COPD
Description
Body System
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[31] Ma C, Liao K, Wang J, Li T, Liu L. L-Arginine, as an essential amino acid, is a potential substitute for treating COPD via regulation of ROS/NLRP3/NF-κB signaling pathway. Cell & Bioscience. 2023 Aug 18;13(1):152.
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[40] Xu X, Huang M, Duan X, Liu H, Zhang W, Li D. Compound Glycyrrhiza Oral Solution alleviates oxidative stress and inflammation by regulating SRC/MAPK pathway in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Immunopharmacology and Immunotoxicology. 2022 Nov 2;44(6):1032-43.
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[56] Polkey MI, Qiu ZH, Zhou L, Zhu MD, Wu YX, Chen YY, Ye SP, He YS, Jiang M, He BT, Mehta B. Tai Chi and pulmonary rehabilitation compared for treatment-naive patients with COPD: a randomized controlled trial. Chest. 2018 May 1;153(5):1116-24.
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1. Omega 3: Omega-3 fatty acids reduce inflammation in the lungs, promoting better airflow and improved lung function by supporting respiratory health.
2. Zinc: Zinc supports the immune system by maintaining mucosal integrity and regulating mucus production. It also helps balance oxidative stress, protecting the lungs and aiding in healthy respiratory function.
3. Vitamin D: Vitamin D3 boosts the immune system and reduces lung inflammation by modulating immune responses. Its role in maintaining lung function helps reduce the frequency of respiratory flare-ups.
4. Vitamin B1: Vitamin B1 acts as an antioxidant, neutralizing free radicals and reducing oxidative damage in lung tissue. This helps protect the lungs from stress and supports overall respiratory function.
5. Vitamin C: Vitamin C acts as a powerful antioxidant, reducing inflammation and oxidative stress in lung tissues. This helps ease symptoms like coughing and supports improved breathing.
6. Vitamin E: Vitamin E protects lung tissue from oxidative damage by neutralizing free radicals. Its anti-inflammatory properties help maintain healthy lung function and support overall respiratory health.
7. Coenzyme Q10 [CoQ10]: Coenzyme Q10 enhances cellular energy and reduces oxidative damage in lung cells. This improves exercise capacity and supports the lungs' ability to function optimally.
8. Arginine: Arginine increases nitric oxide production, which relaxes airway muscles and promotes bronchodilation. This helps improve airflow, making breathing easier and reducing respiratory strain.
9. Magnesium: Magnesium blocks calcium channels, which relaxes the smooth muscles in the airways. This reduces airway reactivity and muscle tension, helping improve lung function and ease breathing.
10. Probiotics: Probiotics support a balanced gut microbiome, which strengthens the immune system and reduces lung inflammation. This gut-lung connection helps improve respiratory health and maintain clear airways.
11. N-Acetyl-L-Cysteine [NAC]: N-acetyl-L-cysteine (NAC) thins thick mucus, making it easier to clear from the airways. It also acts as an antioxidant, reducing lung cell damage and supporting better lung function.
1. Ginseng Extract: Ginseng’s antioxidant properties protect lung cells from oxidative damage, while its anti-inflammatory effects help reduce airway inflammation. This supports lung function and eases breathing.
2. Deglycyrrhizinated Licorice [DGL]: Licorice root’s anti-inflammatory properties reduce airway inflammation, while its expectorant effects help clear mucus from the lungs, promoting easier breathing and healthier lung function.
3. Thyme Extract: Thyme’s anti-inflammatory properties reduce airway swelling, and its expectorant effects loosen mucus, making it easier to clear from the lungs and improving respiratory function.
No replicated and convincing research studies are available, and there is no anecdotal evidence supporting the effectiveness of this method.
1. Ozone IV: Ozone therapy reduces lung inflammation by breaking down harmful free radicals and decreasing oxidative stress. This promotes better lung function and easier breathing.
2. Biofeedback: Biofeedback trains individuals to control breathing patterns, reducing stress and improving lung capacity. This enhances respiratory function and supports better overall health.
3. Halotherapy: Halotherapy (salt therapy) involves inhaling microscopic salt particles, which reduce inflammation and mucus production in the airways. This clears the lungs and promotes easier breathing.
4. Hydrotherapy: Hydrotherapy, through warm water immersion, relaxes chest muscles and promotes mucus clearance, helping to improve lung function and relieve respiratory symptoms.
5. Tai Chi: Tai chi combines gentle movements and controlled breathing to improve lung capacity and oxygen exchange. This promotes relaxation, better airflow, and overall respiratory health.
