Our lungs work tirelessly to keep our entire system functioning well. But, certain lifestyle habits and environmental toxins, along with health conditions like pulmonary fibrosis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and asthma, can significantly damage the lungs over time, affecting breathing and quality of life. An easy way to boost lung function and relieve symptoms of such diseases is to consume loads of foods filled with lung-friendly vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients.

Read on to learn about foods beneficial for lung health.

Banana
The high level of potassium in a banana makes it an excellent choice for improving lung health and function.

Beetroot
Beets are considered one of the best foods for the lungs. That’s because they are packed with powerful plant compounds that can optimize lung function, along with other lung-friendly minerals, such as potassium and magnesium. Beets are also rich in nitrates, which help relax blood vessels, reduce blood pressure, and improve oxygen uptake.

Turmeric
This yellow spice has potent anti-inflammatory properties, thanks to its main active component, curcumin.

Apple
Apples are loaded with antioxidant quercetin. Quercetin has antihistaminic, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties and has been proven to reduce the decline of lung function and damage caused by smoking. Apple has also been associated with decreased risk of lung cancer and asthma. To derive maximum health benefits from apples, consume at least five per week.

Tomatoes
Tomatoes contain high amounts of lung-healthy nutrients. It’s a rich source of lycopene, a carotenoid linked to improved lung function. It’s also full of potassium and vitamin C, which help improve lung health while bolstering the immune system. Regular tomato intake has been found to decrease airway inflammation and improve lung function in those with lung diseases.

For lung diseases, doctors will likely recommend a proper medical treatment in addition to these foods. For example, a common treatment option for those suffering from a lung disease called Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is Esbriet® (pirfenidone). The FDA has approved Esbriet® as a treatment option for IPF. It’s available in the form of oral tablets and is usually taken three times per day. Other IPF treatment options include oxygen therapy and lung transplant.

IMFINZI® ( durvalumab) is a kind of immunotherapy for unresectable stage 3 non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). This is a form of lung cancer that cannot be removed using surgery. Doctors may prescribe IMFINZI® lung cancer treatment option post chemoradiation therapy (CRT). The common side effects include lung problems, intestinal issues like diarrhea, and liver problems like yellowing of the skin.

Another treatment option for lung cancer is GAVRETO (pralsetinib). An FDA-approved treatment option, it is recommended to adults who are suffering from metastatic RET-fusion (rearranged during transfection) positive non-small cell lung cancer. GAVRETO is known to target RET, which is a type of protein. RET fusions can lead to the uncontrolled growth of cancerous cells. This treatment option can slow down or completely stop tumor growth. Some common side effects include itchiness, rashes, or discoloration of the skin.