8 Anti-Inflammatory Foods To Reduce Mucus And Clear Your Airways

With the pandemic raging and the coronavirus effects on your lungs, there comes a need to explore several ways to relieve and free your airways. Besides medication, natural remedies can do much to fight inflammation and reduce mucus. That being said, our bodies produce mucus to fight toxins, bacteria, viruses, and inflammation. Mucus protects the urogenital, visual, gastrointestinal and auditory systems in our bodies which means it is present almost everywhere. But while mucus is necessary, you might notice in times of coughs and cold, you get an excess of mucus which is your body’s way of fighting back. While you should always listen to your doctor, you could also resort to an anti-inflammatory diet to help your body out. Here are 8 anti-inflammatory foods to reduce mucus and fight infection.

1. Onions

It has been proven by previous studies that Quercetin, a compound present in onions helps to treat inflammation and cell derived allergic diseases. Onions are even helpful in reducing the production of mucus in the respiratory system, thus treating chronic airway diseases.

2. Ginger

Studies have shown that ginger has the potential to strengthen the response of the immune system towards all sorts of inflammation linked to chronic diseases and even asthma. Ginger is rich in powerful detoxifying agents which attacks the imbalances that lead to overload of mucus.

3. Chicken Soup

Among anti-inflammatory foods, there are many studies which prove that having a bowl of spicy, hot chicken soup with some pepper and garlic flavors helps in clearing the mucus from the system as it thins it down and helps the lung in fighting against the infection.

4. Pineapples

Although pineapple have a thorny and rough appearance, their sweetness can be helpful for both bronchial and asthmatic patients. Pineapples are even helpful in fighting against seasonal coughs, colds and allergies. The fruit contains a compound bromelain which breaks down the proteins present in snot and phlegm, thus thinning it out and getting rid of it. They have even shown that they contain properties which is helpful for the skin as well.

5. Agar/Seaweed

Agar helps to moisten dryness and dissolve phlegm and mucus in the throat. It even helps to jump-start bowel movement, thus improving the health of your digestive system as well.

6. Green Tea with Honey

Green teas and chamomile tea contain high amounts of flavonoids which help in reducing the inflammation of the mucous membrane, which overall reduces the mucus content of the body. In addition, with honey, it can further reduce and thin out the snot and phlegm as it filled with many anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties. These ingredients along with warm water help in getting rid of excess mucus at a faster rate.

7. Olive Oil

Olive oil contains a compound, oleocanthal which is present in the oil and has the properties to mimic the effects of ibuprofen, an anti-inflammatory drug on the body. It helps to thin out mucus and even alleviate bronchospasms.

8. Pumpkin Seeds

Pumpkin seeds are among anti-inflammatory foods that have been used as traditional Chinese medicine for regulating the flow of excess mucus. However, there are no studies to prove this although there are several other benefits of pumpkin seeds as proven by studies. One such benefit is the effect it has on overactive bladder and nocturia.

A word of caution. Since everyone isn’t built the same way, and if you may suffer from any underlying issue, it would be wise to consult your doctor before trying any natural remedy even though natural remedies are usually safe.

Also Read About: 10 Foods To Keep Your Lungs Healthy