These foods cleanse the lungs of tar and nicotine

Have you tried to quit smoking but failed? With certain foods you can improve your health or alleviate the consequences of smoking.

These foods cleanse the lungs of tar and nicotine
© Getty Images
These foods cleanse the lungs of tar and nicotine

Tobacco use has taken hostage a good portion of the world's population. In extreme cases, even young children are chain smokers. If you can't bring yourself to go a full day without a smoke, you should still try to do something good for your lungs.

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Step by step to get cleaner lungs

A high risk of addiction and a whole host of harmful effects make cigarettes a serious crutch for mankind. Although the number of smokers is declining in the UK, tobacco smoke is still the most common cause of lung cancer today.

Many people try to quit smoking, but it is not always that easy. The first step is to rid your organs of toxins.

If you have a little time, get out of the big cities for a few days and give your lungs some fresh country air, free of choking micro-particles. Then you should pay attention to what you eat, because there are foods that promote the cleansing of the lungs.

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Cranberries, for example, cleanse your lungs.  Westend61@Getty Images

Herbs and cranberries can help against shortness of breath and oxygen deficiency

Foods that are really good for you and your lungs include carrots, cranberries and herbs. Cranberries may even have have an antibacterial and anti-inflammatory effect.

Herbs, on the other hand, have an antimicrobial effect (i.e. they inhibit the growth of microorganisms such as bacteria), so it's best to reach for rosemary, thyme or oregano. If you eat carrots, this may strengthen the lung's tissues. Check out the video above to learn which other foods are good for your lungs.

As a last step, you can try inhaling steam from time to time. The hot steam ensures that toxins are flushed out of the body, and will help to moisten your mucous membranes. It is definitely worth a try, because many heavy smokers have to deal with problems such as shortness of breath or oxygen deficiency.

If you leave your cigarettes in the pack for a little while, you can even expect the first positive results relatively quickly, because interesting things happen in your body when you stop smoking. So: Just try it out and be really proud of yourself if you succeed!

3 foods that can help cleanse your lungs of tar and nicotine 3 foods that can help cleanse your lungs of tar and nicotine