Our heart and lungs are responsible for transporting oxygen to all our tissues and internal organs. Any disease that affects the heart or the lungs can affect how we breathe and lead to shortness of breath. You will feel as though you are not able to get enough air to breathe in. Shortness of breath can also be caused by high altitude, extreme weather, physical exertion, and nasal congestion. 

Apart from medication, you can also practice self-treatment for prevention and recurrence of shortness of breath episodes.

Self-treatment includes a change in food habits, doing light to moderate exercises, and avoiding alcohol and tobacco. Certain fruits and vegetables can help improve your symptoms and make you breathe easier. 

1. Peppers
Peppers are rich in capsaicin, which gives them a spicy taste. Capsaicin can increase blood circulation, fights infection, and stimulates mucus membranes. Peppers are also rich in vitamin C. All these properties help reduce breathing problems. Roast them, make a sauce, or add them to salads and sandwiches for a healthy meal.

2. Apples
Apples are rich in vitamins, flavonoids, and antioxidants. An apple every day is ideal. If not, have it frequently to improve breathing.

3. Beetroot
Beetroot soup and beetroot in salads are good ways to incorporate beetroot in your menu once or twice a week to improve breathing. They are rich in nitrates. Nitrates help blood vessels to relax, allowing free flow of oxygen. Beets also are rich in vitamin C, magnesium, and potassium, which are crucial for lung health.

4. Pumpkin
Like other colored vegetables, pumpkin is rich in beta carotene, zeaxanthin, and lutein, which have anti-inflammatory properties that directly help prevent shortness of breath. Pumpkin is also rich in Vitamin C and antioxidants. Combining these can improve lung function and overall health, preventing frequent episodes of shortness of breath. Add pumpkin to soups and curries. They are less expensive but highly beneficial to your lungs.

5. Tomato
Lycopene can help clear inflammation in our airways. Tomato is the richest known source of lycopene. Tomatoes also have vitamin C, beta-carotene, and antioxidants. With so many beneficial compounds, tomatoes are an excellent food to improve shortness of health. Have a warm bowl of soup to reduce breathing problems.

6. Blueberries
Research shows that a cup of blueberries has about 24% of our required vitamin C intake. Blueberry can also reduce oxidative stress and improve lung function. Regular intake of fresh or dried blueberries can improve breathing and prevent episodes of shortness of breath. Eat a handful of blueberries daily as a snack for optimum benefit.

7. Red cabbage
Dieticians stress the need for including red cabbage in a diet for anyone with lung-related ailments. The antioxidants in red cabbage can help reduce chronic inflammation. Red cabbage is now available in all seasons, and you can add them to your salads, sandwiches, or stir fry and eat it as a side dish with rice or bread.

8. Swiss chard
Magnesium helps relax bronchioles, which are tiny airways in our lungs. When the airways are relaxed, there is a lesser risk of shortness of breath. Since Swiss chards contain good amounts of magnesium, regular consumption can give immense benefits.