Nutrients for Healthy Lungs

Lung health is incredibly important. The organs that allow for and facilitate breathing deserve special care, since most everything in the body requires oxygen. Not smoking and avoiding the inhalation of unhealthy substances are perhaps the more obvious healthy lung habits. However, what is consumed in the diet does play a large part in what state of health a pair of lungs can be found in.

• Lungs, just like all bodily organs, rely on vitamins and nutrients to function at their prime.

Vitamin C

• The many health benefits that vitamin C provides cannot be ignored. Because of its aid in boosting the immune system, helping tissue flexibility, adding to blood vessel and capillary health and healing wounds, vitamin C can be helpful in most any bodily condition. Also, a research study in 2009 confirmed that adolescents without sufficient supply of vitamin C in the diet had an increased risk for poor overall lung health. Vitamin C is plentiful in citrus fruits and juices, strawberries, red bell peppers, cantaloupe and Brussels sprouts.

Vitamin E

• Vitamin E tends to work well in close association with vitamin C. Vitamin C facilitates vitamin E's use as an antioxidant, thus making this nutrient usable and beneficial to the lungs. Vitamin E is also good for skin and tissue in general, which is what lungs are composed of. This nutrient also helps immensely in teen lung health. Vitamin E can be found in wheat germ oil, many nuts (including peanuts and almonds) and spinach.

Omega-3 Fatty Acids

• Don't let the name fool you, omega-3 "fatty" acids are some of the most healthful elements in any diet. Studies have also suggested that these essential nutrients that our body can't make on its own can reduce asthma symptoms and reduce the amount of asthma medication needed. These kinds of results could help many people with intense asthma breathe easier, thus adding to overall lung health. Again, teens have been found to gain special benefit from omega-3 fatty acids. Omega-3's can be found in fish (such as salmon, anchovies, and herring), walnuts, flax and canola oil.

Supplements

• Though nutrients of any kind are usually better absorbed and used by the body when eaten in food, supplements can be a helpful way to bulk up on vitamins and minerals that may be lacking from a diet. There are specific supplement formulations that have been developed for lungs, which include "Lung Formula" vitamin pills and "Proanthanols," which can both be found at most health stores. These vitamins should always be used according to the directions on their bottles.

Significance

• A healthy diet is important in all aspects of health. Focusing on the condition of one body part alone may neglect others and throw off the body's balance. Foods and vitamins specific to lung health should be utilized for those with lung problems and even those with healthy lungs, but a balanced diet is always the best option.