multitude of health benefits
it's high in vitamin e and polyphenols which are antioxidants that scavenge harmful
toxins and protect cells from damage these nutrients also have anti-inflammatory effects
making olive oil a great choice for those with lung conditions
studies found that olive oil consumption may actually lower the risk of developing asthma
some researchers even believe that it can improve lung function in smokers and in those with copd
number eight on our list is berries berries are small fruits that pack a big nutritional punch
they're loaded with vitamins minerals and antioxidants that can benefit your overall
health in many ways the antioxidants in berries such as anthocyanins have been shown to offer
anti-inflammatory effects this makes them a good choice for those who are conscious about
reducing inflammation in their lungs berries are also a good source of fiber this nutrient
is important for gut health which can have an indirect impact on lung function a healthy
gut microbiome has been linked to improved respiratory health and higher resistance to
unwanted symptoms that stem from lung infections number nine is swiss chard swiss chard is a
leafy green that's often overlooked in favor of more popular options such as kale and spinach
but this nutrient-dense vegetable is worth adding to your diet for its many health benefits
swiss chard is rich in vitamins a c and k as well as antioxidants like polyphenols and flavonoids
these nutrients offer anti-inflammatory effects and help protect cells from damage
this vegetable is also a good source of magnesium which is a mineral that has been shown to help
relax the smooth muscle tissue in the airways of the lungs this is known as bronchodilation
which increases the diameter of the airways making it easier to breathe researchers also
found that a magnesium deficiency was associated with worsening symptoms in patients with copd
it is also believed to reduce the risk of lung cancer next up on our list is anchovies
anchovies are small oily fish that are often used as a flavor enhancer in many popular dishes
these tiny fish may be small but they provide big health benefits for the human body in fact
anchovies are an excellent source of omega-3 fatty acids as previously mentioned these nutrients have
anti-inflammatory effects and can benefit the entire respiratory system anchovies are also high
in other beneficial nutrients such as iron calcium and selenium they're a low-calorie nutrient-dense
food that's worth adding to your diet for the many health benefits they have to offer
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and there should be some other helpful videos popping up on your screen right about now that
i think you will enjoy and just a quick reminder we are not doctors this video is for informational
purposes only thank you so much for watching have a blessed day and as always breathe easy my friend