Your lungs work around the clock to bring oxygen to every cell in your body. But air pollution, allergens, infections, and stress can take a toll on respiratory function over time. The good news? Nature offers powerful nutrients that help protect, nourish, and strengthen lung tissue.

Here are five key nutrients that support lung health—whether you're managing seasonal allergies, optimizing exercise endurance, or simply wanting to breathe easier every day.

1. Astaxanthin – Antioxidant Armor for Your Lungs

Astaxanthin is a red-colored antioxidant found in microalgae. It’s considered one of the most potent antioxidants known, helping protect delicate lung tissues from oxidative stress caused by pollution, allergens, and intense physical activity.

• Protects lung cells

• Helps modulate inflammation in the airways

• Supports immune balance 

• Helps exercise recovery

Astaxanthin also supports mitochondrial energy and endurance, making it ideal for people with either low energy or active lifestyles.

2. Vitamin C – Classic Support for the Respiratory System

Vitamin C is essential for immune defense, but it also helps maintain healthy lung lining and supports tissue repair. It’s especially valuable during immune challenges and exposure to smoke or pollutants.

• Supports collagen repair in lung tissues

• Enhances immune cell function

• Helps recycle other antioxidants like vitamin E and glutathione

You can find high quality vitamin C in our Buffered C Powder, Vitamin C Capsules, and Daily Protector Eye & Immune.

3. N-Acetyl-Cysteine (NAC) – Detox & Mucus Support

NAC is a precursor to glutathione, your body’s master antioxidant. It’s also well known for thinning mucus and helping clear the lungs, making it ideal for those dealing with congestion or chronic bronchitis.

• Promotes detoxification in the lungs and liver

• Helps break up mucus and ease breathing

• Restores glutathione for cellular protection

NAC is found in Daily Protector Eye & Immune and Daily Detoxify and is helpful for everyday lung support.  Glutathione Ultra is another option for high absorption glutathione to directly increase your levels.

4. Vitamin D – Immune Support for Clear Breathing

Vitamin D plays an important role in helping your immune system function at its best, especially in the respiratory system. It supports natural defenses in the lungs and helps maintain a balanced immune response.

• Encourages production of protective compounds in the lungs

• Helps maintain a healthy, balanced immune system

• Supports seasonal respiratory well-being

Be sure to check your vitamin D status—levels can drop in winter or with limited sun exposure.

Wellness Resources offers several vitamin D supplements: Vitamin D 1000IU, Vitamin D 2500 IU, and Vitamin D 5000 IU + K2.

5. Quercetin – Natural Allergy and Immune Support

Quercetin is a flavonoid found in onions, apples, and berries. It’s known for its ability to stabilize mast cells, which release histamine—the chemical behind sneezing, congestion, and itchy eyes.

• Helps calm mast cells

• Supports lung barrier integrity

• Enhances immune response without overstimulation

Wellness Resources Quercetin Phytosome + Luteolin contains quercetin in a phytosome form for better absorption, along with luteolin for natural allergy support.

Breathe Easier, Live Better

Your lungs deserve the same care you give to your heart, brain, or skin. With the right nutrients—like Astaxanthin, Vitamin C, NAC, Vitamin D, and Quercetin—you can support clean airways, better oxygen flow, and a more balanced immune response.