4 Most Essential Vitamins for the Lungs

lungs health — (Source: imgk.timesnownews)

With a steep rise in the cases of chronic lung ailments in recent years, it is imperative to be watchful of your lung health. Here, consumption of essential vitamins can improve their condition, which will ensure that they function properly.

Therefore, allow us to elaborate on the essential vitamins for the lungs. Let’s begin!

Which Vitamins Are Good for Lung Health?

Given below are some of the best vitamins for lung repair:

1. Vitamin A

A fat-soluble nutrient, vitamin A is one of the vital vitamins to strengthen the lungs. It also boosts an individual’s immunity, thereby helping in the regeneration of cells in his/her body. Therefore, by raising the intake of this vitamin, one can allow his/her body to naturally repair its lung tissues.

It is not necessary to consume excessive amounts of vitamin A. Due to its fat-soluble nature, this vitamin for lung repair remains stored in the body for an extended period of time and is needed in small amounts. Moreover, overconsumption of this nutrient can lead to issues in the bones and liver.

Some of the common sources of this important vitamin for the lungs include fish, fortified cereals, carrots, dairy products, squash, broccoli, and cantaloupe.

2. Vitamin C

This vital vitamin for the lungs prevents chronic lung diseases and is helpful in a number of ways. An adequate intake of vitamin C daily boosts the immunity of an individual. In addition to this, it is also known to promote the formation of collagen in one’s skin.

Moreover, pollution and smoking result in the presence of toxins and free radicals in one’s lungs. This can result in inflammation in the body. Here, vitamin C can be considered a vital vitamin for lung detox.

In fact, citrus fruits, which contain high amounts of vitamin C, help fight against these toxins and free radicals. They also prove to be helpful for the body in the removal of these toxins. Additionally, it allows your body to undergo repairs by further lowering the rate of damage in the lung tissues.

Individuals wishing to increase their intake of this vitamin can opt for chilli peppers, kiwi, broccoli, guava, citrus fruits, berries and kale.

3. Vitamin D

Besides protecting an individual against respiratory infections, Vitamin D helps to reduce the risks of COPD flare-ups. Apart from being one of the top vitamins for the lungs, it also strengthens the bones and teeth of an individual.

Low levels of this vitamin can raise the risks of bronchitis, asthma, wheezing, and other respiratory ailments. Therefore, an adequate intake of this vitamin can improve lung function.

Individuals can obtain sufficient amounts of this vitamin through sunlight. Some food sources containing high levels of vitamin D include egg yolks, salmon, sardines, tuna, and oysters. Additionally, exposure to sunlight is important to acquire this sunshine vitamin.

4. Vitamin E

One of the vitamins for the lungs, vitamin E is a potent antioxidant. As a result, it helps one to deal with a chronic lung condition. The toxins and free radicals cause oxidative stress and harm to lung tissues, especially if one is suffering from a chronic lung ailment.

But vitamin E, with its antioxidant properties, removes these toxins from the body so that they do not harm the lungs. In addition, vitamin E is helpful in lowering inflammation in lung tissues. As a result, this is one of the best vitamins for weak lungs.

Some sources of this important vitamin include:

Spinach
Almonds
Avocado

Here’s a rundown of everything we’ve discussed so far:

Essential Vitamins for Lungs	Benefits and Importance	Source of Vitamin
Vitamin A	Important for improved lung health, boosts immunity, and regenerates cells in the human body. Responsible for initiating the process of natural repair of lung tissues.	Fish, fortified cereals, carrots, dairy products, squash, broccoli, and cantaloupe
Vitamin C	Prevents chronic lung ailments, boosts immunity and promotes the formation of collagen in the skin. Gets rid of toxins and free radicals and reduces the damage rates of lung tissues.	Chilli peppers, kiwi, broccoli, guava, citrus fruits, berries and kale
Vitamin D	Strengthens bones and teeth and improves lung function. It offers protection against respiratory infections and lowers the risk of COPD flare-ups.	Egg yolks, salmon, sardines, tuna, and oysters.
Vitamin E	Helps one to recover from chronic lung ailment. Also remove toxins and free radicals before they cause damage to the lungs. Helps lower inflammation of the lung tissues.	Spinach, almonds, and avocado

Which Vitamin Deficiency Is Associated With Causing Harm to the Lungs?

As per studies, a severe deficiency of vitamin D is linked with lung ailments. According to Medical News Today, recent research has found that interstitial lung disease (ILD) is associated with low vitamin D levels.

Additionally, researchers found that CT scans of lungs of individuals lacking adequate levels of this vitamin showed a higher amount of spots, which indicated damaged tissues. This was in comparison to those individuals who had optimal levels of vitamin D.

This brings this article to an end, and by now, you have surely developed an idea about some of the best vitamins for the lungs. So if you are looking forward to consuming vitamins for healthy lungs, go ahead and ensure to consume adequate proportions of the ones mentioned above.

Frequently Asked Questions

All

What would happen if an individual on antibiotics takes vitamin E to improve lung health?

Vitamin E is one of the best vitamins for weak lungs, but it would interact with antibiotics, especially blood thinners. This can increase the risk of stroke and spontaneous bleeding. Therefore, it is imperative to consult with a professional before taking any vitamins.

What are the symptoms of COPD and which vitamins help to treat it?

Initially, an individual might not show any signs and symptoms. However, this condition worsens, one can notice some warning signs, such as tightness in the chest, swollen legs, feet or ankles, blue fingernails, or discomfort in breathing. Intake of vitamins D, C, E and A helps cure COPD.