With the rapid development of society nowadays, people’s living standards have greatly improved. More and more people are paying attention to health and wellness. However, we have observed an increasing incidence of certain diseases, which is not just due to unhealthy lifestyles and diets but also environmental influences.
For example, with the rapid growth of industries, air quality has been declining, and there are many harmful substances in the air that can affect our health. Besides these factors, habits like long-term smoking can also pose health risks, such as lung damage. So, how can we protect and cleanse our lungs for better health?
Here are three foods known as “lung cleansers” that smokers can benefit from:
1. Radish:
In traditional Chinese medicine, radish is considered sweet and spicy in taste, enters the spleen meridian, and has detoxifying and digestive health benefits. Eating radishes regularly, especially for smokers, can effectively help in clearing the lungs and phlegm. Raw radishes are more effective. They are rich in dietary fiber and starch-degrading enzymes, which promote gastrointestinal motility and food digestion. Consuming radishes with a pinch of salt can also help relieve coughing. However, radishes are considered cold-natured foods. It’s better for those with a weak spleen and stomach to steam or cook them before consumption.
2. Snow Pear:
Many people know that drinking pear syrup when coughing can alleviate the symptoms. Snow pears are sweet and cold, beneficial for clearing and moisturizing the lungs, relieving coughs, and removing phlegm. Snow pears are rich in malic acid, citric acid, various vitamins, beta-carotene, etc. Not suitable for those with weak spleen and stomach, it’s better to consume cooked pear.
3. Tremella:
Tremella mushrooms are commonly used in daily diets, either in salads or in soups, for their health benefits. Tremella mushrooms are non-toxic and can tonify the spleen, invigorate the appetite, boost energy, cleanse the intestines, and nourish the lungs. They are effective in enhancing the body’s immune system.
Tremella mushrooms also contain natural plant-based collagen, making them excellent for skincare. Many people choose to make Tremella soup. However, caution is needed when purchasing as there are sellers who may use harmful substances to produce fake Tremella mushrooms.
4. Lily:
Lily is a good traditional Chinese medicine that is neutral in nature and benefits the stomach and liver. It can moisten and nourish the lungs, relieve coughs, nourish blood, and calm the mind. It is rich in protein, calcium, phosphorus, iron, and various nutrients. Lily contains various alkaloids that help with lung health, calming the mind, and relieving coughs, making it suitable for individuals with post-illness weakness.
Smoking is harmful to health, especially secondhand smoke exposure. Therefore, apart from caring for your own health, consider the impact on family members and children exposed to your secondhand smoke. These are the recommendations for now. If there are any additional suggestions, feel free to comment below or follow for daily health and wellness updates.