Nutritional Rx for Lungs
In the cancer community, think "October" and you'll immediately think of "pink" and breast cancer awareness. But October is also healthy lung month, celebrating something most of us probably don't even think about...our ability to breathe.
I've worked with lung cancer patients with extreme emphesema and it isn't pretty. Lung diseases, including emphesema, asthma and bronchitis, is the number three cause of death in America, responsible for one in seven deaths.
When it come to healthy lungs, It is never too late to take action! Quitting smoking has immediate as well as long-term health benefits for you and your loved ones. Also, avoid smoky bars and smoking areas in restaurants. New laws in many states help protect our lungs from this second-hand smoke.
In addition to quitting smoking, exercising regularly helps to keep your heart and lungs in good shape by doing the type of exercises that make your heart beat faster like climbing the stairs, riding a bike or walking briskly.
And one suggestion near and dear to my heart: eat at least seven to nine servings of fruits and vegetables a day. Foods with high amounts of antioxidants, including vitamin C, vitamin E, selenium and beta-carotene, all improve lung function. Look for colorful produce and add something to your plate at every meal. For those of you with lung cancer, you may be tempted to juice, but you'd be better off eating whole foods and taking whole food concentrated supplements. Why? Because many people with lung cancer usually lose weight and filling up on lower calorie juices will not provide enough nutrient density into the daily diet. Additionally, the sugar found inherent in fruits and many vegetables can raise the blood sugar levels and decrease immune function. You can read more about specific nutritional protocols for lung cancer in my book, Challenge Cancer and Win!
I invite you all to breathe in the Fall air and be thankful for the ease of breath, the flow of air and the smell of Autumn as it rushes in.
Enjoy the season!
Kim Dalzell, PhD, RD, LD
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