Experts estimate that lung disease kills more people than any other disease worldwide. Most people are unaware of the risks even as cases are expected to rise over the next decades. Most lung problems are due to smoking, pollution and respiratory infections — in other words, manageable factors.
According to research there are numerous links between respiratory illnesses and other diseases such as dementia, heart failure, digestive conditions, autoimmune disease, neurological conditions and obesity. And there are many different kinds of lung conditions that are typically classified into three main categories:
- Airway disease:Includes chronic bronchitis and emphysema, where airways become narrow or blocked.
- Lung tissue disease:Includes pulmonary fibrosis where the structure and function of lung tissue is progressively damaged from inflammation and scarring.
- Circulation disease:Affects the respiratory system. Includes vascular scarring, blood clots and other circulatory blockages which impair blood flow to the lungs.
The most common types of lung conditions are pulmonary oedema (excessive fluid accumulation in the lungs), lung cancer, pneumonia, emphysema, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, bronchitis and asthma. So far, conventional treatments for these conditions are very limited.
The root causes of lung diseases are complex and diverse, but what they all have in common is chronic inflammation, free radical damage and reduced oxygenation. In turn, these conditions continue a destructive cycle of free radical damage, toxin build up and inflammation throughout the body.
Our lungs are critical detoxification organs – it is much more than a system to bring in oxygen to feed every cell in the body. They release carbon dioxide as well as stored toxins and metabolic by-products. Like so many other chronic conditions, many lung conditions show positive responses to high antioxidant intake and foods rich in certain phytonutrients.
The lungs are a most vital organ system — we can’t survive for more than a few minutes without breathing — but our efforts to care for them seem to take a backseat to other health issues. This is a grave oversight. All systems in our bodies are interconnected and breathing gives oxygen and thus life to each and every cell throughout the body.
Lifestyle and Diet
Exercise: someone with a lung condition such as asthma may find regular exercise difficult. But it’s still important to do what one can. Perform physical activity to get the circulation flowing every day. Make an effort to increase your exercise capacity daily. Low impact exercises like walking or yoga and tai chi give you a good workout, increase oxygen capacity and reduce inflammation. They don’t cause wear and tear on your body as many other forms of exercise can. They are calming yet energizing and help to boost lung capacity and reduce inflammation. That’s why they are ideal for people with existing respiratory problems.
Deep breathing: can help strengthen the lungs. Change your superficial breathing with the upper lungs to breathing deeply and filling the lower parts of the lungs first. Put your hands on the tummy, keep the shoulders still and feel how the diaphragm expands when breathing in. Get used to this way of breathing and see how calmed and energized you feel.
Diet: very important – eat an anti-inflammatory diet and take targeted supplements to help improve lung function. Above all: eat natural food which is unadulterated with different types of toxic substances.
Food and Lung Cancer
Phosphorus is an essential mineral – in whole natural food, it is in the right proportion and molecular form for healthy consumption. We can’t live without it. But, like iron, too much can be a problem, especially if it is inorganic phosphate. This unnatural form of phosphorus is common in processed foods. And it could be the culprit in what is now the world’s most common cancer… cancer of the lung. It might explain why lots of people are getting the cancer but have never smoked.
Food manufacturers are currently adding phosphates much more frequently to a large number of processed foods, including meats, cheeses, beverages, and bakery products. One slice of whole wheat bread contains 64 mg. One carbonated soda has about 44 mg. It is just another chemical throwing off your biochemistry.
Supplements:
- The mushroom Cordyceps significantly addresses airway inflammation and supports respiratory immunity. It offers important clinical support for asthma and inflammatory lung disease.
- Vitamin D3 is a critical supplement for lung and respiratory health: It enhances immunity, reduces inflammation and supports lung function. Research shows it has potential to control the progression of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), as well as asthma. You need to get into the sun for 20 minutes per day with as much bare skin as possible – this is the best way to supply the body’s need of this very important vitamin (which also acts as a hormone).
- Probiotics are another supplement with an important role in lung health because of their immune-enhancing and anti-inflammatory benefits. Probiotic bacteria support respiratory function and may prevent lung deterioration in people with cystic fibrosis. They’re also beneficial for asthma and other lung diseases.
- Vitamins A, C and E also offer some lung protection according to clinical trials. Vitamins B-complex with additional B6, B12 and selenium should also be considered.
- Antioxidant rich foods and beverages, such as apples, red wine and green tea, can reduce inflammation and support respiratory function.
- Modified Citrus Pectin is also an important supplement. It’s been proven to inhibit inflammation and fibrosis by blocking galectin-3, a rogue protein. Chronic inflammation and fibrosis (excessive scar tissue buildup) are characteristic of a number of life-threatening diseases that relate to the lungs, including cardiovascular disease, cystic fibrosis and pulmonary fibrosis. Modified citrus pectin also actively fights cancer and significantly boosts immunity while safely chelating heavy metals and toxins.
- Some herbs have excellent effect on the respiratory system like mullein, lungwort and lobelia, among others.
Asthma
The number of people with asthma keeps growing. Globally, about 300 million people worldwide suffer from this potentially fatal breathing problem. Surprisingly, even before you have your first child, you can unwittingly make your grandkids more susceptible to asthma. The problem arises when women smoke while pregnant. Laboratory research shows that it also makes grandchildren more likely to develop asthma. That occurs even if their parents never smoke. In addition, the scientists found evidence that smoking can make great-grandchildren more likely to get asthma.
Nacare products for improvement of the respiratory system:
RESPIRATEO – a tonic for enhancing the respiratory system.
INFLAMMATIOM-CARE (with added Glycyrrhiza glabra) – for chronic inflammation.
STOP SMOKING as support for those who have REALLY decided to stop that costly and silly habit.
Nacare herbal products can be ordered at marius@drmarius.net and by practitioners (wholesale) at info@nacareherbals.org.