In the bronchitis diet, it is important to prioritize foods rich in zinc, vitamin A and vitamin C, such as fruits, vegetables and nuts, which have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that strengthen immune system cells, helping to reduce the duration and prevent attacks. of bronchitis.
In addition, depending on your current weight, it may also be recommended to increase or decrease calories in your diet. This is because excess weight increases the effort on the heart and lungs, making breathing difficult. Underweight people may feel weaker and more tired, and may have more infections.
During bronchitis it may also be recommended to reduce carbohydrate intake, because the digestion of this nutrient uses a lot of oxygen and produces a lot of carbon dioxide in the body. As bronchitis hinders gas exchange in the lungs, excess carbon dioxide accumulates in the body, which can cause shortness of breath, coughing and changes in heartbeat.
Foods that should be prioritized
The foods that should be prioritized in the diet should be those rich in fiber, omega 3, selenium, zinc, vitamin A, vitamin C and vitamin E, nutrients that strengthen immunity, improve breathing and promote well-being. Therefore, the foods that should be consumed are:
- Vegetables and vegetables, such as arugula, spinach, peppers, tomatoes, carrots, jiló and pumpkin;
- Fish, such as salmon, sardines, herring and mackerel;
- Low-fat meats, such as chicken, tofu, turkey and eggs;
- Fruits with skin (when possible)such as grapes, strawberries, papaya, tangerines and kiwi;
- Whole grains in moderationsuch as brown rice, wholemeal pasta and wholemeal bread;
- Healthy fatssuch as olive oil, walnuts, Brazil nuts and avocado oil;
- Dairy, such as yogurt, milk and cheese;
- Vegetable drinks, such as oat, soy, rice or hazelnut milk.
People who need to gain weight should consume full-fat dairy products. For those who need to lose weight, it is recommended to prioritize skimmed dairy products.
Although it is believed that dairy products increase mucus production and may worsen bronchitis, studies (1) (2) Current studies prove that this relationship does not exist and that the mixture of saliva with milk, forming a thick liquid in the mouth and throat, is the cause of this sensation of increased mucus production.
Menu for bronchitis
The following table contains an example menu for 3 days for bronchitis:
This menu is just an example of a bronchitis diet, which may vary according to the person’s current weight and health status. Therefore, it is advisable to consult a nutritionist for a complete assessment of nutritional needs and the planning of an individual diet.
Foods that should be avoided
Foods that should be avoided are those that can cause inflammation in the body, such as:
- Foods rich in sugar, such as soft drinks, honey, chocolates, ice cream, cakes, jellies and puddings;
- Refined cereals, such as white rice, white bread and white pasta;
- fatty meats, such as beef, pork and lamb;
- Built-ins, such as mortadella, salami, ham, sausage and sausage;
- Foods rich in fat, such as pizza, chicken skin, margarine, hamburgers, fries and packaged snacks;
- Alcoholic beverages, such as beer, wine, sparkling wine and cocktails.
Additionally, it is important to avoid foods that cause excess gas in some people, such as broccoli, cauliflower, carbonated drinks, beans and corn, as excess gas can make breathing difficult in these cases. Discover other foods that increase gas.
Other recommendations
Some recommendations that can help improve breathing, general well-being and reduce fatigue are:
1. Drink plenty of water
It is recommended to drink at least 6 to 8 glasses of water a day, because this drink helps transport white blood cells, one of the compounds in the blood that are responsible for the body’s defense, thus helping to strengthen the immune system. Furthermore, water also helps to thin mucus, making it easier to eliminate. See the amount of water indicated for each person.
2. Eat small meals
Eating small meals, dividing them into 4 to 6 meals throughout the day, helps keep the diaphragm, the muscle that separates the abdomen from the chest, free, facilitating the entry of air into the lungs and thus improving breathing.
3. Use home remedies
Some home remedies, such as guaco, anise and ginger tea, and watercress syrup are great options for home remedies with anti-inflammatory and expectorant properties that help strengthen the immune system, in addition to diluting and eliminating secretions. Learn how to use home remedies during bronchitis.
4. Consume probiotics
Probiotics are beneficial bacteria that live in the intestine and that promote the balance of intestinal flora, reducing inflammation and thus strengthening the immune system. Therefore, consuming foods such as kefir, kombucha and yogurt helps prevent and reduce the time and duration of bronchitis attacks.
5. Do physical exercise
Practicing physical exercise at least 3 to 4 times a week, such as walking, cycling and weight training, strengthens the lungs and heart, lowering blood pressure and improving breathing.
However, it is recommended to perform physical exercises only under the recommendation of a doctor and the guidance of a physical activity professional, to adjust the frequency, intensity and types of exercises according to the health status and current weight of the person. each person.
