Bronchitis Diet Tips

The Right Foods for Treating Bronchitis

Adopting a tailored bronchitis diet could help to treat some of the causes of bronchitis and maybe go towards helping sufferers to feel more comfortable.  Bronchitis comes in two forms: acute and chronic.

Bronchitis is an inflammation or obstruction in the bronchial tubes (the airways leading into and out of the lungs). The inflammation results in a build up of mucus and along with coughing, fatigue and difficulty breathing it makes for a pretty unpleasant condition.

Acute bronchitis is usually the result of an initial infection that has weakened a person, like a cold or virus.  Chronic bronchitis is usually the result of long-term smoking.  In some cases it can be the result of some long term working conditions or other environmental factor.

Which Foods Make A Good Bronchitis Diet?

Some of the best foods for the treatment of acute bronchitis include:

• Spinach
• Carrots
• Spring onions
• Leeks

All of the above supply vitamin A, which is known to increase lung health.

Also needed are:

• Pumpkin seeds, lean beef and shellfish all provide zinc
• Oily fish such as sardines or mackerel have anti-inflammatory properties
• Fresh fruit and vegetables provide good quantities of vitamin C

The combination of the above foods will enhance lung health and help lung conditions such as bronchitis and asthma, as they contain nutrients that have anti-inflammatory effects and boost the immune system.

Effective Herbs For Bronchitis

Some herbs have proven to be very effective in the treatment of bronchitis.  Herbs such as:

• American and Siberian ginseng
• Black radish
• Chickweed
• Elderberry
• Ginko biloba
• Lobelia
• Mullein

These herbs all help to clear bronchial passages, reduce inflammation and ease lung congestion.  Important Note: consult a specialist before taking herbs or combinations of herbs as some have side effects or can complicate previous conditions such as high blood pressure or heart conditions.

Foods To Avoid With Bronchitis

Avoid mucus-forming foods such as:

• Dairy products
• Processed foods
• Sugar
• White flour

Other Considerations

Although this site is primarily about food and how to use food to heal conditions such as bronchitis, it is important to consider some non food related points that will help prevent and control the condition.  Such as:

• Do not smoke and avoid second hand smoke.  
• Add moisture to the air using a humidifier or a bowl of water placed on a radiator.
• Rub eucalyptus oil on the chest to help sleeping at night.

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