What to eat during a lung infection? A nutritional guide

November 16, 2025 •

3 min read

According to the British Lung Foundation, maintaining a healthy, balanced diet is crucial for a strong immune system and effective recovery from a lung infection. Understanding what to eat during a lung infection can significantly aid your body's healing process and help manage symptoms. This article details the best foods and nutrients to consume, as well as those to avoid.

Quick Summary

A proper diet can support recovery from a lung infection by providing the body with vital nutrients to boost the immune system and reduce inflammation. Staying well-hydrated, focusing on protein-rich foods, antioxidants, and whole grains, while limiting processed and sugary items, can help manage symptoms and aid faster healing.

Key Points

Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of fluids like water, herbal teas, and broths to thin mucus and aid its expulsion from the lungs.
Choose Immune-Boosting Foods: Focus on foods rich in Vitamin C (citrus fruits, berries), Vitamin E (nuts, seeds), and Zinc (lean meat, legumes) to strengthen your body's defenses.
Incorporate Anti-Inflammatory Nutrients: Consume foods like fatty fish, ginger, and turmeric, which are known for their anti-inflammatory properties that can reduce lung inflammation.
Eat Energy-Rich Meals: Whole grains and lean proteins provide sustained energy for recovery, especially for combating fatigue associated with lung infections.
Avoid Inflammatory and Processed Foods: Limit your intake of fried foods, high-sugar items, excessive salt, and refined carbs, as these can exacerbate inflammation and hinder recovery.
Mind Your Dairy Intake: If you notice dairy products thicken your mucus, consider limiting them, though evidence linking dairy to increased mucus is inconclusive for everyone.

Hydration is Key for Lung Recovery

Proper hydration is one of the most critical aspects of recovery from a lung infection. Fluids help thin the mucus in your lungs and airways, making it easier to cough up and expel. Aim for at least 8 to 12 glasses of water daily, unless your doctor advises otherwise due to a pre-existing condition.

Other hydrating fluids include:

Herbal teas (ginger, peppermint, green tea)
Clear broths and soups
Fresh fruit juices (without added sugar)
Coconut water

Immune-Boosting and Anti-Inflammatory Foods

Eating foods rich in antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds can support your immune system and help reduce inflammation in the lungs.

Key immune-supporting nutrients and their sources:

Vitamin C: Oranges, berries, kiwi, and bell peppers are excellent sources.
Vitamin E: Found in nuts, seeds, and vegetable oils, it protects lung tissue from damage.
Zinc: Lean meats, nuts, and beans are rich in this mineral vital for immune cell function.
Probiotics: Yogurt and kefir contain beneficial bacteria that support gut health, which is linked to a strong immune response.
Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Fatty fish like salmon and mackerel, along with walnuts and flaxseeds, have powerful anti-inflammatory effects.

Protein and Whole Grains for Energy

Lung infections can cause fatigue and put a strain on your body. Providing it with a steady source of energy from whole grains and protein is essential for recovery.

Beneficial sources of protein and whole grains:

Lean Proteins: Chicken, fish, eggs, legumes, and tofu help repair damaged tissue and maintain muscle strength.
Whole Grains: Brown rice, oats, whole-wheat bread, and barley provide steady, long-lasting energy and fiber.
Seeds and Nuts: Almonds, walnuts, and pumpkin seeds offer healthy fats and protein to support your energy levels.

Foods to Limit or Avoid

Just as important as what you should eat is what you should avoid, as some foods can worsen inflammation or thicken mucus.

Comparison Table: Beneficial vs. Detrimental Foods


Category	Beneficial Foods (To Include)	Detrimental Foods (To Avoid)
Inflammation	Berries, Ginger, Turmeric, Fatty Fish	Fried Foods, Processed Meats, Sugary Snacks
Mucus Production	Herbal Teas, Clear Broths	Excessive Dairy (for some individuals), Sugary Drinks
Hydration	Water, Herbal Tea, Coconut Water	Caffeinated Beverages, Alcohol
Nutrient Density	Fruits, Vegetables, Whole Grains	Refined Carbohydrates, Processed Foods

Dietary Tips for Managing Symptoms

Eating small, frequent meals can help prevent your stomach from becoming too full, which can put pressure on your lungs and make breathing more difficult. If you experience a loss of appetite, liquid meals such as nutrient-rich smoothies or soups can help maintain your nutrition. To avoid fatigue while eating, try resting before meals and chewing food slowly.

Conclusion

While medical treatment is the primary path to healing from a lung infection, a supportive diet plays a crucial role in accelerating recovery and boosting your immune response. By focusing on hydrating fluids, antioxidant-rich fruits and vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains, you can provide your body with the fuel it needs to fight off the infection. Conversely, limiting processed foods, excessive sugars, and unhealthy fats can help minimize inflammation and reduce symptom severity. Always consult your doctor or a registered dietitian for personalized advice tailored to your specific health needs. For more information on supportive lung health, explore resources from organizations like the Lung Foundation Australia.

Frequently Asked Questions

Staying hydrated is crucial. The most important things to drink are water, clear broths, and herbal teas (like ginger or peppermint) to help thin mucus and soothe your throat.

Some people find that dairy can thicken their mucus, making it harder to clear. While scientific evidence is inconclusive, it's best to observe your body's response. If dairy worsens your symptoms, consider limiting or avoiding it during your recovery.

Focus on fruits rich in Vitamin C (oranges, berries, kiwi) and vegetables high in antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds (leafy greens, carrots, bell peppers). These nutrients help boost immunity and reduce inflammation.

Yes, eating smaller, more frequent meals can be beneficial. It prevents your stomach from becoming overly full, which can put pressure on your lungs and make breathing uncomfortable. It also provides a steady energy supply.

You should avoid or limit processed foods, sugary snacks and beverages, fried foods, and excessive salt. These can increase inflammation, weaken your immune system, and potentially worsen symptoms.

Protein is essential for repairing tissues that may have been damaged by the infection and for maintaining muscle strength, including the muscles involved in breathing. Lean protein sources like chicken, fish, legumes, and tofu are excellent choices.

Yes, spices like ginger and turmeric have natural anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties. They can help break down mucus, soothe chest discomfort, and support the body's healing processes.