Review article
Diet and Respiratory Health
Donatella Verbanac
; Medicinski fakultet Sveučilišta u Zagrebu
Mihaela Perić
; Medicinski fakultet Sveučilišta u Zagrebu
Hana Čipčić-Paljetak
; Medicinski fakultet Sveučilišta u Zagrebu
Mario Matijašić
; Medicinski fakultet Sveučilišta u Zagrebu
Sven Jurković
; Medicinski fakultet Sveučilišta u Zagrebu
Abstract
Respiration is a process of gas exchange in the lungs, but also a cellular process of food metabolism for energy production. The health of the respiratory system is therefore tightly connected with the appropriate diet. Food not only provides energy for the body, but many food ingredients exert various biological effects which are important for health of the respiratory system. The function and health of the airways could be maintained by balancing the respiratory quotient of nutrients. Consuming plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables that are rich in vitamins, minerals and other nutraceuticals (carotenoids, polyphenols) is especially important. New research fi ndings have demonstrated the important connections between the immune system and the healthy digestive tract, in particular the balanced microbiota that can alleviate symptoms of infections and allergies. However, food also possesses psychological effects and may contribute to the improved health of the nervous system and consequently ease the symptoms of respiratory diseases.
Keywords
respiratory system; food; biologically active substances; microbiota; holistic medicine
Hrčak ID:
111753
URI
Publication date:
5.11.2013.
Visits: 2.460 *