Pneumonia is an infection that causes the air sacs of the lungs to inflame, resulting in coughing, breathing issues, fever, fatigue, and other symptoms. Medical treatments, including antivirals and antibiotics, help ease the symptoms, but diet is crucial in making life easier for those suffering from this condition. This blog discusses the best foods for pneumonia patients.
Foods to eat with Pneumonia
1. Protein-Rich Food
Protein strengthens tissues and builds antibodies, which are essential in fighting infection. To fight pneumonia, add chicken, eggs, fish, and lentils to your diet.
2. Vitamin C Rich Foods
Oranges, lemons, kiwis, and vegetables like spinach, broccoli, and pepper are some of the best foods to eat during pneumonia. Flavourful and essential for immunity, these foods can be had as a snack or as part of a larger meal.
3. Zinc Rich Food
Zinc helps support immunity and heals the body from the soreness and fatigue of infection. Grains, nuts, seeds, and seafood are great choices to be added to a pneumonia patient's diet.
4. Whole Grains
Oats, brown rice, millet, and other foodgrains offer energy and dietary fibre, which is required for the proper functioning of body and gut health. These food items help in speedy recovery, making them one of the best foods in pneumonia.
5. Probiotics
Add curd, yoghurt, and other probiotic and fermented food items to your diet as these help clean your gut and improve your immune response. Avoid consuming cold or frozen yoghurt and go for room temperature probiotic food items as cool temperatures can cause bouts of cough.
6. Herbs and Spices
Traditional medicine practices have relied on herbs and spices like ginger and turmeric for soothing congestion and inflammation caused by pneumonia. Make tea or gargle with ginger and turmeric water or consume them with your meals to benefit from the immune-boosting properties of these spices.
7. Hydration
Drink a proper quantity of water to aid the release of mucus, ensure proper circulation, and ease body aches. Coconut water and soups are also good options for pneumonia patients.