Clinical Interventions to Treat Tobacco Use and Dependence Among Adults. The Entire Clinical Care Team Can Help. Resources for Respiratory Care Teams CDC resources available at cdc. Preventive Services Task Force: Tobacco Smoking Cessation in Adults, Including Pregnant Women: Behavioral and Pharmacotherapy Interventions.

Page last reviewed: June 10, Content source: Office on Smoking and Health , National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion. home Home. What's this. Related CDC Sites. Tips From Former Smokers ® Division of Cancer Prevention and Control Lung Cancer National Comprehensive Cancer Control Program Division of Reproductive Health.

Social Media. Links with this icon indicate that you are leaving the CDC website. Complex carbohydrates are high in fiber, which can help regulate the digestive system and blood sugar levels. Instead, opt for complex carbs such as those found in some produce and whole-grain bread and pasta, which can help provide fiber and energy.

Fresh fruits and vegetables include minerals, vitamins and fiber that help keep your body healthy and in shape. However, some produce is better for your lung health than others. Opt for berries, pineapples and grapes over apples, apricots and peaches, which can cause bloating. Low-FODMAP fruits, including:.

Due to the presence of the antioxidant quercetin, apples have been proven to reduce lung decline and even reduce lung damage caused by smoking.

Those who eat five or more apples per week were also at a reduced risk of developing COPD. Beetroot and beet greens have been shown to benefit lung function, relax blood pressure and optimize oxygen intake, all of which can help someone struggling to breathe.

Beets are also packed with vitamins and nutrients that promote lung health, like magnesium and potassium. Pumpkins are rich in carotenoids, which are associated with higher lung function.

Carotenoids also contain antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, which promote overall health and comfort. Tomatoes are one of the richest vegetable sources of lycopene, a carotenoid that has been associated with improved lung function.

Consuming tomatoes and tomato products has also been linked to reduced lung decline and airway inflammation. Leafy greens such as bok choy, spinach and kale are a rich source of carotenoids, iron, potassium, calcium and vitamins. These nutrients have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects, which can help reduce lung inflammation and promote overall health.

Sodium causes fluid retention, which can lead to shortness of breath in patients who have lung disease. And while the salt shaker is the most obvious source of sodium, the bulk of sodium intake is actually already in the food.

To reduce salt intake: Opt for herbs and spices to season food and check food labels before purchasing. As the body digests dairy products, a breakdown of milk digestion called casomorphin increases the amount of phlegm and mucus produced by the body.

This can increase coughing, which can cause wheezing and pain in COPD patients. Cured meats and cold cuts contain nitrates, which companies often add to these products for color and to help extend shelf life.

These nitrates, however, have been found to lead to an increase in COPD-related hospital readmissions. Drinking soda can be harmful to those with lung disease in several ways.

First, soda contains carbon dioxide to make it carbonated, which can cause gas and bloating that makes it harder to breathe. In addition, the high sugar content can increase inflammation and lead to weight gain, both of which can exacerbate COPD symptoms.

To reduce soda intake: Try switching soda out with other noncarbonated, flavored beverages like tea, flavored water or natural juice. Fried foods such as french fries and onion rings contain unhealthy fats that can cause bloating and discomfort by pushing on the diaphragm.

In addition to lung discomfort caused by bloating, fried foods over time can lead to higher cholesterol and weight gain. For people living with lung disease, these things can worsen symptoms. Simple carbohydrates such as white bread should be avoided, as it takes more work for the lungs to metabolize them.

Switching out these simple carbs for whole-grain, complex carbohydrates can improve lung health. Potato chips are filled with salt and saturated fat, two things that are detrimental to lung health. Trans and saturated fats harm your cardiovascular health and can raise blood pressure.

The salt in chips can also increase water retention, making it harder to breathe. First and foremost, chocolate contains caffeine, which can interfere with medication or increase heart rate. Chocolate is also high in sugar and low in nutrients, making it a generally bad choice for someone with lung disease.

In general, alcohol can increase inflammation in the lungs. The nitrates in processed cold cuts have been linked to lung decline and worsening COPD symptoms.

Lean meats like salmon and chicken are a better choice for those who want to eat meat. Lung disease and discomfort are hard to live with. Keeping your body healthy through diet and nutrition is another way you can improve your overall health and make cancer treatment easier.

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There are several independent, third-party organizations that test supplements to ensure they have the correct quantities of the vitamin or mineral and that the product does not contain harmful levels of contaminants.

Once a supplement is reviewed by one of these organizations, a third-party testing seal is added to the package. Some examples of companies that perform these services include ConsumerLab. com, NSF International, and U. When you are looking for a supplement, look for these testing seals to ensure you are getting the best quality supplement you can find.

Taking supplements for lung health may be the most beneficial for people who have a condition that is impacting the function of their lungs. Supplements may be particularly useful for people with chronic lung conditions like COPD, asthma, respiratory infections, cystic fibrosis , and more.

