My Healthy Lungs & Immune Boosting Practices for fighting and/or Preventing Pneumonia and Lung Cancer

I want to thank Susan Renee Bright for bringing research to me from the internet that helped me generate this article, as I battle pneumonia at the time of this writing. Robb Olmstead, June 1, 2024

For optimal lung and immune health, combining dietary choices with lifestyle habits can significantly enhance respiratory function and protect against lung diseases and many other diseases.

Remember that when your body is unbalanced in pH, especially on the acidic side, your body is at dis ease. This is where DISEASE lives and flourishes. In this stasis, your homeostasis (overall health balance) is threatened and all other balances are thrown off (the ranges we target in our bloodwork shows an equilibrium of range balances for blood pressure, white and red blood cell counts, cholesterol, pH, acidity and alkalinity, body temperature, blood pulse rate, etc.).

Immunity goes down and, again, the body goes into dis ease (diseases are the different categories of being in dis ease; they do NOT have to be permanent once diagnosed).

Boosting immunity at this point is necessary, as is maintaining immune balance (homeostasis) as a daily conscientious effort, and involves a combination of a balanced diet, regular exercise, adequate sleep, stress management, and healthy lifestyle choices.

Here are some foods and lifestyle tips specifically geared towards maintaining and improving lung health and enhance your immune system:

I. Foods to Boost Lung Health

1. Leafy Greens: Spinach, kale, and Swiss chard are rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals that support lung health.

2. Berries: Blueberries, strawberries, and raspberries are packed with antioxidants like flavonoids, which can protect lung tissue from damage.

3. Tomatoes: High in lycopene, which has been linked to reduced lung inflammation and improved lung function.

4. Beets: Rich in nitrates, which can improve oxygen uptake and enhance exercise performance.

5. Apples: Contain quercetin, which has anti-inflammatory properties that may benefit lung health.

6. Nuts and Seeds: Almonds, walnuts, and flaxseeds are high in omega-3 fatty acids and Vitamin E, which can help reduce lung inflammation.

7. Fatty Fish: Salmon, mackerel, and sardines are excellent sources of omega-3 fatty acids, which have anti-inflammatory properties.

8. Garlic and Onions: Contain compounds that have been shown to reduce lung inflammation and improve respiratory health.

9. Green Tea: Contains antioxidants that can help reduce lung inflammation and improve lung function.

10. Ginger: Has anti-inflammatory properties that can help relax the airway muscles and improve lung health.

11. Citrus Fruits: Oranges, grapefruits, and lemons are high in Vitamin C, which can help reduce lung inflammation and improve lung function.

II. “Clean Dozen” Lifestyle Tips for Lung Health and Boosting Immunity

1. Regular Exercise: Engages your immune system and can help flush bacteria out of the lungs and airways. Aerobic exercises, such as walking, running, swimming, and cycling, can improve lung capacity and efficiency.

2. Adequate Sleep: Aim for 7-8 hours of sleep per night to allow your body to repair and regenerate.

3. Manage Stress: Chronic stress can suppress your immune system. Practice relaxation techniques like yoga, meditation, or deep breathing.

4. Maintain a Healthy Weight: Obesity impairs immune function and can disable homeostasis.

5. Breathing Exercises: Techniques like diaphragmatic breathing and pursed-lip breathing can enhance lung capacity and efficiency.

6. Avoid Smoking: Smoking is the leading cause of lung diseases such as COPD and lung cancer. Avoiding it is crucial for lung health.

7. Avoid Pollutants: Reduce exposure to indoor and outdoor air pollutants, including secondhand smoke, industrial emissions, and vehicle exhaust.

8. Clean Home Environment: Regularly clean and dust your living space to reduce allergens and other air pollutants.

9. Stay Hydrated: Drinking plenty of water helps thin mucus secretions, making it easier to clear the lungs and helps to carry oxygen throughout your body cells and maintain bodily functions.

10. Maintain Good Posture: Proper posture can help ensure that your lungs have enough room to expand fully.

11. Avoid Excessive Alcohol: Excessive alcohol can impair the immune system.

12. Hygiene Practices: Regular hand washing, and practicing good hygiene can help prevent infections.

III. Foods to Boost Immunity

1. Citrus Fruits: Oranges, lemons, limes, grapefruits, and tangerines are rich in Vitamin C, which is known to increase the production of white blood cells.

2. Red Bell Peppers: Higher in Vitamin C than citrus fruits and a good source of beta-carotene.

3. Broccoli: Packed with vitamins A, C, and E, as well as fiber and antioxidants.

4. Garlic: Contains compounds like allicin that have immune-boosting properties.

5. Ginger: Has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.

6. Spinach: Rich in Vitamin C and packed with numerous antioxidants and beta-carotene.

7. Yogurt: Contains probiotics, which are good bacteria that can help boost your immune system.

8. Almonds: High in Vitamin E, which is key to a healthy immune system.

9. Turmeric: Contains curcumin, which has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects.

10. Green Tea: Contains flavonoids and epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), powerful antioxidants that enhance immune function.

11. Papaya: Another fruit loaded with Vitamin C. It also has a digestive enzyme called papain that has anti-inflammatory effects.

12. Kiwi: Full of essential nutrients, including folate, potassium, Vitamin K, and Vitamin C.

13. Poultry: Chicken and turkey are high in Vitamin B6, which is important in many of the chemical reactions that happen in the body.

14. Sunflower Seeds: High in nutrients, including phosphorous, magnesium, and Vitamin E.

15. Shellfish: Rich in zinc, which helps immune cells function properly. Examples include crab, clams, lobster, and mussels.

Reclaiming homeostasis once gone isn’t that hard. It’s just a choice, changes in daily behaviors, and staying on track. Maintaining homeostasis is much easier once you know you have it.

Have your blood levels checked to see what your current balance is, work one way or another to bring it back if it is off, and recheck those levels. Repeat until you have balance. Then keep it.

It’s your choice. Not theirs.