Silicosis is a lung disease caused by inhalation of crystalline silica dust, found in mining, construction and other industrial environments. It results in lung fibrosis due to chronic inflammation. There are three types - chronic occurs after 10+ years of low exposure; accelerated after 5-10 years of high exposure; and acute within months of very high exposure and can be fatal. Nutritional recommendations include foods with vitamins A and C and magnesium to protect the lungs from damage, such as fruits, vegetables, fish, and dairy products.

1. Silicosis

2. Definition
 Disease that develops in the lungs, causing fibrosis, which causes excessive formation
of connective tissue, which results in a chronic inflammatory process in the affected
organs.
 This disease, fibrotic - irreversible lung is developed by continuous inhalation of
crystalline silica, this chemical is found in the dust and small particles that enter our
body through the airways, which are the trigger nodular fibrosis of the lungs.
 This substance can be found in countless professional environments, among these
include: mining, chemical, construction, metallurgy, etc. It is considered one
associated with the profession of the individual disease, since many workers in these
areas, they have had some degree of silicosis, which is why, it is essential to take
preventive measures.

3. Types of Silicosis
 There are three types of silicosis:
 Chronic silicosis usually occurs after 10 years of exposure to low levels of crystalline
silica. This is the most common type of silicosis.
 Accelerated silicosis: It is the contact with the highest levels of crystalline silica and
occurs 5-10 years after exposure.
 Acute Silicosis can occur after only weeks or months of being in contact with very high
levels of crystalline silica. Death occurs within a few months. The lungs are drowning in
their own fluid.

4. Nutritional Recommendations
 Pulmonologists recommend the presence in food of certain micronutrients and
antioxidants, such as vitamins A and C and magnesium, which protect the
body from damage by toxic substances.
 It is important to include in the daily diet foods such as cereals, nuts, leafy
vegetables and dairy products. Fish is also a good source of magnesium, while
providing fatty acids (omega-3), which have anti-inflammatory properties.
 Vitamin C is not only a good antioxidant, but also an effective aid in the
prevention of respiratory infections, and promote the repair of the inflamed
tissues. Vitamin C is found in large amounts in fruits, especially citrus fruits
and fresh vegetables.

5.  As for vitamin A, it is recommended to include in the diet because promotes
the vitality of the respiratory mucosa and helps to act as a defensive barrier
against contaminants or bacteria and viruses.
 Foods that provide vitamin A or carotenoids are eggs, liver, milk, leafy
vegetables, yellow vegetables (squash, carrots, pumpkin), red fruits and
broccoli.