Super Immunity Foods To Improve Respiratory Illness

Super immunity foods used to help those suffering from respiratory illness, such as asthma and influenza, include carrots, squash, and mushrooms.

Due to the current obesity crisis, particularly in the West, there has been a sharp rise in respiratory-related health conditions. Lack of exercise is another major factor, with many adults as well as children leading virtually sedentary lifestyles.

What are Respiratory System Health Conditions?

The term “respiratory” basically refers to the body’s breathing system, which involves the lungs, diaphragm, chest, abdomen, and windpipe. In order to breathe properly, the lungs need to be healthy, which requires taking regular exercise and avoiding smoking. In the book Super Immunity Foods, Goulart highlights respiratory-related health problems, including the following:

asthma
allergies
bronchitis
colds
influenza (flu)
pneumonia
emphysema
chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

There has been a noticeable increase in respiratory-related conditions such as asthma and allergies, with asthma having a hereditary aspect. Diseases such as emphysema and bronchitis are two serious consequences that may arise as a result of smoking. While the common cold and influenza rarely require medical treatment, the other respiratory-related conditions will need mainstream health care.

Super Immunity Foods to Improve Respiratory Illness

In addition to mainstream approaches to the treatment of respiratory-related health problems, there are also “super immunity foods” available to help speed recovery and reduce the likelihood of suffering from common complaints such as cold and flu. Goulart identifies key super immunity foods used to help treat respiratory illness, as follows:

carrots, which reduce the risk of lung cancer
tomatoes, which promote healthy blood vessels and contain antioxidants
squash, which decreases cancer risk
herbs and spices, which improve lung strength and protect the spleen
mushrooms, which help treat colds and flu
tea, which helps soothe and relax

Further approaches to the treatment of respiratory illness, such as asthma, are recognized by Brewer in The Essential Guide to Vitamins, Minerals and Herbal Supplements, to include:

omega-3 fish oils, which reduce airway inflammation
probiotics, which ease airway hypersensitivity
ginger, which reduces asthma-related inflammation
B vitamins, which help reduce wheezing
Co-enzyme Q10, which increases oxygen utilization

To discuss any concerns about respiratory illness and influenza vaccination, make an appointment with the family doctor. It is also important to seek advice before making significant dietary changes and/or beginning nutritional/herbal supplements. The doctor may be able to provide a referral to a nutritionist or dietitian to look at how one’s diet can be improved to boost immunity.

As highlighted above, respiratory-related health conditions involve asthma, allergies, influenza, colds, bronchitis, and emphysema, with the latter two being primarily related to smoking. Super immunity foods used to help protect against/treat such conditions include carrots, tomatoes, squash, and mushrooms. Further remedies may include ginger, B vitamins, and the herbal supplement, Co-enzyme Q10, which is proven to help boost the immune system.