Bronchitis: battle it with food

Bronchitis is swelling and inflammation of the lining of the bronchial tubes of the lungs, caused by an infection or an irritant. Learn how to help fight it with these foods:

• Bronchitis causes narrowed airways, making breathing difficult.
• Irritation can damage the cells lining the airways.
• It can also destroy tiny cilia, protective "hairs" that normally trap and sweep away foreign matter; damage to the cilia sets up an environment wherein an accumulation of irritants creates excess mucus, resulting in a heavy, deep cough, shortness of breath and wheezing.
• There are two forms of bronchitis: acute and chronic.
• Acute bronchitis is more common and it often follows a severe cold or flu, though it can also be triggered by environmental pollutants or a bacterial infection. Though not considered a serious health threat to most people, acute bronchitis may be more dangerous for the very young, the elderly or for people with a suppressed immune system, or those who suffer from certain conditions, like heart disease, or pulmonary disorders, like asthma.
• Bronchitis is termed "chronic bronchitis" when symptoms, such as excessive mucus production, coughing and wheezing, are experienced regularly for a long period of time (coughing up phlegm most days for at least three months of the year for at least two years in a row).
• Chronic bronchitis is principally a disease of smokers, and is a potentially life-threatening disease that causes progressive and permanent damage to the lungs. Pneumonia is another complication associated with chronic bronchitis.

• Smoking is a primary offender and is believed to be responsible for a majority (80 to 90 percent) of chronic bronchitis cases.
• Viral infections, such as the flu and the common cold, and bacterial infections can also lead to bronchitis.
• Other factors that may contribute to bronchitis include exposure to chemical fumes, aerosol products (such as hairsprays, deodorants and insecticides), dust, smog and other environmental pollutants.

• Along with quitting smoking, a diet that includes plenty of fruit, vegetables and fish may help to protect your lungs from free-radical damage.
• The inflammatory nature of acute bronchitis may be ameliorated by omega-3 fatty acids, which are thought to reduce the production of inflammatory compounds.
• Though scientific evidence is scarce, alternative practitioners feel that bromelain, an enzyme found in pineapples, also reduces inflammation in the airways.
• Certain foods contain substances that help to protect your lungs from destructive environmental pollutants.
• For example, Vitamin C-rich foods may offer antioxidant protection against free radicals in smog and cigarette smoke.
• Fundamental for maintaining optimum health, Vitamin C may also maintain a robust immune system to help fight off colds and viruses, which are often implicated in the onset of bronchitis.
• The mineral zinc is also instrumental in maintaining the immune system's defenses.
• Preliminary studies indicate that the flavonoid naringin, found in white grapefruit, appears to shield the lungs from environmental toxins.
• Foods rich in Vitamin E may also prevent oxidative damage to the lungs.

• Numerous studies reveal a beneficial association between fruit and vegetable intake and lung function.
• Results from a large cross-sectional study carried out in 69 counties in rural China indicate that participants who consume foods rich in Vitamin C had better lung function and, consequently, a lower risk for developing pulmonary diseases, such as bronchitis, than those participants with lower intakes of Vitamin C.
• Interestingly, study participants consumed about 50 percent more Vitamin C per day than the average North American.
• The authors suggest that the antioxidant properties of Vitamin C may protect the lungs from free-radical damage.

• Fatty fish
• Shellfish
• Citrus fruit
• Kiwi
• Pineapple
• Strawberries
• Beans
• Poultry
• Pumpkin seeds