It’s that time of year again. The air quality is poor and our lungs are feeling it! Unfortunately, the pollution in our air poses major health concerns. Fortunately, you have the support of Lee Acupuncture and wellness to keep you healthy this winter! Here are a few suggestions on what you can do to safeguard the health of your lungs.
5 Tips for Lung Health
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Boost your immune system
Ask Dr. Lee/Nam to recommend an herbal formula for you. Consider taking the following supplements:
- Vitamin D
- Vitamin C
- Zinc
- Astragalus
- Cordyceps
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Wear a mask while outside or driving
We recommend Vogmasks because they block the small harmful particles that come from pollution, that most other masks don’t block. If your mask is black and you look like a robber, just remember to take it off before you pull into the drive-through at the bank. 😉
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Avoid mucus-forming foods
Excess mucus in your lungs decreases lung capacity. Avoid the following mucus forming foods: sugar, dairy, bananas, and processed foods. Focus instead on adding antioxidant-rich foods to your diet, like berries or mushrooms. You can find dry shiitake, maitake, and reishi mushrooms in the bulk section of your local health food store and rehydrate them.
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Consume warm foods and drinks
Cold foods and drinks will constrict the delicate lung tissue. During the winter, focus on sticking to warm, cooked foods, such as tea, bone broth, soup, and roasted vegetables.
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Purchase an air purifier for your home or work
We use the brands Holmes and Austin. These can constantly remove airborne contaminants from the air in your home and also help provide relief from allergies and asthma.
Baked Pears Recipe:
“Pears are great to help moisten the lungs when you have a dry cough.” – Nam Lee, LAc, PhD, QME
You can use 3-4 Asian, brown or green pears.
- Cut off the tops, and core out the middle. Place in baking dish with ¼- ½ inch of water.
- Fill cored pears with any combination of the following: cinnamon, cloves, ginger, anise, nutmeg, vanilla, citrus peel, raisins.
- Sprinkle extra spices into water in dish. Drizzle with honey (dark color honey is preferred for stopping cough).
- Bake @ 375 for 15 minutes.
- Uncover and bake until pears are soft and liquid thickens into a runny syrup consistency.
- Enjoy!
With the weather cooling down and the pollution at an all-time high during the fall and winter months, it can really take a toll on your immune system. Combat the cold and flu season by supporting your immune system with vitamins such as vitamin D and C and an herbal concoction from our office. In addition, you can also consider wearing a mask, avoiding mucus-forming foods, eating and drinking warm beverages, and investing in an air purifier.