Clear Your Lungs

FILL UP ON THESE.
Pears: These fruits contain quercetin, a powerful flavonoid that may protect the lungs. A Dutch study of more than 13,000 people found that those who ate the most pears (as well as apples, which also contain quercetin) had the best lung function, while an Australian study discovered a strong association between high pear and apple consumption and lower risk of asthma.
Edamame: Lung cancer victims tend to ahve low levels of phytoestrogens, important plant compunds, according to a study in the Journal of the American Medical Association. Women who ate the highest quantities of foods conainting phytoestrogens, such as edamame, tofu, and lentils, slashed their lung cancer risk by 34%.
Brown Rice: This grain is high in selenium, which may help keep lung-damaging free radicals from forming. A New Zealand study found that people who got the most selenium were nearly 2 times less likely to develop asthma as those who got the least. You'll meet the DV of 55 mcg with a few servings of selenium-rich foods, such as whole wheat bread, chicken, and eggs.
AVOID THESE.
Soft Drinks: If you have asthma, skip soft drinks, advises La Puma. Many contain food additives such as sodium benzoate, MSG, and sulfites, which can exacerbate symptoms.