Recovering from pneumonia can be tough. For some, it can take as long as six months to heal. While there is no special diet that can help heal pneumonia faster, eating a variety of nutritious foods can help keep your immune system strong and your energy up while recovering. Read on to learn more about the best foods for pneumonia.
What Is Pneumonia?
Pneumonia is an infection that occurs in the lungs. The infection may be bacterial, viral, or fungal and cause fluid or pus to build up in your alveoli — the tiny sacs in your lungs that deliver oxygen to and carbon dioxide from your blood, according to the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI).
Pneumonia symptoms can vary depending on your health and the underlying cause of your infection, and may include the following, according to the NHLBI:
- Coughing, sometimes with mucus production
- Fever
- Difficulty breathing
- Chills
- Chest pain
- Headaches
- Sweating
- Fatigue
Check in with your doctor if you are experiencing these symptoms. Children, adults over age 65, and people with a compromised immune system are especially vulnerable to complications related to pneumonia and should get care right away.
Your doctor can perform a physical exam, plus special testing, such as an X-ray or sputum test (i.e., a mucus sample test), to provide you with the right diagnosis.
How to Treat Pneumonia
The treatment method for pneumonia will often depend on its cause. For example, if your infection is bacterial, your doctor may prescribe an antibiotic, or if it’s fungal, they may recommend an antifungal medication.
If it’s a virus, you may simply require rest, over-the-counter pain medication, or — if shortness of breath is extreme and blood oxygen levels are low — oxygen therapy. Some people require hospitalization if they are immunocompromised and their pneumonia causes secondary complications.
Some doctors may recommend that you get a flu and pneumococcal vaccine to protect yourself from getting pneumonia, according to the American Academy of Family Physicians.
What to Eat and Drink for Pneumonia
If pneumonia is causing a loss of appetite, focusing on fluids is best. Upping your fluid intake will keep you hydrated and may loosen the mucus in your lungs, according to the American Academy of Family Physicians.
Some drinks to incorporate include low-sugar juices, soup and broth, or herbal tea. These may help you get some calories and small amounts of vitamins, minerals, and protein. You can also try making protein shakes with fruits, vegetables, and protein powder to stay nourished.
Everyone’s hydration needs are different, but according to Mayo Clinic, the average adult should aim for 11.5 to 15.5 cups of fluids per day.
Foods to Eat When You Have Pneumonia
After a few days of rest, hydration, and taking any prescribed medications, you may begin to feel better and have a better appetite. Focus on nutrient-rich, balanced meals to support your immune system and energy. According to Asthma + Lung UK, this means adding:
- Fruits and vegetables for infection-fighting vitamins and minerals
- Whole grains and nutritious carbs such as brown rice, oatmeal, and whole-grain bread for energy and digestion
- Lean proteins like beans, fish, and poultry to support muscle strength
- Low-fat dairy foods for protein and calcium
- Healthy fats to provide immune-supporting vitamin A and E
You may find it easier to eat small meals and snacks throughout the day, especially during the early weeks of your recovery, to get the good nutrition your body needs. As you start to feel better, you may begin to eat as you normally would.
What About Dairy?
You may be surprised to see dairy listed among the foods for healthy lungs. While some people say that dairy increases mucus production, Asthma + Lung UK reports that there is no scientific evidence linking dairy to respiratory issues. As such, the only reason to avoid dairy is if you have an allergy or lactose intolerance.
Many people still find that eating things like ice cream, milk, or cheese thickens their mucus, making it difficult to manage. But you can easily fix this by drinking water after eating.
Unless your doctor recommends cutting dairy from your diet, keeping things like milk and cheese in the rotation can provide you with essential nutrients and protein, according to the Australian Society of Clinical Immunology and Allergy.
Other Nutrition Tips for Lung Health
Some observational studies have found that following the Mediterranean diet is associated with improved lung health, especially among those with underlying lung health conditions or those who have smoked. This includes things like healthy fats, fish, lean poultry, fruits, vegetables, and nuts and seeds.
Of course, following any nutritious, well-balanced diet, along with regularly checking in on your lung health with a pulmonologist, can also help improve your health long term.
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