Best Nutrients and Foods for Bronchitis

The foods listed here are some of the foods for bronchitis which will help individuals suffering from bronchitis experience healing faster. The purposes and effects of the foods listed here will help you understand the reasons why these foods are recommended in cases of bronchitis.

First of all, we should get to know what bronchitis is all about, the symptoms, causes and possible solution which is why the listed foods here are recommended in cases of bronchial conditions.

Acute bronchitis is quite common especially when there are cases arising from cold and certain respiratory infections, however; chronic bronchitis seems more serious and severe.

What then is Bronchitis?

Bronchitis is the inflammation of the mucosa lining the bronchial tubes or passages which convey air to and from the lungs.

This disease may either be acute bronchitis or chronic bronchitis of which the chronic one is often serious with constant irritations or exacerbated by the inhalation of fumes that are somewhat irritating. For example; tobacco smoke.

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Acute bronchitis is popularly called a chest cold and seems to improve within 7 to 10 days and not with lasting effects.

However, the cough may still be there for weeks. It is best to seek medical attention if you must have had bouts of bronchitis repetitively because it may have been aggravated to chronic bronchitis.

The following are the symptoms:

1. Fatigue
2. Cough
3. Discomfort of the chest
4. Fever and chills
5. Sputum production which seems white, green or yellowish-grey in color.
6. Shortness of breath

Some causes of bronchitis

According to mayoclinic.org, it is caused by viruses even the same viruses that are responsible for flu and cold. However, the most common or the primary cause of this disease is cigarette smoking, air pollution, dust, soot or even toxic gases.

The foods for bronchitis listed here have some properties that help improve the condition. These properties are:

• Mucolytics property
• Emollients
• Antibiotics and Antiseptic properties

The mucolytics help soften and facilitate expulsion of mucus and among the foods for bronchitis are radishes and onions.

The emollient property helps reduce and soften inflammation in the respiratory mucosa while antibiotics and antiseptic properties help combat bacteria and viruses that are responsible for this disease. Examples are: propolis and garlic.

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List of foods for Bronchitis

The following are the foods for bronchitis, their purposes and effects

1. Onion
2. Vitamin A
3. Propolis
4. Garlic
5. Radish
6. Honey
7. Okra
8. Horseradish
9. Leek
10. Borage
11. Watercress
12. Date
13. Jujube
14. Fig

Onion

The presence of essential oil in onion which gives it that typical color has the capability to dissolve mucus which is why it is seen as one of the foods for bronchitis. It also has expectorant and antibiotic effects suitable for chronic or acute bronchitis.

In order to maximize their full beneficial medicinal advantages, onions are best consumed raw. Inhaling the essence also offers effective healing action.

Vitamin A

In order to keep the cells that line the bronchial tubes or passages healthy, vitamin A is the most needed nutrient. Fruits and vegetables such as carrots, leafy green vegetables, mangoes, and apricots are the best sources of beta-carotene which can easily be transformed to vitamin A in the body.

Propolis

This is a natural antibiotic manufactured by bees using waxes and vegetable resins. The function of this natural antibiotic as one of the foods for bronchitis is that it helps protect and reduce inflammation precisely in the respiratory tract region. This natural antibiotic is quite effective against viruses.

Therefore, it is recommended in cases of acute bronchitis that are quite infectious, as well as chronic bronchial condition that may have been aggravated by tobacco or other various causative factors.

Garlic

The sulfurated essence of garlic is very antibiotic and has mucolytic action against bronchitis because it dissolves mucus and also aids its expulsion.

It is also effective in respiratory infections since the garlic’s essence is eliminated via the respiratory system through breath.

You can find more helpful information regarding garlic by following the link above.

Radish

Radishes hold a piquant sulfurated essence which helps foster expulsion of excess bronchial mucus. This is why it is seen as one of the foods for bronchitis.

Honey

Honey has been quite effective in cases of diseases such as bronchitis. It is also among the foods for bronchitis because it has a mild antitussive, sedating and also an emollient effect on the respiratory system.

In cases of bronchitis, honey is highly recommended as it helps soothe respiratory tract.

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Okra

Okra is popular in Africa and Middle East where it is widely eaten. This food is highly rich in mucilage that helps soothe the digestive and respiratory tract.

Horseradish

This is another food among the foods for bronchitis. It is said that their composition and their activity are quite the same or similar to those of the regular radish. Their purposes and effect are quite effective in cases of bronchitis because they decongest and make the bronchial tubes clean.

Leek

Leek is another plant-based food that contains an essence that has the capability to dissolve mucus. Because of its mucolytic action that is similar to one given by onions, it is therefore recommended when cases of bronchitis arise.

Borage

Borage has emollient mucilage and this makes it most beneficial to the bronchial tubes especially when its broth used, after boiling.

Watercress

There is a sulfurated compound in watercress which gives it the known piquant flavor and also serves as an expectorant. Get more information on watercress by following the link here.

Dates

Studies find that dates soothe and soften the respiratory mucosa. They also form a traditional remedy for bronchial colds and bronchitis especially when they are boiled in milk.

Also see vital information regarding dates above.

Jujube

Jujube contains mucilage which helps in softening the respiratory tract. As one of the foods for bronchitis, it fosters or promotes expectoration which is quite beneficial in cases bronchial conditions.

Fig

Apart from being among the foods for bronchitis, it is a good source of iron and B vitamins. It is a plant-based food that fights against cough.

Figs have expectorant effects and even soothe the respiratory tract.

Foods to eliminate or reduce

The following ear not among the foods for bronchitis, and therefore should be eliminated or reduce as part of dietary habit especially in cases of bronchitis. They are:

1. Salt
2. Saturated Fat
3. Alcoholic Beverages

Salt: It is known that salt retains fluid especially in the tissues and this is somewhat detrimental where there is presence of infectious process like bronchitis. Eliminating or diminishing the intake of salt will contribute to improving the condition.

Saturated Fat: Saturated fat should not be in excess as it weakens the immune system and it will even delay recovery from bronchial conditions.

Alcoholic Beverages: They often bring down resistance to disease and slow healing processes especially in cases of bronchitis.

See a doctor if the cough:

1. Stays after three weeks or lasts more than that
2. If the cough prevents you from having a good sleep
3. If the mucus is discolored
4. Has presence of blood
5. Linked with wheezing or inability to breathe well.

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Fidel Perez

A graduate of Computer Science and Information Management Technology. Diploma – Caregiving, Certificates – Dementia and Diabetes Awareness and Management. A researcher, blogger, songwriter, singer and acoustic guitarist. Born in an environment where natural talents such as healing are imparted at our natural birth. This natural talents of healing is the result of our genetic inheritance and the training from family environment.