Mailbag! 8 Tips to EASE Your COPD Symptoms
By
Dr. Scott Olson, ND
Posted August 24, 2021
My doctor just diagnosed me with COPD. Is there anything I can do to manage it naturally?
–Dan from Hubbard, OR
Dan,
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is, unfortunately, a very common disease.
Over 11 million people have been diagnosed with it, but even more than that have it.
In fact, an estimated 24 million are living with the disease and don’t even realize it.
While that’s not much comfort, it’s good to know you’re not alone.
COPD occurs when lungs are damaged and scarred. The most common reason for the damage is tobacco smoke, but chronic infections like bronchitis and chemical exposure can also cause it.
The bad news is once the lungs are damaged, there’s not much you can do to repair them.
But there’s good news as well: there’s A LOT you can do to make up for lost lung function.
Let me show you:
- Air quality. I guess it goes without saying, but the cleaner the air you breath, the better. This means keeping the windows open at home whenever you can.
- Try pursed-lip breathing. There are many breathing exercises that can improve your lung capacity. Go to the American Lung Association for more information as well as helpful tutorials.
- Exercise and weight loss. Making sure you exercise and maintain a healthy weight is especially helpful for people with COPD. When you exercise, make sure you’re increasing your intensity slowly and breathing gently.
- Take quercetin. This plant flavanol is a powerful antioxidant that’s especially helpful for the lungs. You can supplement with it or just make sure to load up on quercetin-rich foods like kale, broccoli, and blueberries.
- Omega-3 fatty acids. These essential fatty acids reduce inflammation in the body. You can get them in cold-water fish, but I think most people should supplement to make sure they’re getting enough.
- N-acetylcysteine (NAC). NAC is an amino acid that is especially helpful for the lungs. It acts as a powerful antioxidant, breaks up mucus, and improves overall lung function.
- Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10). A component of cellular energy, CoQ10 can improve the body’s use of oxygen.
- Medicinal mushrooms like Cordyceps. This mushroom can slow the progression of chronic lung disease. Cordyceps has been studied for improving lung function in athletes. Just make sure you look for the United States Pharmacopeia (USP) or NSF International (NSF) seal on the label to ensure you’re getting the best ingredients possible.
Dr. Scott Olson, ND
P.S. Have a health concern that’s worrying you? Click here to submit your questions and get featured in the weekly mailbag!
Written By Dr. Scott Olson, ND
Nearly 25 years ago, failed mainstream medical treatments left Dr. Olson in constant pain – and his health in ruins. And that’s when he did something REVOLUTIONARY. He began his career in medicine – and dedicated his life to uncovering the true, underlying causes of disease.
Through his innovative medical practices in Tennessee and Colorado, Dr. Olson has helped cure countless seniors from across America of arthritis… heart disease… diabetes… and even cancer. All without risky prescription drugs or painful surgeries.
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