Supplements
Plant Extracts
Natural Compounds
Alternative Treatments
Symptoms & Signs
Causes
Smoking, Inhaling Secondhand Smoke, Air Pollutants, Fumes, Allergies
Books That You May Want To Read
How Nutrients Function
Amino Acids: Amino acids serve as the building blocks of proteins, crucial for muscle growth and repair. Additionally, they play key roles in maintaining proper pH levels, storing nitrogen, synthesizing hormones, and facilitating enzymatic reactions.
Antioxidants: Antioxidants protect cells from oxidative stress caused by free radicals, potentially reducing the risk of chronic diseases such as cancer and cardiovascular ailments. They safeguard DNA integrity, slow down aging processes, and support overall cellular health.
Enzymes and Coenzymes: Enzymes catalyze biochemical reactions, while coenzymes assist in these processes by binding temporarily to enzymes. Together, they regulate digestion, energy production, immune responses, and various metabolic pathways.
Fatty Acids: Fatty acids serve as energy sources, structural components of cell membranes, and precursors to signaling molecules. Essential fatty acids, like omega-3 and omega-6, play critical roles in brain function, cardiovascular health, and inflammation regulation.
Herbal Extracts: Herbal extracts contain bioactive compounds with various medicinal properties, including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial effects. They have been used traditionally to support digestion, immunity, and overall health.
Minerals: Minerals are essential for various physiological functions, including bone health, nerve transmission, and enzyme activity. They support overall health by ensuring proper cellular function and metabolic processes.
Probiotics: Probiotics are live microorganisms that confer health benefits when consumed. They support gut health, immune function, and oral hygiene by promoting the growth of beneficial bacteria and inhibiting the growth of harmful pathogens.
Vitamins: Vitamins are essential micronutrients that play diverse roles in supporting cellular processes, immune function, and overall health. They must be obtained through diet or supplementation to ensure proper bodily function.
Nutrients Explained In Nutritional Guide
Podcast Episodes To Listen To
Educational Videos To Learn From
Functional Lab Tests That You Might Consider
References
Things To Do
The dietary recommendations that support COPD management include:
consuming a whole-foods-based diet rich in vegetables, fruits, protein, and fatty acids. The variety of nutrients will support the functioning of the immune and respiratory systems.
high-fat, low-carbohydrate diet because fat metabolism produces less carbon dioxide [the gas we exhale] than carbohydrate metabolism.
adding extra garlic and onions to the diet.
foods rich in vitamin C, such as bell peppers, citrus fruits, tomatoes, etc.
anti-inflammatory foods and spices such as ginger, turmeric [curcumin], garlic, etc.
Whole foods rich in vitamin A, such as organ meats, eggs, leafy greens, etc.
protein-rich foods, such as poultry, legumes, nuts, seeds, etc., because they build the muscles, including the muscles responsible for breathing.
grass-fed meats.
warm soups and broths.
foods high in antioxidants, such as berries, dark chocolate [watch out for sugar content! ], and walnuts.
staying hydrated. Drinking a lot of fluids [water, herbal teas] will help your body dilute and rid itself of mucus. Do not drink during the meals. Fluid intake should be restricted during the periods in between meals.
eating small but more frequent meals. Chew properly and avoid big bites.
Other recommendations include:
practicing the pursed lip breathing technique.
making sure the humidity in your home is at an appropriate level. Use a humidifier if the air is too dry.
sleeping with a slightly raised head.
resting as much as your body requires. Make sure, though, not to lay in bed the whole day; change positions so as not to let the mucus build up too much in your lungs.
gargling with warm, salty water to soothe the throat.
ventilating your space frequently to let the air circulate.
making use of air purifiers.
controlling your weight.
planning out your day well. Make sure to schedule breaks and rest between different daily tasks.
Things To Avoid
Dietary don'ts for COPD include:
processed foods, junk food, and deep-fried foods.
sugar, sugary snacks, and candy.
alcohol, coffee, and caffeinated drinks.
mucous-forming foods, such as dairy products, white flour, and sweet fruit [e.g., bananas].
cold foods, cold beverages, and carbonated drinks.
simple carbohydrates.
foods that cause gas and bloating
Other don'ts include:
smoking and passive smoke inhalation.
lung-irritating chemicals [e.g., in cleaning supplies] and allergens [such as mold].
taking cough suppressants.
excessive physical activity.
swallowing the mucus you cough up.
overweight and obesity, which make breathing more difficult.
living and working in an environment of high air pollution and fumes.
excessive stress.