The primary characteristics of bronchitis are an unrelenting cough and sore throat.
While it’s rarely a fatal condition, it can linger for weeks and leave people feeling fatigued and achy.
Some foods can exacerbate the illness, while others can speed up the healing process.
Food & Nutrition Diet (Meal Plan) for Bronchitis
#1 Recommended Breakfast Diet for Bronchitis
Vitamin C will boost the immune system, which is crucial for getting better. Citrus fruits are one way to start the day off on a good note.
Oranges, grapefruit, and lemons are just a few examples. Squeeze some lemon into a glass of water or add an orange to breakfast.
Kiwi and papaya are also chock full of Vitamin C, so if they’re in season, they’re a great option.
Healthy fats will also help to reduce the inflammation from bronchitis. Avocado (such as on some toast or with some eggs) is one awesome source of healthy fats.
#2 Recommended Lunch Diet for Bronchitis
Vegetables are always a great choice, but they’re especially important for people recovering from bronchitis.
The body needs all the help it can get, and veggies have the nutrients the body is craving.
In particular, dark leafy greens provide several kinds of antioxidants that boost immunity and fight off infection.
Flavonoids and carotenoids are in many different vegetables, including carrots, kale, and Swiss chard. They work to combat illness, too.
A big salad or lightly steamed or sauteed veggies creates the basis for a nutritious and delicious lunch. Add some organic meat for Vitamins A and E, as well as conjugated linoleic acid.
#3 Recommended Dinner Diet for Bronchitis
Dinner should start with vegetables, but beef, pork, chicken, or fish can round out the meal and make it more satisfying.
It’s best to go with grass-fed and organic meats because they contain more nutrients such as B vitamins, omega-3 fatty acids, and zinc.
For people who can tolerate spice, they’re in luck because spices and spicy foods can help thin the mucus caused by bronchitis.
Adding garlic to the meal brings antibacterial and antifungal properties to the party.
A nice stir-fry or roasted veggies with garlic and chicken sound like great dinner options.
#4 Recommended Snack Diet for Bronchitis
Snacks will help to keep a patient’s energy up while their body fights off the illness.
Fermented foods such as kefir, miso, and yogurt can help produce more healthy bacteria in the gut, which will contribute to recovery.
Fruits and veggies are easy to keep on hand.
Nuts, especially macadamias and pecans, have omega-3’s that ease inflammation. Patients can try mixing the nuts with yogurt or kefir, or having them with an apple or orange.
One interesting home remedy calls for a cup of boiling water mixed with a mashed ripe banana.
Once the mixture is cool, add a tablespoon of honey. Just a few bites of this snack is said to work wonders for bronchitis patients.
#5 Recommended Drinks for Bronchitis
Tea with lemon and honey can provide relief from a sore throat. Patients might want to sip on this throughout the day while recovering.
While it might not be a drink, bone broth is a liquid that has anti-inflammatory benefits. Sipping on it or making it part of a soup is sure to help bronchitis symptoms.
The best drink during recovery will be water, especially since patients lose a lot of liquids through hacking up mucus.
Staying hydrated is essential to keeping the body in proper working order, and it makes it much easier to expel phlegm.
#6 Recommended Herbs for Bronchitis
Garlic is anti-inflammatory and goes great in all kinds of different dishes. It’s a wonderful addition to a diet plan for combatting bronchitis.
Cayenne pepper and capsaicin help with expelling mucus from the body, and they can be incorporated into a healthy lunch or dinner.
In fact, cayenne boost the benefits of some medications.
Mullein tea is full of saponins that loosen phlegm, and licorice root tea eases inflammation.
Astragalus and echinacea have antibacterial qualities and are helpful supplements to take during recovery.
#7 Recommended Fruits for Bronchitis
Citrus fruits, kiwi, and papayas contain Vitamin C, a superstar nutrient for battling infection and strengthening the immune system.
Berries also contain healthful antioxidants and they’re great to have on hand for a quick snack.
Bananas contain manganese, a super important mineral in bronchitis recovery and respiratory function.
Fruits can be blended into a smoothie, which might be easier for some bronchitis patients to eat.
#8 Recommended Vitamin/s for Bronchitis
Vitamin A has powerful antioxidants that reduce inflammation and speed up the recovery process.
Vitamin C soothes the nasal passages and gives the immune system a boost. Fortunately, this vitamin is in lots of fruits and veggies.
Some research suggests that adequate Vitamin C can help to prevent bronchitis in the first place.
Several studies show that Vitamin D supplements ease the symptoms of upper respiratory infections and help patients recover faster.
Vitamin E has antioxidants that also help with fighting the infection.
#9 Recommended Mineral/s for Bronchitis
Manganese contributes to healing the bronchial tubes and can greatly reduce symptoms. Moreover, the enzyme, manganese superoxide dismutase is present in mitochondria.
It’s an antioxidant enzyme that controls the respiratory process of the cells.
On the other hand, when patients take it early, zinc supplements can make the symptoms of bronchitis more manageable, and may cut down on recovery time.
Finally, perhaps one reason why so many people suggest honey for bronchitis is because it has many healing amino acids and minerals. These include manganese, niacin, riboflavin, thiamine, pantothenic acid, potassium, and zinc.
#10 Discouraged Foods for Bronchitis
Alcohol and caffeine will mess with the central nervous system, slowing down the body’s response to coughing and wheezing.
It might be tempting to eat ice cream all day, but high-sugar foods will wreak havoc on the immune system.
Same thing with processed junk foods such as crackers, chips, and cookies. The body needs nutrients to fight the inflammation and bacterial culprits.
Dairy products will increase the amount of mucus, so it’s best to limit milk and cheese.
*If you have any concerns or questions about your health, you should always consult your doctor before making any changes to your diet or nutrition program.
- READ MORE
I have been reading a book on healing with nutrition for years & now I am working with your knowledge. I appreciate your info & I have been eating the way you advised before I found your website. Thank you