However, choosing which supplements may be right for you and your condition is best done in collaboration with a healthcare provider.

They can advise you based on your medical history and your current medications. It's normal to experience a decrease in lung function as you age, beginning as early as age 35, but there are ways to support and maintain the longevity of your lung health.

Avoiding tobacco smoke—whether it comes from smoking or secondhand smoke—is the best preventive measure you can take.

Staying active, eating a nutritious diet, hydrating regularly, and staying up to date on vaccinations also go a long way in improving and protecting your lung health. You can also do your best to avoid outdoor pollution by monitoring air quality alerts, staying inside or wearing a mask, and using an air purifier when air pollution is at dangerous levels.

Other things you can do include ensuring your indoor air quality is free of mold and radon, practicing deep breathing , maintaining good hygiene, and getting screened for lung cancer regularly. Although supplements can be purchased over the counter, not all supplements are safe for everyone to take.

Certain supplements can interfere with medications or have a negative impact on certain health conditions. It is also possible to take too much of some minerals and vitamins, which can have harmful effects. For instance, vitamin A and vitamin D are fat-soluble vitamins, meaning they can build up in your system and are not excreted through urine like water-soluble vitamins.

Taking vitamin C if you have diabetes can be dangerous, as vitamin C can raise blood sugar. If you are considering taking supplements for lung health, it is important to talk with a healthcare provider to determine what is right for you. They can also do bloodwork to determine if your levels of a particular vitamin or mineral are low.

Having healthy lungs is essential to your overall health and well-being. But chronic conditions like COPD and asthma as well as other factors like pollution and cigarette smoke can compromise or limit your lung capacity.

Certain supplements, such as magnesium, omega-3 fatty acids, and vitamins C, D, A, and E, have been shown to improve or protect lung health. If you are considering taking a new supplement for lung health, it is important to speak with a healthcare provider first.

They can advise you on which supplements are best for you, how much to take, and if you should do anything else to offset your lung issues. Gozzi-Silva SC, Teixeira FME, Duarte AJ da S, Sato MN, Oliveira L de M. Immunomodulatory role of nutrients: How can pulmonary dysfunctions improve?

Front Nutr. Park HJ, Byun MK, Kim HJ, et al. Dietary vitamin C intake protects against COPD: The Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey in Int J Chron Obstruct Pulmon Dis.

Lei T, Lu T, Yu H, Su X, Zhang C, Zhu L, Yang K, Liu J. Efficacy of vitamin C supplementation on chronic obstructive pulmonary disease COPD : A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Hemilä H. The effect of vitamin C on bronchoconstriction and respiratory symptoms caused by exercise: A review and statistical analysis. All Asth Clin Immun. National Institutes of Health, Office of Dietary Supplements. Vitamin C. Gruber-Bzura BM. Vitamin D and influenza-prevention or therapy?

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Oysters are loaded with nutrients that are essential to lung health, including zinc, selenium, B vitamins, and copper Studies show that people with higher blood levels of selenium and copper have greater lung function, compared with those with lower levels of these nutrients Additionally, oysters are an excellent source of B vitamins and zinc, nutrients that are especially important for people who smoke.

Smoking depletes certain B vitamins, including vitamin B12, which is concentrated in oysters. Yogurt is rich in calcium, potassium, phosphorus, and selenium.

According to research, these nutrients may help boost lung function and protect against COPD risk Brazil nuts are amongst the richest sources of selenium that you can eat. Studies show that a high selenium intake may help protect against lung cancer, improve respiratory function in people with asthma, and enhance antioxidant defenses and immune function, which may help improve lung health 41 , 42 , In addition to boosting your energy levels, your morning cup of joe may help protect your lungs.

Coffee is packed with caffeine and antioxidants, which may be beneficial for lung health. Research shows that coffee intake may help improve lung function and protect against respiratory diseases. For example, caffeine acts as a vasodilator, meaning it helps open blood vessels, and it may help reduce symptoms in people with asthma, at least in the short term Additionally, a review of 15 studies found that long-term coffee intake was associated with positive effects on lung function and a reduced risk of asthma Magnesium helps protect against inflammation, and it helps bronchioles — tiny airways inside your lungs — stay relaxed, preventing airway restriction Higher magnesium intake has been associated with better lung function in a number of studies.

Additionally, many studies have linked greater intake of leafy green vegetables like Swiss chard to a reduced risk of lung cancer and COPD 10 , High fiber diets rich in whole grains have been shown to have a protective effect on lung function and may reduce the risk of mortality from lung-related diseases 10 , The antioxidants found in whole grains like flavonoids and vitamin E also promote lung health and protect against cellular damage Anchovies are tiny fish that are packed with anti-inflammatory omega-3 fats , as well as other lung-health-promoting nutrients like selenium, calcium, and iron Eating omegarich fish like anchovies may be particularly beneficial for people with inflammatory lung diseases like COPD.

