Foods to cure pneumonia: what to eat and menu

Some foods such as sardines, avocados and salmon help cure pneumonia as they are rich in omega 3 and vitamin E, nutrients with anti-inflammatory properties, reducing inflammation in the body and preventing complications from the disease.

Furthermore, foods rich in vitamins and antioxidants, such as orange and acerola, combat excess free radicals, strengthening immune system cells and thus promoting the cure of pneumonia. See how to increase your intake of antioxidant foods.

However, pneumonia can decrease appetite, causing weight loss in some people. Therefore, in addition to the treatment recommended by the pulmonologist, it is also advisable to consult a nutritionist to assess your health status and plan an individual diet.

Foods that should be prioritized

It is important to prioritize foods rich in vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and anti-inflammatories, which strengthen the immune system, helping to cure pneumonia. Therefore, the foods that should be prioritized are:

• Fresh fruit, such as avocado, orange, lemon, acerola, papaya, guava and pomegranate;
• Vegetables and vegetables, such as watercress, onion, tomato, lettuce, broccoli, chayote, spinach and pumpkin;
• Fish rich in omega 3such as sardines, herring, mackerel and salmon;
• Low-fat meatssuch as chicken, eggs, tofu and turkey;
• Whole grainssuch as oats, quinoa, brown rice, wholemeal bread and wholemeal pasta;
• Healthy fatssuch as olive oil, linseed, cashew nuts and Brazil nuts;
• Natural seasonings and condimentssuch as turmeric, ginger, rosemary, thyme, cinnamon and black pepper;
• Dairy, such as yogurt, milk, cheese and butter.

Studies ^{(1) (2)} Recent studies confirm that there is no relationship between the intake of milk and dairy products and increased mucus production. What happens is that the mixture of saliva and milk can form a thick liquid, causing a sensation of mucus in the mouth and throat.

Menu for pneumonia

The following table gives an example of a 3-day menu to help cure pneumonia:

This menu is just an example of what to eat to help cure pneumonia and may vary according to the person’s health status and nutritional needs. Therefore, it is advisable to consult a nutritionist for a complete assessment and planning of an individualized diet.

Foods that should be avoided

During pneumonia, it is important to avoid foods that increase inflammation, hindering recovery or worsening the disease, such as:

• Foods rich in bad fats, such as French fries, margarine, packaged snacks, pizza and hamburgers;
• Sweets in general, such as sugar, ice cream, cake, pudding, filled cookies;
• Meats with a lot of fatsuch as lamb, bacon, picanha and beef ribs;
• Sugary drinkssuch as soft drinks and industrialized juices;
• Built-ins, such as sausage, sausage, salami, mortadella and ham;
• Ready-made sauces and seasoningssuch as mayonnaise, ketchup and Worcestershire sauce;

Furthermore, it is important to avoid the consumption of alcoholic beverages, such as beer, wine, sparkling wine and whiskey, as they can weaken immune system cells, making pneumonia difficult to treat.

Other recommendations

Some recommendations that help improve pneumonia symptoms and general well-being are:

• Eat 5 to 6 meals a daydivided into small portions, to facilitate digestion and breathing;
• Drink plenty of wateras water is important for transporting the body’s defense cells, in addition to helping to dilute mucus;
• Use some home remedies, like thyme and ginger tea. Discover the home remedies that help treat pneumonia.

In some cases, your doctor may also recommend the use of medicines or supplements to supplement your diet and stimulate your appetite. See some remedies that stimulate your appetite.