HEALTHY EXCHANGE
Lessening the impact of COPD and emphysema.
Tragically, chronic lung issues continue to be a significant cause of discomfort and death. Doctors and patients alike are often frustrated by the lack of treatments to improve lung strength and endurance, versus just slowing decline. Those with chronic conditions such as emphysema must be proactive to maintain, and ideally improve, lung function.
Emphysema and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) refer to the loss of normal lung function. Normal lungs are repeatedly contracting and expanding, allowing numerous tiny air sacs, called alveoli, to receive oxygen and release carbon dioxide. Function begins to decline when these alveoli are destroyed, or the lung loses its natural elastic properties.
Other lung impairments arise from muscle loss in the chest wall. If the chest wall muscles are weak, they will have a much harder time moving air in and out the lungs efficiently. Weak muscles also limit the ability to cough. If a person can’t cough, they can’t clear mucus properly. Excess mucus accumulation further impairs breathing and provides an ongoing, susceptible site for chronic infections.
A multistep approach is needed to prevent and overcome these issues. Smokers must aggressively study the options available for cessation. Unfortunately, one of the dangers of chronic smoke exposure is the damage to the lungs’ air sac where oxygen is brought in the blood stream. Much of this damage is irreversible, and the longer one is exposed, the greater the risk for this damage. This is also important for those exposed to secondhand smoke or toxic fumes. If a job poses a risk, patients should use all precautions to protect themselves and consider the therapies mentioned below to keep the lungs as healthy as possible.
Inflammation is now becoming more commonly associated with many chronic diseases, including emphysema. Chronic inflammation in any organ, including the lungs, will eventually lead to scar tissue and loss of function. Controlling inflammation may aid the lungs by decreasing mucus production and lessening the destruction of tissue. By calming this process, the body can maintain a healthy airflow. Foods needed to control inflammation also benefit the rest of the body, such as the brain and the heart. Diets should be high in fruits and vegetables, preferably organic. Read labels and avoid high fructose corn syrup and partially hydrogenated oils, which are added to many processed foods and disrupt natural systems in the body.
Milk and dairy products in general produce mucus. By avoiding milk, patients often find they are less congested, which can help with symptoms of chronic bronchitis.
Beverage consumption should focus on water and green tea. Green tea contains many antioxidants, a category of vitamins thought to be helpful in preventing or controlling damage to the lung tissue [3].
Nutrients used to target inflammatory processes, like emphysema, include:
• Fish oils. 1,500 mg of EPA plus DHA.
• Turmeric. 500-1,000 mg a day, in divided doses. Turmeric is now highly regarded for its anti-inflammatory properties, as its aid to inflammatory damage looks promising [1].
• Resveratrol. 50–100 mg daily. Resveratrol is an extract from red grapes, and has been shown to improve the inflammatory response of the immune cells in the lungs [2].
• N-acetylcysteine (NAC). This supplement is a special form of the amino acid cysteine. NAC is one of the more researched nutrients for COPD, as it decreases the frequency of acute bronchitis and can be tolerated well up to 1,200 mg daily [6]. It’s suggested that this nutrient not be combined with nitrate medications (like nitroglycerin), as it might aggravate headaches [7]. NAC also supports the natural detoxifier in the body, glutathione.
Further anti-inflammatory support can come from a multivitamin containing vitamins A (no more than 15,000 IU of beta carotene), C, and E. In addition to controlling inflammation, attention should be given to strengthening the chest wall. Chest muscles work overtime for patients with emphysema, due to the compromised lung capacity. Feeding these muscles is very important to maintain the strength and endurance required to meet the oxygen demands of the body.
• CoQ10. 150-200 mg daily. A small study has shown improved exercise performance with CoQ10 for patients with COPD [4].
• Carnitine. 2,000 mg daily. Studies have shown higher doses elicit higher beneficial effect. Patients may need to titrate up to 4,000 mg to see improvements in exercise [5].
• Magnesium. 250 -500 mg a day, in divided doses. Magnesium is very important for muscle contraction. Heavily exercised muscles often need higher doses for replenishment.
Additionally, patients with COPD are prone to frequent bronchitis attacks. This often requires the use of steroids and antibiotics, both of which may be necessary but also disruptive to the natural bacterial flora in the body. Losing the natural flora in the gut can disrupt intestinal function and digestion, and can impact the immune system. Probiotics are the good bacteria needed for healthy bowel functions often suggested for patients who frequently use antibiotics. Probiotics can be taken twice a day while on an antibiotic and once a day for maintenance.
References:
1. Venkatesan, N. (2007). Protection from acute and chronic lung diseases by curcumin. Adv Exp Med Biol, 595:379-405.
2. Culpitt, S.V. (2003). Inhibition by red wine extract, resveratrol, of cytokine release by alveolar macrophages in COPD. Thorax, 58(11):942-6.
3. Rahman, I. (2006). Antioxidant therapeutic targets in COPD. Curr Drug Targets, 7(6):707-20.
4. Fujimoto, S., Kurihara, N., Hirata, K., et al. (1993). Effects of coenzyme Q10 administration on pulmonary function and exercise performance in patients with chronic lung diseases. Clin Investig, 71:S162-6.
5. Dal Negro, R., Turco, P., Pomari, C., et al. (1988). Effects of L-carnitine on physical performance in chronic respiratory insufficiency. Int J Clin Pharmacol, 26:269-72.
6. Grandjean, E.M., Berthet, P., Ruffmann, R., et al. (2000). Efficacy of oral long-term N-acetylcysteine in chronic bronchopulmonary disease: a meta-analysis of published double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trials. Clin Ther, 22:209-21.
7. Jaber, R. (2002). Respiratory and allergic diseases: from upper respiratory tract infections to asthma. Prim Care, 29(2):231-61.
Other Trusted Sources:
American Lung Association
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Conditions
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