How to combat respiratory disorders with food

There is extensive evidence from studies over the last 10 to 15 years that a diet rich in fruits and vegetables is beneficial to lung health. One study looked at the relationship between diet and self-reported wheezing, doctor-diagnosed asthma and lung function in 2,633 adults. They found that eating five or more apples a week or at least three tomatoes a week was most strongly associated with increased lung function. Another study of more than 40,000 people found that those who ate the most vegetables had a significantly lower risk of bronchitis than those who ate the least. Here are some more tips on how to combat respiratory disorders with food.

A nutritious and well-balanced diet can help prevent or reduce the severity of bronchitis, pneumonia and other lung infections because people who are in good health are more likely to fight off the under­lying causes. People with emphysema generally feel better if they eat smaller, more frequent meals. Consuming too much at one time can increase the ­volume in the stomach and crowd the already distended lungs. Cut down on fried and other fatty foods. Fats remain in the stomach longer because they require more time to digest. Anything that causes gas and bloating should also be avoided; common offenders include beans and other le­gumes, cabbage, Brussels sprouts, broccoli and onions. Here are some specific ways diet can help with respiratory infections:

• Fluids. During any respiratory infection, adequate fluid intake is especially important because it helps to thin mucus and make breathing easier. Physicians generally recommend that their patients drink at least 1.5 to two litres (six to eight glasses) of non-alcoholic fluids a day. Although chicken broth and other warm fluids are partic­ularly helpful in thinning mucus, cold fluids are also ­beneficial.
• Antioxidants. These help protect lung tissue from the cellular damage caused by free radicals, unstable molecules that are released when the body uses oxygen.
• Vitamins A and C. They are necessary to build and repair epithelial tissues, which line the lungs, bronchi, and other parts of the respiratory system; the tissues act as a barrier against bacteria. In addition, these vitamins are essential to building immunity against lung disease. A balanced diet that provides ample fresh fruits and vegetables, particularly those that are yellow, orange and dark green, will provide reasonable amounts of vitamins A and C.
• Zinc. Important for boosting immunity, especially against upper respiratory infections, zinc is found in many foods, especially lean meat, oysters, yogurt and whole-grain products. While zinc helps your immune system, excess can do the opposite. Consuming more than 40 miligrams (approximately three tablespoons) per day can depress your immune system, making you more susceptible to infection.

Some of the medications used to treat respiratory disorders can cause a loss of appetite.

• Ask your doctor about taking medicines right after eating.
• Make your meals enticing and don't rush; have small servings and eat slowly.
• Sharing a meal with a friend can also help improve your appetite.
• If you simply can't eat enough solid foods, juicing or high-calorie liquids may be a solution.

Smoking is by far the leading cause of chronic respiratory disorders, including chronic bronchitis, emphysema and lung cancer.

• If you smoke, make every effort to stop.
• Also try to avoid secondhand smoke and air pollutants.
• If your job exposes you to harmful dusts or ­chemical gases, be sure to wear the proper protective masks.
• Alcohol lowers immunity and should be avoided during any infection.
• Because chronic bronchitis and emphysema predispose a person to develop lung infections, it's a good idea to abstain from all alcoholic beverages.