Pneumonia is an infection of the lungs (either in one lung or both lungs) that is caused by fungi, bacteria, viruses, or parasites.  Inflammation occurs in your lung's air sacks, alveoli, and it becomes difficult to breathe because they fill with mucus or pus.  Pneumonia can last for varying times depending on the severity of the infection.  Older adults or young children can be in danger, when it comes to Pneumonia, because of their impaired immune systems.  Pneumonia can, however, affect anyone of any age. 

Symptoms of Pneumonia will vary depending on the severity of the infection.  The symptoms depend on the cause of the inflammation, age, general health, and the thing that infected you.  The majority of people with Pneumonia will experience flu-like symptoms, and then develop a fever, chills, and a cough.  Common symptoms are:

• Cough
• Green Mucus (Sputum) coughed up from the lungs
• Fever
• Chills
• Chest Pain
• Nausea
• Muscle Aches
• Rapid Breathing
• Rapide Heart Rate
• Wheezing

Pneumonia can be caused by viruses, bacteria, fungi, or parasites, but viruses or bacteria are the primary causes of the condition.  When a person inhales Pneumonia-causing germs into his/her lungs and the immune system can't combat the germs, then the germs settle in the alveoli and continue to multiply.  The body sends white blood cells to attack the infection and pus or mucus fill the alveoli.  Common causes are below. 

• Viruses or Bacteria
• Fungi or Parasites
• Asthma
• Cystic Fibrosis
• A Weakened Immune System
• HIV/AIDS
• Respiratory Illness
• Drug Abuse
• Heavy Alcohol Consumption
• Smoking

• Any time a person is infected with a virus it is a good idea to stay hydrated.  Drinking eigh 8oz glasses of water every day can help keep a person hydrated.  A good rule of thumb is to drink half your body weight in ounces of water.  If you weight 150lbs then you should consume 75oz of water every day. 
• Processed foods, genetically engineered foods, meat products, and dairy products can often carry bacteria, chemicals, or can cause damage to the body.  Eliminating these items from your diet and eating more food that are plant-based can give you the proper nutrients necessary for proper health.  Getting a lot of vitamin C is optimal for those with Pneumonia, so make sure to get your daily dose of oranges, grapefruit, broccoli, papaya, kiwis, tomatoes, or dark leafy greens. 
• Because Pneumonia inflames the alveoli, it can be beneficial to consume anti-inflammatory and anti-viral herbs, fruits, or vegetables.  Garlic helps to kill the bacteria and viruses that cause Pneumonia.  Garlic helps to strengthen the immune system and decrease the amount of phlegm in the lungs.  
• Fenugreek seeds have been known to reduce mucus.  Additionally, these seeds promote persipiration, which helps to reduce fever and naturally detoxify the body.  
• Herbal teas can greatly help people who have Pneumonia.  Ginger, turmeric, goldenseal, or echinacea teas are the best because they have natural anti-inflammatory and anti-viral properties.  In addition to these teas, consuming fresh vegetable juice, which is not store bought, can help supply the body with beneficial vitamins and minerals.  Consuming the fresh juice also helps the body naturally detox the virus or bactera, which is causing the infection. 
• Inhaling steam can help keep the nasal membranes moist and relieve coughing or congestion.  To do this, boil half a pot of water and then place it on a sturdy surface.  Put your face above the bowl, drape a towel over your head and the pot to create a steam chamber, and breathe slowly.  You can do this once a day.  Additionally, you can obtain a humidifier and put tea tree and eucalyptus essential oils in it to help cleanse the sinuses. 
• Consuming oregano oil can help ease the symptoms of Pneumonia because it has anti-viral properties that help to thin mucus and kill the bacteria-causing Pneumonia.   

• Dark Leafy Greens (spinach, kale, collards, & chard)
• Broccoli
• Bell Peppers
• Tomatoes
• Dark Berries (blackberries, blueberries, or raspberries)
• Oranges
• Grapefruit
• Kiwis
• Papayas
• Cauliflower
• Onion
• Garlic
• Green Cabbage
• Oregano
• Echinacea
• Goldenseal
• Turmeric
• Ginger
• Rosemary