COPD stands for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Having COPD does not mean having just one disease at all, in fact, a person suffering from COPD may have any one of the following: chronic bronchitis, emphysema, non-reversible refractory asthma, and some types of bronchiectasis.
Most people are diagnosed with COPD after they notice that they are extremely short of breath, and this isn’t necessarily dependent upon physical activity or a present illness. This is why so many older people go undiagnosed for so long because they see the “breathiness” as just a part of growing older. However, once a person is diagnosed, there are many treatments available to add to the quality of life.
1. Bromelain Supplements
Bromelain is a supplement that is mostly made from pineapple, especially the juice and the stems of the fruit. It seems to help patients who are suffering from COPD because it can naturally help with the reduction of inflammation, which may help the lungs work a little bit easier when trying to take a breath. Bromelain can be taken in doses that may range from 80 mg to 500 mg per day. It is not recommended for individuals to take Bromelain if they are on blood thinners, antibiotics, or are allergic to pineapple.
2. Taking Antioxidant Vitamins
Antioxidant Vitamins can be known to assist patients with COPD, including vitamins A, C, and E. These vitamins may be good supplements to assist with COPD, because typically people who are suffering from its symptoms may have low levels of these particular vitamins, which can result in bad pulmonary functions. When people eat more fruits and vegetables, some research has even shown that it helps with certain types of lung functions, as well, and fruits and vegetables are packed with vitamins A, C, and E. Also, take note that patients who are still smoking require even more of these essential vitamins than those who do not smoke.
3. Getting More Vitamin D
Vitamin D deficiencies seem to occur frequently with patients who are suffering from COPD, and a lack of Vitamin D can also trigger osteoporosis. Osteoporosis can be especially dangerous for someone who has COPD because as the spine begins to curve, it will make it even more difficult to breathe. Supplements are available, but if you pad your diet with healthy foods that include a lot of Vitamin D, such as tuna, salmon, orange juice, soy milk, cheese and its products, beef liver, and egg yolks, a supplement might not be necessary, unless your body requires the additional Vitamin D.
4. A Few Drops of Eucalyptus Oil
When a person is diagnosed with one of the diseases that make up COPD, one of the first things a physician will normally suggest is to invest in a good humidifier. This will open up the lungs, making it a whole lot easier for them to function properly while allowing you the luxury of being able to take in deep breaths. However, adding a few drops of eucalyptus oil to the humidifier will work wonders! Eucalyptus oil works as an expectorant, which means that it will assist with the chronic coughing that is so often associated with having COPD.
5. Keep Up With Lung-supporting Superfoods:
If you're looking for a more natural way to treat your COPD then nothing beats getting your nutrients from lung strengthening superfoods such as fruits, vegetables, and herbs. Now, there are dozens of lung-boosting foods available around us. And it can be quite confusing.
So for people who don't want the hassle of searching and sourcing for these superfoods (not to mention the time it takes to shop for these every week), then I suggest you try out some supplement blends that offer the same nutrional benefits as the real superfoods do.
Maybe something that contains pineapple, beats, turmeric, kale, and other lung boosting superfoods. Much like our Lung Juice which contains 12 of nature's best lung-supporting superfoods! Check it out:
