Pneumonia is a serious lung infection that may be caused by bacteria, a virus, or fungi. Pneumonia occurs commonly in infants and older people over the age of 65 since they have a weak immune system. In addition to pneumonia, some cases of Covid-19 pneumonia may lead to acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), which causes difficulty in breathing. This is a life-threatening condition so one should visit the doctor immediately if there are symptoms such as chest pain, shortness of breath, cough, fatigue, fever, chills, nausea, or vomiting.
What one eats, however, can have a big effect on a person's immune system and give it the strength to fend off pneumonia-causing germs. Here are some of the foods that can improve a patient’s lung health and improve immunity.
Water and coconut water
During winter, many people might suffer from a common cold and in many cases, even pneumonia. Drinking plenty of fluids, especially like coconut water, is highly recommended as this helps flush out toxins and bacteria that obstruct the lungs.
Vitamin C-rich fruits
Vitamin C
It is important to consume citrus fruits such as oranges, lemons, and grapefruits, as well as other fruits such as muskmelon, watermelon, tomatoes, pineapple, kiwi, guavas, papayas, and mangoes. These fruits are rich in Vitamin C and are crucial in helping the body's immune system to fight off infections. Moreover, they are rich in antioxidants which can further protect the body from infections caused by pathogens, as well as prevent the damage that free radicals can cause to cells.
Protein-rich foods
Protein-rich foods
Usually spoken about in the context of weight loss, a diet high in protein is also beneficial for those suffering from pneumonia. This is because of the anti-inflammatory properties of protein-rich foods such as nuts, seeds, beans, white meat, and coldwater fish such as salmon and sardines that help fight infection-induced swelling in the body. In addition, they assist the body in repairing damaged tissues as well as building new ones.
Yogurt is a good probiotic
Probiotics
A healthy diet should include foods like yoghurt because they contain probiotics that can hinder pneumonia-causing pathogens from flourishing. In addition to boosting your immune system, yoghurt also promotes healthy gut flora. Thus, it is important to include yoghurt in your diet as it is an overall immunity enhancer.
Green leafy vegetables
Green vegetables
The consumption of green leafy vegetables is typically recommended as part of a healthy and balanced diet. They have numerous health benefits and also assist pneumonia patients in recovering from their illnesses. In addition to being an excellent source of antioxidants, they assist in flushing out the body’s toxins. You may wish to include seasonal vegetables in your diet as and when they become available. Start with vegetables like spinach, cauliflower, lettuce, and coriander.
When mild to moderate cases are treated with antibiotics, the recovery usually takes 10-15 days, while if the condition is severe and requires more oxygen, the recovery process can be much more lengthy. It is extremely important that you rest well and take it easy during the recovery process.
The author is vice president of the health supplements company Vitabiotics, and a fitness and nutrition expert. He works to increase awareness about health issues: fitness, nutrition, and entrepreneurship-related topics. He is also a health and fitness enthusiast.