Exposure to environmental toxins, cigarette smoke, or eating an inflammatory diet can all threaten lung function. Asthma attack, inflammatory lung diseases like COPD, NTM lung disease, MAC lung infection, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infection, nasal polyps, and allergies are some of the common underlying conditions that lead to breathing problems. However, the right doctor-recommended treatment drugs such as Robitussin, Theraflu, Stiolto, Flonase, and Afrin; and proper diagnosis can help you get on track to control your breathing problems. Specific foods and nutrients can be very beneficial for lung function, and work in tandem with doctor-prescribed treatments. Below are some superfoods that can help boost lung function and help manage breathing issues:

1. Apples
According to research, eating an apple every day can boost your general health and promote lung function. Eating five or more of this fruit per week can help reduce the possibility of developing COPD and improve lung function. Consuming the fruit lowers the risk of developing lung cancer and asthma attacks due to the high antioxidants. Apples are a rich source of polyphenols. Do not peel the skin to ensure you get the most out of this fruit.

2. Pumpkin
Pumpkins contain various lung-health-promoting plant compounds. These compounds are rich in carotenoids such as lutein, beta carotene, and zeaxanthin. Additionally, they have potent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. High carotenoid levels can result in better lung function in both younger and older populations. People who smoke should try to consume food with more carotenoids. Smokers may have a low concentration of carotenoid antioxidants compared to nonsmokers, harming their lungs.

3. Beets and beet greens
Both the greens and roots of beetroot are rich in nitrates, which benefit lung function. Nitrates aid in relaxing blood vessels, optimizing oxygen uptake, and reducing blood pressure. Beetroot supplements help improve physical performance in lung conditions like COPD and pulmonary hypertension. Pulmonary hypertension is a disease that can cause high blood pressure in the lungs. Beet and beet greens contain potassium, magnesium, carotenoid antioxidants, and vitamin C, essential to lung health.

4. Turmeric
Turmeric has both anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects, which help to promote overall health. The main active component in this spice is curcumin, which is beneficial for assisting lung function. The lung function of smokers who consume a high intake of curcumin is more significant than those who don’t consume curcumin. Smokers who consume high curcumin have a 9.2% greater lung function than smokers who never consume curcumin.

5. Blueberries
Blueberries contain a lot of nutrients, and their consumption has several health benefits, such as preserving and protecting lung function. Berries are a rich source of anthocyanins such as cyaniding, peonidin, malvidin, petunidin, and delphinidin. Anthocyanins are intense pigments that can protect lung tissues against oxidative damage. Consuming two or more servings of berries per week lowers the chances of lung disease compared with not consuming any berries at all.

One of the most brilliant ways to protect and support lung health is eating a diet high in nutritious foods. Other foods that can help with breathing issues are green tea, oysters, yogurt, red cabbage, and pepper. Try incorporating a few beverages and foods that have the potential to improve lung function. Additionally, following the COPD, asthma, and NTM treatment guidelines set out by your doctor is very crucial for managing symptoms.