Good Nutrition plays an essential role in recovering from any illness and pneumonia is no show that an under nutrition in children will significantly increase the risk of contracting pneumonia and it can worsen its outcomes as a weakened immune system which makes them more vulnerable to the respiratory infections. Pneumonia can spread through the inhalation, droplets or in newborns through the bloodstream during or just after birth. While the precise numbers vary and evidence consistently demonstrates that good nutrition plays a vital role in supporting pneumonia recovery.
However, targeted dietary interventions in malnourished older adults will lead to 77% reduction in pneumonia related hospital readmission, highlighting the importance of improved nutrition for immune function, recovery and long term management of pneumonia. By following a nutritionally supportive diet during pneumonia will ensure that your body will receive all the necessary nutrients which it needs to fight the infection and recover quickly. In this blog, we will find out more about the pneumonia diet and how it affects recovery.
How Diet Affects Pneumonia Recovery
A high protein diet for pneumonia plays a crucial role in recovery. When the body is fighting an infection then it needs extra nutrients to restore energy and strengthen the immune system. A well-balanced diet will support recovery from pneumonia by:
- Improving Energy levels
- Strengthening the immune system.
- Supporting Healing and Improves Lung Health.
- Promoting tissue repair and minimising muscle loss during illness.
Best Food For Pneumonia Patient
Balanced Diet and Proper Medication is all you need to follow for quicker recovery. Some of the foods that you can eat during the crucial stage of Pneumonia are as follows:
Fruits and Vegetables: Green vegetables like spinach, lettuce and kale will help in strengthening your immune system. However, these dark green leafy vegetables are rich in minerals. Vegetables such as beetroot helps in improving lung function. By consuming citrus fruits will strengthen your immune system as well. Citrus fruits and green leafy vegetables are beneficial for promoting a quick recovery. The abundance of antioxidants in citrus foods will help shield your body from infections-causing microorganisms.
Protein-Rich Foods: The development and repair of tissues depend on protein. Beans, lentils, nuts, dairy products, fish, poultry, and lean meats are all excellent sources of protein. Eat meals high in antioxidants and vitamins to help repair damaged lung tissue.
Whole Grains: Brown Rice, Oats and Wheat products that are among the foods to eat in Pneumonia that will offer crucial nutrients and energy to support the body’s healing process. Also they contain a lot of fiber that is beneficial for promoting general health and healthy digestive tract.
Honey: Honey is necessary for the patients with Pneumonia and has a long history of being used in medicine as a traditional ingredient. Also you have two options for serving your lemonade and add honey to it or slightly reheat it and drink it straight.
Ginger: Ginger known for its anti-inflammatory qualities, ginger can help in the battle against the germs that can cause pneumonia. It also helps in relieving the chest pain that an infection is causing. You can drink it as a ginger tea as well.
Turmeric: Turmeric works as a mucolytic that means it helps in removing catarrh and mucus from the bronchial ducts that allows for easier breathing. Also it even has anti-inflammatory qualities that will help in relieving chest discomfort. Consuming fluids will help in thinning mucus that facilitates its excretion and maintains moisture.
Yoghurt: Since yogurt is widely recognized to include beneficial microorganisms that help the body. The presence of probiotics inhibits the growth of bacteria that cause Pneumonia. Probiotic beverages work on the body similarly to yoghurt which may potentially consume more of them if they are readily available.
Pneumonia Diet Plan
A patient with pneumonia that will make sure that they have all the nutrients that they require to recover with the support of a planned diet plan and also an example food plan for pneumonia:
- Early Morning: A glass of lukewarm green tea or lemon juice with five to four overnight-soaked almonds.
- Breakfast: A bowl of oatmeal with a glass of orange juice and a smoothie made with spinach, yoghurt and a handful of nuts.
- Mid-Meal: One cup of tender coconut water and one apple.
- Lunch: One cup of curd, one katori of brown rice and mixed vegetables.
- Afternoon Snack: An apple with a handful of almonds and vegetable soup.
- Dinner: Mashed Potato with Boiled Rice or Two Palak Roti with Sauteed Paneer.
- Bedtime: One cup of Low-Fat Milk Spiced with Black Pepper.
Food to Avoid for Pneumonia
Pneumonia patients experience worsening symptoms or slower recovery from various diets. Also, these foods should be avoided if you have pneumonia:
- Sugary Beverages: By consuming sugar can worsen inflammation and weaken the immune system.
- Processed Foods: Foods that are high in trans fat, preservatives and artificial additives that can be detrimental to overall health and hinder recovery. You can also avoid fast food, processed meats such as hot dogs and sausages.
- Fatty Foods: Fatty foods can be difficult to digest and can cause the body to become more inflammatory. So, steer clear of fried meals, high-fat meat cuts and foods that are high in saturated fats.
- Dairy Products: Dairy can thicken mucus which will make it difficult to breathe. However, some people will not have any problems with it. Avoiding dairy products is advisable if they exacerbate mucus production.
- Alcohol and Caffeine: Both have the potential to cause dehydration that is harmful to a person who is suffering. Moreover, caffeine can impair immunity and can elevate heart rate that can be harmful for the patient.
Both have the potential to cause dehydration, which is harmful to a person suffering from pneumonia. Additionally, alcohol can impair immunity, and too much caffeine can cause jitters and elevated heart rate, which can be dangerous for people with pneumonia.
Can I Eat Banana In Pneumonia?
Yes, you can consume banana in pneumonia as it provides complex carbohydrates and supports digestive health. Moreover, it provides energy to your body.
Final Thought
One of the effective tools for managing and recovering from pneumonia is proper diet.
However, patients can encourage recovery and strengthen the immune system by concentrating on a balanced diet which is full of fruits, vegetables and proteins by avoiding foods that may worsen symptoms. It is critical to comprehend how pneumonia and diet are related. People with pneumonia will speed up the recovery and fortify the immune system against future infections. Healthy eating isn’t just crucial when you are unwell and it should be a part of everyday life for long-term health. Moreover, the best foods to enhance lung health and the foods you should avoid for respiratory infections as there are other crucial measures which you can take. It is also crucial to maintain good sanitation, wearing face masks and getting vaccinated that will help in protecting you from respiratory infections.
