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Pneumonia is an inflammatory condition of the lungs caused by viruses, bacteria, fungi or parasites. This airborne disease condition primarily affects the microscopic air sacs in the lungs called the alveoli. Depending on the severity of the infection, pneumonia can range in seriousness from mild to critical / life threatening disease condition. Young children, older people and individuals with weakened immune system fall into the high risk category for contracting pneumonia.
A combination of antibiotics and / or antiviral medications is generally prescribed by doctors to treat pneumonia. Besides conventional medicines, it is important to eat a well balanced, nutritious diet to reduce damage and potential scarring to the lungs. Incorporating nutrient rich foods in the daily diet can help to boost the immune system and reduce inflammation in the lungs besides accelerating the recovery process. In this article we will examine some healing diets for pneumonia.
Top Diets For Pneumonia
1. Beans
Beans are protein rich super foods. Navy beans, turtle beans, fava beans and garbanzo beans (to name a few) are rich sources of dietary protein [1] . Besides proteins, beans are also packed with antioxidants and contain high amounts of dietary fiber as well. Pneumonia can cause severe damage to the delicate lung tissues. To restore the health of the existing tissues and to build new ones, it is important to eat protein rich foods. However, it is advisable to opt for easily digestible plant based proteins instead of animal proteins. So, incorporate plenty of protein rich beans into the daily diet if you are recovering from a bout of pneumonia.
2. Spinach
Individuals having pneumonia are advised to eat potassium rich foods like spinach. Eating foods rich in potassium can help to heal damaged lung tissues [2] . Repairing damaged lung tissues is vital to speed up the recovery process, after a severe attack of pneumonia. To prevent loss of nutrients during cooking process, make a nutritious salad from fresh spinach leaves. You can also lightly blanch spinach leaves and prepare a hearty soup. Besides spinach, baked acorn squash, baked potatoes and dried apricots are also rich sources of potassium.
3. Carrot Juice
If you are recovering from pneumonia, drink plenty of freshly prepared carrot juice. Carrot juice is loaded with numerous antioxidants which can accelerate the healing process. Drinking vitamin C rich carrot juice can also boost the immune system. Including vitamin C and antioxidant rich carrot juice into the daily diet can also prevent pneumonia from progressing any further [3] . Carrot juice is also a rich source of potassium, magnesium, calcium, iron, vitamin A and B -complex vitamins. Ideally, people recuperating from pneumonia should drink freshly prepared carrot juice at least twice a day.
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4. Fatty Fish
Fatty fish like salmon, mackerel and tuna are rich sources of lean proteins [4] . Eating protein rich foods like fatty fish can help to heal damaged lung tissues. Furthermore, fatty fish are rich sources of omega-3 fatty acids. Omega-3 fatty acids can also help to manage ‘out of control’ inflammation which will damage the body. So, eat plenty of steamed or broiled fatty fish if you are recovering from a serious attack of pneumonia.
5. Garlic
Since ancient times, people have been eating raw garlic to fight inflammatory lung diseases like pneumonia. The antimicrobial properties of garlic, which happens to be its most legendary feature, can help to mitigate the negative effects of various bacterial and viral agents [5] . Eating raw garlic pods can also stabilize body temperature, reduce congestion and improve respiration. Individuals having pneumonia should eat a few pods of raw garlic at least twice a day.
