Exposure to smoke, environmental pollutants, and allergens, or suffering from chronic respiratory conditions can make it difficult to breathe and affect the overall quality of life. But, scientists have found that following a certain diet and eating certain foods can go a long way in protecting your lungs and reducing lung damage. In this article, we shall discuss four foods that have been proved to positively affect lung function and even help with breathing difficulties.

1. Apples
If you’re someone who faces trouble breathing due to a primary respiratory condition or a relating secondary reaction, you should try eating apples. Research suggests that eating apples can help improve the overall functioning of the lungs. Eating apples regularly can help slow down the decline of lung function in those who smoke. It can also reduce the risk of developing lung troubles and eventually breathing difficulties.

2. Olive oil
Olive oil has multiple health benefits, including promoting healthy skin and improving heart health. But, one of the benefits often overlooked is that olive oil can also go a long way in improving and promoting lung health. Studies have shown that consuming olive oil can lower the risks associated with air pollution. Air pollution can affect the body negatively and usually leads to an increase in blood pressure which causes the heart to pump faster and makes breathing more tedious and difficult. Regular consumption of olive oil can improve blood vessel function and make breathing easy due to the anti-inflammatory component is known as oleic acid. Individuals can add olive oil to their diet by cooking in olive oil or adding it to salads.

3. Salmon
Another food that can help with breathing difficulties and shortness of breath is fatty fish. This is because of the omega-3 fatty acids that are found in fish, such as salmon and mackerel. Omega-3 fatty acids can help reduce inflammation in the lungs and even strengthen the immune system to fight off bacteria.

4. Green tea
Green tea is an integral part of a healthy food regimen. It contains tons of antioxidants that help improve the overall health of the body and mind. It is commonly associated with calming the body, reducing inflammation, and even promoting quick healing. But, what many do not know is that green tea can also help reduce breathing difficulties and asthma that are triggered by allergic reactions. This is because green tea is a natural antihistamine that prevents or slows down inflammatory and allergic reactions in the body. To top it off, the hot water used to brew the green tea flushes mucous membranes, which prevents irritation of the lungs.

Including the above-mentioned food in your regular meals can prove beneficial in many ways.