Breathing is something that allows you to exist because it’s the one that takes oxygen from the environment to your body. It’s exactly for this reason why having optimally-functioning lungs is very important.

Other than supplying every single cell, tissue and organ in your body with much-needed oxygen, it’s your breathing that also makes it possible for you to talk, laugh and sing.

If your breathing is not optimal, many different problems may strike. You may feel fatigued and lethargic all the time. You may experience dizziness on a 24/7 basis. Your lips, nails and skin may appear bluish, too.

Make sure that you get checked by your doctor as soon as possible if you have trouble breathing. This is especially true if it’s accompanied by other unusual symptoms.

There are certain foods that you may include in your diet on a regular basis to help improve your breathing. Here are a few of those that can help in keeping your lungs in a healthy state:

Ginger

Because of its anti-inflammatory properties, it helps keep the airways clog-free. Consuming ginger can come in very handy most especially if you are suffering from an infection of the upper respiratory tract.

You can take advantage of ginger’s ability to improve breathing by consuming it in tea form. However, you can simply add grated ginger root to soups, stews, salads and others.

Turmeric

A very popular spice used in Middle Eastern and Asian cooking, turmeric is an impressive protector of the lungs. Such can be expected because it is actually related to ginger.

Making turmeric a superb promoter of proper breathing is its ability to reduce inflammation and enhance the ability of the respiratory system to fight off microbes. According to scientists, it may also lower risk of lung cancer.

Broccoli

What makes broccoli beneficial for the lungs is the fact that it’s a member of a family of vegetables (cruciferous) that supplies the body with compounds capable of reducing a person’s lung cancer risk.

Further, broccoli is rich in vitamin C, a nutrient so important for strengthening the immune system. Your lungs can defend your body so much better against invading bacteria and viruses with the help of broccoli.

Cabbage

Just like broccoli, cabbage is very good at reducing lung cancer risk and boosting the immune system. It doesn’t really come as a surprise because cabbage is actually a member of the cruciferous family of vegetables.

Aside from cabbage and broccoli, you may also improve your breathing with their other relatives. Some of them are kale, Brussels sprouts, cauliflower, collard greens, horseradish and watercress.

Apples

Believe it or not, something as easily accessible as an apple can help in making your breathing trouble-free. It all has something to do with its flavonoid content that helps shield the lungs from damage.

Vitamins C and E are also present in apples, and both of these nutrients are beneficial for the entire respiratory system. Needless to say, an apple a day keeps lung issues at bay.

Carrots

Everyone knows that carrots are good for the eyes because of their beta carotene content. But did you know that these orange-colored vegetables that may be eaten raw or cooked are also good for the lungs?

According to scientists, beta carotene is an antioxidant that helps shield the lungs from free radical damage. What’s more, it may lower your odds of suffering from lung cancer.

Nuts and Seeds

There are a couple of reasons why nuts and seeds should be consumed regularly for improved breathing. First, they contain magnesium which is a mineral known to contribute to optimum lung health.

Second, nuts and seeds are rich in healthy fat that’s beneficial for the cardiovascular system. You see, your lungs work together with your heart in making sure that your body is getting all the oxygen that it needs.