Daijiworld Media Network- New Delhi

New Delhi, Aug 8: With the onset of the monsoon season, cases of cough and cold see a sharp rise, often aggravating respiratory ailments such as asthma and Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD). Health experts advise that certain dietary and lifestyle adjustments can go a long way in easing these conditions.

Renowned nutritionist Nmami Agarwal has stressed the importance of avoiding foods served at extreme temperatures and incorporating anti-inflammatory ingredients—especially those rich in omega-3 fatty acids—into one’s daily diet.

“Our respiratory health is greatly influenced by what we eat. Extremely hot or cold foods, such as ice creams, chilled yoghurt, or piping hot soups, can irritate the throat lining, worsening a persistent cough,” Nmami explained in a recent Instagram video.

She recommends keeping foods at room temperature whenever possible, steering clear of refrigerated items and overly hot beverages like scalding tea or coffee. “Extreme temperatures can lower immunity and make coughs harder to manage,” she noted.

For better lung function and reduced inflammation, Nmami suggests focusing on omega-3-rich foods such as flax seeds, walnuts, salmon, and fish oil, alongside antioxidant-rich items to combat free radicals.

“These small dietary changes, along with avoiding temperature extremes in food, can help reduce recurrent cough during the damp monsoon months,” she added.