Cough: it is cured (also) at the table

Sedative, expectorant and mucolytic drugs are useful to counteract the different types of cough, but the roads for treatment and prevention also pass through the kitchen.

Coughing is one of the most frequent symptoms of a respiratory problem. It can be triggered by bronchitis, asthma, retronasal drip and irritation of the airways. Although short-lived forms tend to limit themselves and disappear on their own, help can come from the pharmacy counters.

However, there is not only one type of cough: while dry and constipated forms can be treated with sedative cough preparations, fatty cough, characterized by the presence of thick and viscous phlegm, is treated with syrups, granules or compresses based on thinners, which make the mucus less thick and easier to expel.

Even our own table to offer us solutions against this annoying problem. A proper diet helps keep our lungs healthy and is useful especially in case of chronic disorders.

In addition, taking care of nutrition can help both to limit the intake of drugs, and not to hinder their action. Even more effective is to follow a few rules of proper nutrition not only when the cough has already appeared, but also to prevent its onset.

Eat well to breathe better

In general, proper nutrition helps to increase the immune system to preserve the body from illness and help it regain strength faster after the disease.

Fill up on vitamin C

The main ally of the immune system is vitamin C, contained in citrus fruits, persimmons, kiwis, pumpkin, spinach, carrots and all other foods rich in carotenoids.

In addition, vitamin C helps to decongest the respiratory epithelium, which in the presence of cough is irritated. Green light, therefore, also to blueberries, with anti-inflammatory properties and orange and lemon juices that, drunk in the morning, help to better face the day.

Don’t forget zinc and vitamin A

Zinc and vitamin A are also useful against cooling syndromes. Here’s where to find them.

For dry cough the ideal is a well-sweetened fruit salad. You can choose between watermelon, strawberry and melon, or a kiwi and cucumber salad or watercress juice. The pear, on the other hand, is also indicated for fatty cough.

Honey, and plenty of water

Other effective remedies against forms with phlegm are orange, linden, eucalyptus, strawberry tree and chestnut honey, particularly emollient. In addition, cabbage, broccoli and cauliflower, already useful because they are powerful antioxidants, facilitate the elimination of mucus.

Do not forget, then, that good hydration helps the functioning of the respiratory system. In addition to drinking plenty, it is possible to supply the body with water with broths, centrifuged white turnip or radish, soups and vegetable soups. Hot tea and herbal teas also help to fluidize phlegm.

Foods to avoid…

In case of cough with mucus production, the consumption of fatty, fried and sugary foods, dairy products and starchy foods should be limited, because they favor the production of phlegm; Better, therefore, not to abound with milk, yogurt, cheese, bread and pasta.

In the same way it is better to limit the consumption of spices, cold drinks and coffee, which, irritating the airways, can promote coughing.

Varied and balanced diet

In any case, it is good to have a varied diet that allows the body to replenish itself with different forms of energy. For this same reason, you should not exclude some foods from your diet, even if not recommended in case of cough: it is better to reduce their use without completely eliminating them.

This recommendation is especially important in case of a long and persistent cough, which takes more than a few days to disappear, so that the body is not weakened by a diet that is too strict.

Short and not too abundant meals

The abundance of meals also influences the course of cough. In fact, eating too much requires the body to invest a lot of energy in digestion and slows down the immune system.

Therefore, not too abundant, but frequent meals, are preferable. Avoid cold cuts, cheeses and meats that are too fatty. Even the cooking methods must be as simple as possible and free of too heavy seasonings.