A study found that a higher intake of omega-3 fats was associated with reduced COPD symptoms and improved lung function Lentils are high in many nutrients that help support lung function, including magnesium, iron, copper, and potassium The Mediterranean diet, which has been associated with promoting lung health, is high in legumes like lentils.

Research has shown that following a Mediterranean dietary pattern can preserve lung function in people who smoke. Plus, eating fiber-rich lentils may help protect against lung cancer and COPD 54 , Cocoa and cacao products like dark chocolate are high in flavonoid antioxidants and contain a compound called theobromine, which helps relax the airways in the lungs Cocoa intake has been associated with a lower risk of allergic respiratory symptoms and may help protect against lung cancer 57 , Additionally, a study that included 55, people found that those with higher flavonoid consumption from foods, including chocolate products, had better lung function than people who had diets low in flavonoids Consuming a diet high in nutritious foods and beverages is a smart way to support and protect lung health.

Coffee, dark leafy greens, fatty fish, peppers, tomatoes, olive oil, oysters, blueberries, and pumpkin are just some examples of foods and drinks that have been shown to benefit lung function.

Try incorporating a few of the foods and beverages listed above into your diet to help support the health of your lungs. Our experts continually monitor the health and wellness space, and we update our articles when new information becomes available.

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A Quiz for Teens Are You a Workaholic? How Well Do You Sleep? Health Conditions Discover Plan Connect. Nutrition Evidence Based The 20 Best Foods for Lung Health. Medically reviewed by Grant Tinsley, Ph. Share on Pinterest. Beets and beet greens.

How to Peel an Apple. Tomato and tomato products. Green tea. Red cabbage. Olive oil. Brazil nuts. Swiss chard. The bottom line. When looking after a car, we all know that by driving it carefully and servicing it regularly the car will last longer and have a lower chance of mechanicals as it gets older.

Our lungs are no different. While our lungs will age no matter how well we look after them, we can work to mitigate some of the effects by taking some time to look after our lungs. The number one way to keep your lungs healthy is to not smoke or to give up smoking. Cigarette smoking can have a significant impact on the health of our lungs.

Cigarette smoke prematurely ages our lungs, by narrowing and stiffening the airways in our lungs. The impact of this on our lung health is so severe that tobacco consumption has been classified as the single largest avoidable health risk, and the most significant cause of premature death in the EU.

Most of us are used to the idea that exercise is good for our health. Exercise can be a good way to reduce excess body fat , build muscle and improve our mood. In the same way exercise can strengthen our muscles, it can also strengthen our lungs.

As you improve your physical fitness your body becomes more efficient at getting oxygen to your body. This means overtime you are less likely to be breathless when doing exercise that would previously leave you gasping.

There are many ways you can still keep active even with a lung condition. For example, you can take part in a rehabilitation programme, or lower impact activities, such as yoga or dancing.

Pollutants can irritate the lungs, increasing your risk of lung disease or worsen an existing condition. There are lots of sources of pollution outdoors, but luckily there are some simple steps you can take to avoid exposing yourself to excessive levels of pollution.

It is a good idea to keep your house clean, well ventilated and avoid smoking indoors to reduce the exposure to you and your family when spending time indoors. Lung infections, like pneumonia, can do long term damage to the airways in our lungs.

There may be more truth in the saying an apple a day keeps the doctor away than many of us think. Those who consumed a higher intake of fruit and tomatoes have been shown to have a delayed decline in lung function compared to those who consumed less fruit. This correlation was found to be particularly strong in ex-smokers.

Singing is a fun group activity that not only can be good for a mood, but also the health of our lungs. People with lung conditions who sing regularly have reported that it reduces their feeling of being short of breath, helps them feel more in control of their breathing and helps them manage their symptoms better.

It is believed singing benefits breathing by teaching you to breathe slower and deeper, improving the sense of control over breathing and improving posture to help you breathe more efficiently. If you are interested in singing for lung health it is possible to find your nearest group.

With all abilities welcome. Together we will be raising awareness of the damaging ways air pollution affects our lungs and encouraging people to take action to change this. If you would like to find out more about the work we are doing together visit The British Lung Foundation website.

Instead, use it to reaffirm your promise to kick the habit and live a happier and healthier life. Here's how. On Wednesday the 20th of May , the menthol cigarette ban came into force in the UK.

Quitting smoking is great for your overall health, and your skin can benefit too. Learn about the differences in your skin before and after quitting smoking. Learn about the risks and how to stop smoking when pregnant. There are many different ways to quit smoking for good, so it's worth taking the time to find a method that works for you.

Here, we look at some of the best ways to quit smoking so you can find an approach that is both comfortable for you and, ultimately, successful! Search for:.