COPD, also known as chronic obstructive lung disease (COLD) and chronic obstructive respiratory disease (CORD), refers to chronic bronchitis and emphysema, a pair of commonly co-existing diseases of the lungs in which the airways become narrowed. The result is a limited airflow to and from the lungs causing shortness of breath. Once present, the limited airflow is not easy to reverse and usually gets worse over time.
COPD is caused by noxious particles or gas – most commonly from tobacco smoking – which trigger an abnormal inflammatory response in the lung. Inflammation in the larger airways is classified as chronic bronchitis, which is diagnosed clinically when the patient is regularly coughing up sputum. In the smaller tubes (the alveoli), the inflammation causes destruction of lung tissue (emphysema).
Symptoms
The main symptoms of advanced emphysema are gasping for breath and a sensation of a heavy weight on the chest. The deepest part of the lungs is affected (the alveolar sacs) where the exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide occurs. These normally elastic sacs overstretch, making it difficult to exhale fully. The air that remains trapped then hinders fresh air from entering and each new breath therefore brings only minimal amounts of oxygen into the blood. At first, breathing is difficult only during exercise, such as walking up stairs. A dry or rattling cough often accompanies the breathlessness. Bronchitis can be life-threatening for those in the late stages of emphysema, when parts of the lungs can collapse. Emphysema is irreversible, though the symptoms can be improved. The condition also places enormous strain on the heart.
Causes
- Age increases the chances of developing emphysema, simply due to loss of tissue elasticity. A constant low-grade infection will also contribute. In order to prevent emphysema and its complications in old age, it is crucial to increase overall health by supporting the immune system and increasing lung capacity with mild exercise and good nutrition.
- Smoking – The primary risk factor for COPD is chronic tobacco smoking. The likelihood of developing COPD increases with cumulative smoke exposure and almost all life-long smokers will develop COPD, assuming that smoking-related, extra-pulmonary diseases (e.g. cardiovascular, diabetes, cancer) do not claim their lives beforehand.
- Occupational exposures – Intense and prolonged exposure to workplace dusts found in coal mining, gold mining, and the cotton textile industry and chemicals such as cadmium, isocyanates, and fumes from welding have been implicated in the development of airflow obstruction, even in non-smokers. Workers who smoke and are exposed to harmful particles and gases are even more likely to develop COPD.
- Air pollution – Studies in many countries have found that people who live in large cities have a higher rate of COPD compared to people who live in rural areas. In many developing countries indoor air pollution from cooking fire smoke (often using biomass fuels such as wood and animal dung) is a common cause of COPD, especially in women.
- Genetics – Some genetic factor in addition to heavy smoke exposure is required for a person to develop COPD. The genetic differences that make some peoples’ lungs susceptible to the effects of tobacco smoke are still mostly unknown. Alpha 1- antitrypsin deficiency is a genetic condition that is responsible for about 2% of cases of COPD. In this condition, the body does not make enough of a protein, alpha 1-antitrypsin, which is known to protect the lungs from damage caused by enzymes released in response to tobacco smoke.
Lifestyle Modification
Smoking is the underlying cause of the majority of cases of emphysema and chronic bronchitis. Smoking should be stopped immediately and, although quitting smoking will not reverse the symptoms of COPD, it may help preserve the remaining lung function. Exposure to other respiratory irritants, such as air pollution, dust, toxic gases and fumes, may aggravate COPD and should be avoided wherever possible.
The common cold and other respiratory infections may aggravate COPD. Avoiding exposure to infections and / or bolstering resistance with immune-enhancing nutrients and herbs would therefore seem a sensible course of action.
Dietary Modification
Malnutrition is common in people with COPD and may further compromise lung function and the overall health of those with the disease. However, evidence of malnutrition may occur despite adequate dietary intake of nutrients. Researchers have found that increasing dietary carbohydrates increases carbon dioxide production, which leads to reduced exercise tolerance and increased breathlessness in people with COPD. People with COPD should therefore eliminate refined carbohydrates from their diet.
