From fish oil to turmeric, find out if COPD supplements can ease your breathing and help you feel better. New research is showing that other supplements, such as omega-3 fatty acids and vitamin D, may also be helpful for COPD. Omega-3 fatty acids play a role in lung function and are also known anti-inflammatory agents, says Amy Jamieson-Petonic, RDN, an outpatient clinical nutritionist at University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center in Ohio. She adds, "If you have inflammation in the lungs, it's going to impede breathing." Studies also suggest that increasing omega-3 fatty acid intake can help relieve COPD symptoms.
You can get more omega-3 fatty acids in your diet by eating fatty fish such as salmon, tuna and mackerel, as well as flaxseeds, walnuts and pumpkin seeds. Vitamins A, C and E are known for their antioxidant properties. Antioxidants are compounds that can counteract unstable molecules called free radicals that damage cells, including those in the lungs, says the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH). There is also evidence that eating a diet rich in fruits and vegetables, a good source of vitamins A, C and E, can improve lung function in people with COPD, the organisation says.
You can get vitamins A, C and E through your diet, especially if you eat colourful fresh fruits and vegetables, such as oranges, avocados, carrots, sweet potatoes and green leafy vegetables. However, you may need to add supplements if you are not getting enough. Calcium aids lung function and is also important for bone health and reducing the risk of osteoporosis. Unfortunately, long-term steroid use can lead to calcium loss, says the ALA.
If you take steroids for your COPD, it is important to increase your calcium intake. To do this, you should eat more calcium-rich foods and drinks, such as milk, calcium-fortified orange juice, yoghurt, cheese and green leafy vegetables (such as kale, collard greens and kale). If you have difficulty getting enough calcium in your diet, talk to your doctor about taking a calcium supplement. Calcium carbonate and calcium citrate are good options, says the ALA.
More than half of COPD and emphysema patients develop a vitamin D deficiency at some point, and this can contribute to decreased lung function over time, says the NEA. Research has shown that low vitamin D can increase the chances of a sudden worsening or exacerbation of COPD symptoms (also known as a lung attack), which can be life-threatening. You can get vitamin D through your diet. Good sources include vitamin D-fortified milk and other dairy products, vitamin D-fortified orange juice, salmon and sardines.
The active ingredient in turmeric, called curcumin, is known for its anti-inflammatory properties, making it a potential treatment for a number of diseases, according to the Mayo Clinic. Although research into turmeric's role in treating COPD is still in its early stages, it doesn't hurt (and could help) to include more of this Indian spice in your diet, says Jamieson-Petonic. You can do this by sprinkling turmeric generously on foods such as rice, scrambled eggs, frittatas, curries, soups and tomato sauce, and even adding it to smoothies. You can also add the spice to hot water to make turmeric tea.
Some research suggests that curcumin may protect the lungs against air pollution, reduce lung inflammation and improve certain asthma-related symptoms (60, 61, 62, 6). Magnesium helps relax bronchial smooth muscle cells and reduces lung inflammation, which may help those with lung conditions (3).Antioxidant vitamins help control ongoing microinflammation in the lung alveoli (air sacs) by neutralising the effects of free radicals that form inside lung cells and prolonging cell life. Activa Naturals lung support supplement may improve the respiratory system and overall health. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, or COPD, is a group of progressive lung diseases that make breathing difficult as lung function declines.
Some traditional and alternative health advocates recommend ginseng supplements for COPD to help strengthen the lungs. In many chronic lung diseases, damage and inflammation of the lungs is caused by free radicals and toxins introduced by smoking and other sources. So, as you can clearly see, this is a great product that is geared towards improving the health of your lungs. It can also help improve lung function and prevent decreased lung function in people with asthma (11, 1.The reason smoking is so likely to cause chronic lung disease is that it causes severe oxidative damage to the lungs.
The product is a natural blend of Chaga, Reishi and Cordyceps, all of which can do wonders for the health of your lungs. However, if you already have COPD or another chronic lung condition, there are 2 vitamins that can help promote lung tissue repair. While taking certain vitamins can help promote lung health, it is important to consider your health needs, medications and more before taking a dietary supplement. Amate Life's lung support supplement is among the most effective supplements for detoxifying and cleansing the lungs.
