A U.S. study found that adding simple foods to the daily diet, such as legumes and soy products, may help reduce symptoms of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) by lowering inflammation and improving lung function.
اضافة اعلان
According to researchers from Johns Hopkins University, the study confirms that diet is not a secondary factor, but can be an essential part of managing respiratory diseases. The findings were published Thursday in the journal Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Diseases.
COPD is a chronic respiratory disease that affects the lungs and causes persistent difficulty in airflow, leading to symptoms such as shortness of breath, chronic coughing, and increased mucus production. The disease includes conditions such as chronic bronchitis and emphysema and is often associated with smoking or long-term exposure to pollutants.
Over time, symptoms may worsen and significantly affect the ability to carry out daily activities. The disease affects more than 30 million people in the United States and is considered the fourth leading cause of death worldwide, although its severity can be reduced through proper treatment and lifestyle changes.
The study followed a group of participants who were all former smokers. Researchers evaluated their diets, respiratory symptoms, lung function tests, and clinical examinations at the beginning of the study, then again after three months and six months.
The researchers measured the intake of isoflavones—plant compounds found abundantly in legumes and soy products—and compared it with the level of respiratory symptoms among participants.
Legumes include foods such as lentils, fava beans, chickpeas, and beans, which are important sources of protein, fiber, and minerals. Soy products include soybeans and their derivatives such as tofu and soy milk, which are rich in nutrients.
Reduced Coughing
The results showed that people who consumed higher amounts of isoflavones experienced reduced shortness of breath, less chronic coughing, improved ability to clear mucus, and overall better lung health indicators.
The analyses also showed a decrease in some markers of inflammation and oxidative stress associated with worsening COPD.
According to the researchers, these benefits are linked to the anti-inflammatory properties of isoflavones, which help reduce airway irritation and improve the body’s response—an essential factor in chronic lung diseases.
The research team added that these findings suggest dietary modification could be a simple and effective way to support COPD treatment, especially since diet is a modifiable factor compared to many other disease-related risks.
However, the researchers emphasized that these foods are not a substitute for medical treatment, but rather a supportive measure that may improve quality of life and reduce symptoms.
