Dietary fiber allows the body to produce anti-inflammatory fatty acids that protect the lungs from certain diseases including chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.
Fruits, cereals, vegetables, nuts: their consumption would protect the lungs. A study conducted by the universities of Sydney and Newcastle shows that these fiber-rich foods allow the body to produce fatty acids, essential in the prevention of certain lung diseases, such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
COPD is characterized by obstruction of the bronchi, cough and chronic expectoration. This disease begins insidiously and most patients do not notice symptoms until it is well established. In most cases, smoking is the cause.
Anti-inflammatory fatty acids
To test the effects of dietary fiber on lung health, researchers exposed mice to cigarette smoke. Some of the rodents received a fiber-enriched diet. Researchers have found that cigarette smoke decreases the production of certain fatty acids with anti-inflammatory properties and therefore causes inflammation, but consuming fiber negates this effect. “We found that the fibers are able to reduce inflammation and breakdown in the lungs, says Professor Phil Hansbro, lead author of the research. This improves lung function.”
These findings are not a call to stop all COPD treatment, but do indicate that diet plays an important role in lung health, especially for those at risk.
Between 25 and 29 grams per day
A study published earlier this year in The Lancet already called for more fiber consumption. According to researchers, this would protect the body from many diseases and improve life expectancy. Consuming between 25 and 29 grams of fiber per day reduces mortality by 15 to 30%, whatever the cause. Only one in five men and one in ten women do it daily. If you want to reach this threshold, know that 25 grams of fiber corresponds to 100 grams of chickpeas, prunes, dried figs or lentils.
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