The lungs don’t only filter air and oxygen for the body, they also have a big part in the healthiness of our immune system. Let’s hear it from a naturopath Jodi Van Dyk.
Our 2 lungs are vital organs that help us transfer oxygen we inhale into bloodstream and power the body. However, the lungs’ equally important function in connection with our immune system is sometimes overlooked.
The lungs are filled with air sacs or alveoli surrounded by tiny blood vessels (capillary veins). Exchange of 2 types of gases takes place in these air sacs.
One of the two gases is oxygen. When we inhale the lung takes in air that contains oxygen and transfer the oxygen into bloodstream that travels the entire body to supply the gas to all organs. No organ can function without oxygen.
The other gas is carbon dioxide. The lungs help get rid of carbon dioxide which is a waste gas produced by the body. Removal of this gas helps stabilizing pH balance of the blood.
How does that involve the immune system?
The lungs are surrounded by pleura, the moist and thin membrane that host gas exchange and secretes mucus into the air sacs. This mucus keeps bronchial tracts moist and blocks out unwanted particles taken in with the air. The lungs also have tiny hair that brushes contaminants into the pharynx so that it could be coughed out, or, swallowed and eliminated by the digestive system. The process of cleaning out contaminations is an important role of the immune system protecting our respiratory system from infections.
The pleura has macrophage white blood cells which can locate and destroy particles that entered the lungs. These soldier cells reinforce the importance of the lungs to the immune system
How does food affect the lungs?
There was a study the US that asked 2000 participants to answer questions about their choice of diet, respiratory health and to participate in physical tests. The results of the study revealed that lower intake of fruits, vitamin C, vitamin E and omega-3 fatty acid is correlated with lower lungs function and higher susceptibility to infection.
Vitamin A is also crucial to healthy lungs. Additional intake of vitamin A can help nourish the pleura and increase the mucus production which is an important component of the immune system.
Tips for healthy and strong lungs
• Eat nutritious diets to get sufficient vitamins, minerals and antioxidants.
• Include fish in your meal at least 3 meals per week or take fish oil supplement.
• Add yellow or red vegetables which are rich in betacarotene and natural vitamin C to your dish.
• Don’t smoke but if you do, reduce it over time and quit.
• Drink a lot of water at least 8 glasses a day because water is raw material to mucus production.
Did you know?
Vitamin A is essential to the conditions and functions of the pleura and respiratory tract. Moreover, you can protect your lungs from free-radical bombardment by taking a lot of antioxidants such as vitamin A, C and E.
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