Why is a diet necessary?
Diet for bronchitis is very important. The diagnosis of “Bronchitis” means the presence of an inflammatory process in the bronchial mucosa. The disease is a consequence of a viral infection and can manifest itself in a chronic or acute form. With such a viral infectious disease, the lower respiratory tract is affected. If there is no correct and timely treatment of bronchitis, there is a risk of developing pneumonia and bronchial asthma.
Patients with bronchitis, especially with acute manifestations of this disease, should sweat well to start treatment. In order to increase sweating, you should drink decoctions of various herbs that have such properties – for example, elderberry, linden flowers, sage, mint – and all this is best drunk with honey.
Good nutrition is an important component of complex treatment. Especially with great care, you should select products for bronchitis in children, since taking certain medications can disrupt digestion. Food should be balanced, rich in proteins and vitamins. A special diet should be prescribed individually in each case. Proper nutrition is the basis for a quick recovery from inflammation of the bronchi.
Basic Postulates
For many years, physicians have developed postulates that are taken into account in the process of treating bronchi. The first of them – a patient with bronchitis should eat 4-5 times a day. You need to increase the amount of protein in your diet. This helps to prevent protein starvation, which occurs due to the loss of protein along with sputum during a strong cough.
Protein is the material for building cells, tissues and organs. It is an energy supplier, it is part of the active enzymes that contribute to the normal function of the cells of the human body. Participates in the process of muscle contractions and the work of the central nervous system. With the help of protein, enzymes, peptide hormones, and hemoglobin are synthesized. Its presence is necessary for the normal functioning of the digestive system, respiration.
The lack of protein in the body causes disruption of the work of all organs, impairs metabolism and reduces immunity. This element is found in dairy products, eggs, meat, fish, bakery products. Patients with bronchitis are recommended to consume carbohydrates and fats. Carbohydrates can be obtained by eating rice, barley, bran, oatmeal, corn, buckwheat. It is useful to eat brown rice, wheat groats and other whole grain cereals, pasta, wheat bread, buns, bagels.
Apricots, dates, blueberries, bananas, figs, grapes contain a large amount of carbohydrates. Apples and pears, oranges, pineapple, strawberries, watermelon and raisins, in addition to carbohydrates, saturate the body with vitamins. Nutrition is considered complete if potatoes, carrots, peas, beans, lentils are introduced into the diet, which contain valuable nutrients and complex carbohydrates that help improve digestion and stabilize blood sugar levels.
The diet includes skimmed milk and fat-free yogurt, cottage cheese, as any dairy products are easily digested. Valuable substances in these products bifido- and lactobacilli stimulate the process of digestion, and reduce the effect of antibiotics used in the treatment of bronchitis. In addition, lactic acid products prevent putrefactive processes in the intestines.
Cabbage is a product that replenishes the body with vitamins A, C, E. Fresh onions have excellent antimicrobial properties. This vegetable helps to thin the sputum and cleanse the bronchi. It is added to vegetable salads. Celery, cauliflower, pumpkin, eggplant, zucchini in boiled or baked form are considered useful. These vegetables diversify the menu and enrich the body with useful elements.
You can give the patient chicken broth – a source of protein and polyunsaturated fatty acids, perfectly digestible and necessary for the human body. Chicken broth contains much more protein than lean pork or beef.
Pumpkin seeds on the menu will replenish the weakened body with plenty of zinc. Fatty fish, such as flounder or sardine, can block the inflammatory process. Sometimes during the period of illness, doctors prescribe fish oil.
To remove mucus
With bronchitis, as with any other disease caused by an infection, be sure to drink a lot of different decoctions, infusions and teas. A diaphoretic hot tea made from linden, elder or sage has a particularly good effect.
When relief comes and the disease gradually recedes, you need to help the body to more easily remove viscous sputum. Milk whey is taken warm with a dry cough, an anise decoction with honey will also be useful. It is prepared simply: an incomplete tablespoon of anise seeds is poured into a glass of water, 1 teaspoon of honey and a small pinch of baking soda are added, this decoction is taken twice a day, 2 tablespoons each. Onion juice is also an excellent expectorant.
Mineral water, orange and lemon juice also effectively help to thin sputum and cleanse the body of the virus. Proper nutrition plays one of the most key roles in the successful outcome of the treatment process for bronchitis. The presence in the menu of some spices makes it possible to heal faster. For example, ginger not only relieves cough, but also eliminates inflammation.
If you take dishes in which turmeric is added or drink milk with this ingredient, then thanks to essential oils, vitamins K, B3, B2, C, B, iodine, phosphorus and iron, you can get rid of bronchitis without side effects. It will be very useful to use chicory, because it is truly a pantry of protein and tannins, ascorbic acid, vitamin B.
Beverages
After the treatment of bronchitis, the transition to a balanced diet should be carried out gradually, from drinks it can be advised to drink, for example, lemon water, but only without sugar! You should not drink coffee and tea, it is better to drink warm or hot milk with honey and a pinch of baking soda. Honey before use must be boiled, as before boiling it will cause a strong cough. Also, in the treatment of bronchitis, tea with raspberries is very often and successfully used: dry or frozen raspberries are taken, but in no case jam.
Make yourself a daily juice from freshly squeezed vegetables and fruits. The most useful juice is beetroot. For taste, you can add the juice of carrots and apples. Cabbage juice is also very useful. Just be sure to let the juice brew for 4-6 hours, if there is cabbage or beets, otherwise you will feel sick. Eat more raw fruits, vegetables, and berries if possible. You can include raw seeds and nuts in your diet.