Lung Function, Lung Disease, Respiratory Disease, Emphysema, Asthma
Index of Diseases / Health Conditions ... Medicinal Foods, Herbs, Spices & Household Items
The below provides a general overview on this topic and may not apply to everyone. Any treatment protocol should be discussed with a qualified healthcare practitioner ... Please refer to: Medical & Legal Disclaimer.
If your lung problem involves mesothelioma then you may want to take some time and learn about mesothelioma symptoms so that you can know better how your mesothelioma will impact your life. Knowing more about mesothelioma treatment ahead of time is also helpful  |
This page mainly addresses nutritional support for those suffering from lung disease.
Please visit this website for other valuable resources on respiratory symptoms and treatment options.
The Lung as Toxin Remover:
The lungs' two most important roles in removing toxins entail the excretion of carbon dioxide in your breath as well as muscular movement that boosts the circulation of lymph and blood. This internal circulation transports toxins to where they can be effectively eliminated.
- Turmeric - a potent antioxidant - is said to benefit our breathing capacity.
- Milk Thistle: Laboratory tests showed distinct benefits of milk thistle derivatives in protecting the lung.
- (Note: Please discuss with your holistic doctor)
Asthma:
The Obesity Link: According to Brian Taylor, MD, pulmonary fellow and researcher, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, there is a connection between obesity and asthma. As part of a large study at the Emory Crawford Long Hospital in Atlanta, researchers there collected data on 3,059 men and women with asthma from the National Asthma Survey. This study separated these people into three groups -- non-overweight (i.e. body mass index below 25)... overweight (BMI between 25 and 29.9)... and obese (BMI 30 and over). Working with such a large data bank enabled the study team to adjust for other factors such as gender, race and income in order to isolate the role of obesity.
Compared with those who were not overweight, the obese were 66% more likely to have continuous asthma symptoms, 47% less likely to be in remission, 52% more likely to have severe persistent asthma (extreme symptoms as opposed to daily, annoying symptoms) and 36% more likely to miss work more than two days per year because of their asthma. They also had more visits to the ER and used more medications to control their asthma.
The study found that people in the overweight but not obese category also had more severe asthma symptoms than those of normal weight and they were a little less likely to achieve asthma remission. But, while of concern, these findings were not statistically significant.
Dr. Brian Taylor, MD, pulmonary fellow and researcher at Emory University School of Medicine, stated that it appears that excess weight may have a mechanical effect on the small muscles in the airway, making lungs more prone to obstruction, for instance, and thereby impacting how much they can expand. The findings seem to indicate that the closer you can get to normal weight, the more control you gain over your asthma.
Lung Cancer
Causes:
- Smoking (including second-hand exposure): Long-term exposure to tobacco increases your risk for lung cancer, respiratory infections, other lung problems, and possibly heart disease.
- Exposure to Radon - a cancer-causing natural radioactive gas that you can’t see, smell or taste. Radon is the leading cause of lung cancer among non-smokers. Radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer in America and claims about 20,000 lives annually. (EPA Website)
- Researchers discovered that asbestos fibers are small enough to be inhaled into the lungs and can scar lung tissue, cause lung cancer and mesothelioma - a fairly uncommon cancer of the lining of the lung or abdominal cavity.
Lung cancer is by far the leading cancer killer of women. If you ever smoked, you're three times more likely to get it than male smokers. And if you never smoked, you're more likely to get it than nonsmoking men.
Every smoker should insist on an annual spiral CT lung scan. It can spot a lung tumor as small as a grain of rice. In recent studies, 4 out of 5 lung cancers were caught at a treatable stage -- a lifesaving difference.
- In a study of Norwegian men and women, consumption of cod liver oil was found to protect against lung cancer (Ref. Cod Lver Oil).
- Also refer to Cancer Nutrition
Lung-supportive Nutrition:
Nutrition is very important. The following food items are said to help with the following health conditions. Please click on the links for supportive information.
Asthma: Bell Peppers ... Kiwifruits ... Mustard Greens ... Apples
- Eat more: organically grown fruits and vegetables; cold water fish including cod, salmon, mackerel, herring and halibut; extra virgin olive oil; Flax seeds; rosemary, ginger and turmeric.
- Click here for information on organic foods -- a listing of the most and the least contaminated food items, as well as handling tips.
- Click here to find the best and the worst fish to eat - Supplements, such a good quality Cod Liver Oil, are also an option. There are some lemon-flavored version that are not unpleasant to eat (click on the link for more info).
- Eliminate: milk and other dairy products which have been most commonly cited as increasing the severity of asthmatic symptoms - Ref.: World's Healthiest Foods)
Clean Air is the Key: I was diagnosed with asthma in 1995 -- suffering asthma attacks on a daily basis. My hayfever was pretty bad, too. I was told to give up my pets, have weekly injections (for the rest of my life). To cut a long story short. I did NOT get rid of my pets. I DID clean up my act. Better nutrition and exercise did it long-term. However, I also bought air purifiers and they presented immediate relief for me. I have not had an asthma attack (or hay fever) for 10 years
Emphysema: Cantaloupe ... Carrots ... Collard Greens ... Kale ... Mustard Greens ... Winter Squash ... Swiss Chard ... Turnip Greens ... Papaya ... Sweet Potatoes / Yams
Lung Health (also check out: Emphysema, Respiratory): Apples
Respiratory (also check out Emphysema, Lung Health): Sesame Seeds
Information contained on this website is provided as general reference only. For application to specific circumstances, professional advice should be sought.
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