As the coronavirus pandemic rages across the globe, numbers are rising despite the strict conditions of the lockdown being enforced in most countries. The lockdown in non containment zones has been partially lifted, allowing for economic activity to sputter back to life. At the same time, it is still a long battle ahead and precautions have to be taken. Among the organs the virus attacks are the lungs. Here are some foods that work best to safeguard one’s respiratory health.
Fresh and green The food we typically consume in India has a good combination of nutrients that help improve immunity and lung health, says Dr Samir Garde, a pulmonologist at Mumbaibased Global Hospital. “One should have a high protein diet,” he says. “Non-vegetarians can have egg whites, fish or chicken. Vegetarians can have grams and pulses. Beans, paneer and sprouts help improve the overall immunity of a person.” Freshly-cooked food is vital, as are fruits and vegetables. “Fruits have excellent antioxidant properties and they clean toxins from the body, especially the lungs. Lungs are always exposed to pollution, viruses, bacteria and our bodies are trying to filter that,” Dr Garde says.
Super immune boosters Jinal Patel, clinical nutritionist at Apollo Spectra hospital, Mumbai, suggests consuming Matcha, the green tea known for its polyphenols that improve lung function. She says, “Super foods like sweet potatoes and pears also help fight infections and strengthen immunity. Black cumin has anti-inflammatory properties and helps get more air to the lungs. Research has shown improvement in pulmonary function by consuming it.”
Balanced diet
Shabana Mohamed Sameer, senior dietician at Wockhardt Hospital, Mumbai, advocates eating a nutritionally-balanced and varied diet. “Complex carbohydrates in whole cereals give the body energy for breathing. Protein helps keep the chest muscles strong that help the ribs expand as you breathe. Dairy products, legumes are good as are walnuts, flax seeds, nuts, whole grains and pumpkin seeds,” she says. The use of ginger, garlic and turmeric, which are part of most Indian household recipes, is also recommended. Drinking fresh lemon and orange juice can help too. “These work really well to kill the respiratory pathogens or viruses in the throat,” Dr Garde says.
By Maleeva Rebello, ET Bureau | Apr 23, 2020, 08.32 AM IST
