Eat Well!

Talking about ‘healthy living’, most of us would think of two things - regular exercise and healthy diet. But how many of us would think of maintaining a healthy respiratory system? More so in the middle of the COVID-19 pandemic. Our airways, lungs, and the muscles and blood vessels connected to them form a vital organ system that our body needs to survive on. That’s because respiratory system carries oxygen throughout our body and makes everything we do possible. So, what can you do to keep this vital organ system healthy? Well, it always starts with your diet. And a few other equally important things.

1. Proper nutrition through healthy diet
First of all, poor nutrition can impair our daily health and wellbeing, and reduce our ability to lead an enjoyable and active life. The culprits: unhealthy eating habits - which can affect our nutrient intake, including vitamins and minerals, fibre and fluid, protein, carbohydrates, and essential fatty acids. Bear in mind that a healthy diet is as good for your lungs as it is for any other part of your body. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, US^[1], low levels of certain nutrients have been linked to a number of lung diseases. Eating foods rich in vitamins A, C and E and the minerals such as zinc, potassium, selenium and magnesium will help keep your respiratory system healthy.

2. Go natural with medicinal plants and herbs
Throughout human civilisation history, plants and herbs have been a common remedy for health maintenance. Mushroom is one of the favourites due to it tastiness, high nutritional values, and pharmacological properties. And Sclerotium Lignosus Rhinocerus (Tiger Milk Mushroom, known locally as “Cendawan Susu Rimau”) is one of the most important plant-based remedies used by the indigenous people of Southeast Asia and China to treat a variety asthma, cough, fever, breast cancer, food poisoning, and as a general tonic, per a published medical journal^[2].

Fructus Sambucus Nigra (Elderberry Fruit) is another example. Clinical studies involving adult participants and examining short-term use of commercial formulations of Fructus Sambucus Nigra extract - suggest that mono-herbal preparations of the berry may reduce influenza-type symptoms, including fever, headache, nasal congestion and nasal mucous discharge in adults, when taken within the first 48 hours of symptom onset, according to report published by the U.S. National Library of Medicine^[3].

Meanwhile, Mycelium Cordyceps Sinensis is a traditional chinese herb used as a natural tonic to invigorate the body and promote longevity. It is a rare combination of a caterpillar and a fungus and found at high altitudes. Today, some of them are grown in labs to meet the worldwide high demand. It is traditionally consumed to regulate the body’s immune system, to improve stamina, to fight inflammation, to protect renal function and to prevent chronic illnesses. The potency of the herb is also highlighted by the U.S. National Library of Medicine^[4].

Resina Boswellia Serrata is another source of herbal extract - to treat chronic inflammatory illnesses and other health conditions, including osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, asthma, and inflammatory bowel disease, as commonly featured in traditional Indian medicine practice - Ayurveda. Trusted online health info hub Healthline^[5] reports that boswellia is an effective anti-inflammatory remedy, which is traditionally used as a painkiller and may prevent the loss of cartilage.

Fructus Aegle Marmelos is another wonderful product from nature. Also known as ‘stone apple’ from the bael tree, it contains chemicals such as tannins, flavonoids and coumarins, which is traditionally used to reduce swelling (inflammation) and blood sugar, and treat asthma, diarrhea, and other conditions, according to a WebMD^[6] report. The species is a common ingredient in the Ayurvedic healthcare system of India.

3. Prevention is the best cure
Any respiratory infection can sometimes become very serious or even fatal, especially in the middle of the Covid-19 pandemic. Wearing a mask and observing the SOPs while keeping our hands clean are among the best preventive measures. And of course, avoid the crowds, in addition to vaccination and regular check-ups. When we protect ourselves, we protect our communities.

REFERENCES:
1. 6 Simple Ways You Can Take Care Of Your Lungs & Live A Healthier Life, University of Maryland Medical Center, US.
2. The Antiproliferative Activity of Sclerotia of Lignosus rhinocerus (Tiger Milk Mushroom), Hindawi Open Access Journal.
3. ELDERBERRY, U.S. National Library of Medicine.
4. CORDYCEPS, U.S. National Library of Medicine.
5. Boswellia (Indian Frankincense), Healthline.
6. Bael - Uses, Side Effects, and More, WebMD.

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