Chronic bronchitis has been linked to allergies in many reports. Long-term reduction of some COPD symptoms can occur when people with COPD avoid allergenic foods.
A recommended first-aid treatment for emphysema is a mucus-cleansing juice diet for several days. A combination of raw potato, carrot and parsley juice is a good system cleanser and has been effective in relieving emphysema. Parsnip juice is an excellent remedy for people with emphysema because of its phosphorus and chlorine content, which benefit the lungs and bronchial system.
- Weight loss is important if the person is overweight, to minimize the strain on the heart. A light, nutrient-rich diet that emphasizes fresh, preferably raw, vegetables and fruits will provide important vitamins needed for tissue health, notably beta-carotene and vitamin C. Raw foods maintain vitamin C and enzymes – the immune-system boosters – which are destroyed by cooking.
- Avoid mucus-forming foods, including red meat, eggs, dairy products, refined and processed foods, and coffee. Keep salt intake to a minimum, especially with oedema, which can develop with advanced emphysema.
- Chili peppers have a soothing effect on the lungs, due to the substance capsaicin which they contain. Capsaicin causes the mucus in the respiratory system to thin.
- Eat one to three fresh garlic cloves every day. The active substances in garlic oil are excreted via the lungs, thereby disinfecting, promoting secretion and relieving cramps in the lungs.
Other therapies
- Regular breathing exercises are important. Exhale through the mouth and hum at the same time, using the diaphragm, neck, throat and shoulder muscles.
- Exercise in fresh air. Start with short walks and increase length daily. If breathing becomes difficult, decrease the exercise time or walking distance. Swimming is also an excellent way of strengthening the lungs.
- Massage to the neck, chest and thoracic area will help to loosen tight muscles and increase lymphatic drainage.
Nutritional Supplement Treatment Options
NAC (N-acetyl cysteine) helps to break down mucus and may also protect lung tissue through its antioxidant activity.
Creatine Monohydrate has been shown to increase muscle strength, muscle endurance, and overall health status in people with COPD.
Ivy Leaf extract has been found to be as effective as mucus-dissolving drugs for treating chronic bronchitis.
L-Carnitine has been shown to result in positive changes in breathing response to exercise.
Mullein is classified as both an expectorant (promotes the discharge of mucus) and a demulcent (soothes and protects mucous membranes). Other herbs commonly used as expectorants in traditional medicine include elecampane, lobelia, yerba santa (Eriodictyon californicum), wild cherry bark, gumweed (Grindelia robusta), anise (Pimpinella anisum), and eucalyptus.
Coenzyme Q10. Blood levels of CoQ10 are generally lower in patients with COPD than those found in healthy people. Clinical trials have found that supplementing for eight weeks led to improved oxygenation of blood, along with improved exercise performance and heart rate.
GLA (Evening Primrose Oil, Borage Oil, Blackcurrant Seed Oil) and EPA/DHA – A greater intake of the omega-3 fatty acids found in fish oils has been linked to reduced risk of COPD.
Magnesium – Many prescription drugs commonly taken by people with COPD have been linked to magnesium deficiency, a potential problem because magnesium is needed for normal lung function. Studies have shown that IV magnesium improves breathing capacity in people experiencing an acute exacerbation of COPD. (IV magnesium is known to be a powerful bronchodilator).
Vitamin A and Vitamin C with bioflavonoids, are necessary for healthy connective tissue in the lungs as well as for a strong immune system.
The chlorophyll in green food supplements, such as chlorella or spirulina, is also highly recommended, as it is vital for cell renewal.
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Article contributed by Dr Tracy S Gates, DO, DIBAK, L.C.P.H., Consultant, Pure Bio Ltd. Copyright © Pure Bio Ltd 2024. All rights reserved. Pure Bio Ltd are a leading UK supplier of the highest quality PURE nutritional supplements, based in Horsham, West Sussex. Proud Winners of Southern Enterprise Awards, Best Nationwide Hypoallergenic Nutritional Supplements Distributor 2022 and 2023. Visit www.purebio.co.uk for all your nutritional supplement needs
