Open 10 food groups to nourish the lungs Help recover sickness. Try Covid-19 (Long Covid) to come back strong. With no secret tips for taking care of your lung health to come back bright.
research found The vast majority of severe coronavirus cases are found to develop “Long COVID” symptoms or long-term health effects. It can be found 1 week or 1 month after contracting the coronavirus.
Because the body produces some antibodies. And binds to proteins in cells of organs in the body such as the brain, lungs or gastrointestinal tract, causing damage to those organs.
Even after recovering from the coronavirus Patients will still have side effects. The chance of having such symptoms is up to 30-50%.
Today, the TNN Online news team had a conversation with Dr. Suwanchai Wattanayingcharoenchai. Director General of the Department of Health who will give advice on how to “nourish the lungs” to restore the lungs to be strong and working effectively
Check list of 10 food groups that help nourish the lungs.
Dr. Suwanchai said that the “lungs” act in the exchange of oxygen, therefore food that will nourish the lungs. Must have nutrients that have anti-inflammatory properties. Antioxidants that may damage lung tissue The food groups are as follows:
1. Ginger Contains gingerol, a herb that is good for the digestive system. Help anti-inflammatory. At the same time, when drinking warm ginger water. It will help in the excretion of phlegm.
2. Sweet pepper It is a good source of vitamin C. by that vitamin C will help antioxidants And the immune system of the body can function normally.
3. Apple Contains dietary fiber, vitamin C and an antioxidant called Quercetin.
4. Pumpkin There are many nutrients that promote lung health. especially carotenoids which has antioxidant properties And anti-inflammatory. It also contains beta-carotene, lutein and zeaxanthin as well.
5. Turmeric Curcumin is the main ingredient. Studies have shown that curcumin consumption is associated with improved lung function.
6. Tomatoes Contains lycopene (Lycopene), which is an antioxidant in the carotenoid group. to reduce airway inflammation in people with asthma and improve lung function in people with COPD
7. Various grains Whole grain, unrefined or less polished It is a food that is high in fiber and contains antioxidants such as brown rice, barley, millet, etc. It is a high fiber food rich in vitamin E. Selenium and essential fatty acids good for lung health
8. Olive oil It is a good source of antioxidants. Because it contains polyphenols and vitamin E that help prevent respiratory diseases.
9. Oysters Rich in minerals Essential for lung health include zinc, selenium, B vitamins and copper.
10. Berries For example, strawberries and blueberries contain flavonoids called anthocyanins. Which is a type of antioxidant that helps inhibit and slow down the Oxidative Stress process that causes free radicals. which is a factor that stimulates the body’s inflammation and help reduce the risk of various diseases
However, when receiving information about various food groups, then in eating in daily life Such food should be added to daily life by suggesting that it should be eaten with “Diversity” is not eating a particular group as a specific case.
“Eating at least 400g of fruits and vegetables a day, divided into 3 servings of cooked vegetables with 2 scoops each, and 3-5 portions of seasonal fruits per day, will reduce the risk of developing lung disease.
As fruits and vegetables are rich in vitamins and minerals, these nutrients help build immunity and enhance the function of white blood cells to eliminate pathogens more efficiently.” Director-General of the Department of Health said
image from AFP
Open advice to patients after recovering from “Covid-19”, how should they act?
Dr. Suwanchai said that those who have recovered from COVID-19 will affect the lungs more or less some have long-term effects which, when admitted to the treatment and then There are three things that should be done:
1. Food should eat all 5 groups, focusing on increasing the proportion of vegetables and fruits.
2. Get enough rest Because rest will help the body to have good immunity. Especially sleeping soundly, so if going to bed early. Or should not be more than 4 pm will cause deep sleep. And when deep sleep after midnight, there will be many hormones secreted to strengthen the immune system in the body.
3. Exercise After the patient has recovered from COVID-19, it is recommended to start less physical activity and gradually increase it accordingly. for pulmonary rehabilitation Usually after leaving the hospital, the doctor will give advice. which the patient has to follow the instructions correctly and continuously
image from AFP
general public advice keep your lungs healthy What should I do?
For the general public to take care of the health of the lungs. It consists of 7 items as follows:
1. Wear a mask every time you leave the house. because in addition to preventing germs It also helps prevent dust that may be irritating to the respiratory system.
2. Do not smoke or go near sources of cigarette smoke, incense smoke, or places where there is a lot of dust. because these will cause irritation
3. Practice deep breathing to help the muscles around the lungs expand and strengthen the muscles that help with breathing.
4. Exercise regularly. Because it stimulates the work of the heart. make the blood pump more more oxygen into the body and make the lungs work more efficiently
5. Drink clean water. Enough at least 1.5-2 liters per day to maintain the balance of the body.
6. Eat foods that help boost immunity. especially vegetables and fruits
7. Eliminate germs, substances or particles that may affect the lungs. with hygiene cleaning the surface to reduce or destroy viruses or germs Keep the house clean to reduce dust. Because inhaling dust can cause irritation of the respiratory system. When infected with the disease, it is easier to infect as compared to normal people.
image from AFP
Story by TNN Online news team
Cover image by AFP image file.