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.
View More Free Articles
The $1000 Weight-Loss Secret Your Body Makes for FREE
Weight-loss drugs Ozempic, Wegovy, Mounjaro, and Zepbound have become household names. These injectable GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1) drugs have captured widespread attention, with celebrity endorsements and social media success stories highlighting their dramatic results. But here’s what those glossy headlines aren’t telling you… GLP-1 is a naturally occurring hormone released by your gut. It acts as...
Brain Fog? Your Thermostat Could Be the SURPRISING Culprit
Cranking up the heat in winter or blasting the AC in summer can send your utility bills soaring. So, it’s no surprise that many of us choose to grit our teeth and endure it. But that could be a huge mistake. New research reveals that extreme indoor temperatures don’t just make you uncomfortable—they could be...
Nature's Powerful COVID-19 Defense REVEALED
While Big Pharma scrambles to cash in on new COVID-19 treatments, Mother Nature already has powerful allies waiting in the wings. A groundbreaking review in the journal Nutrients revealed a secret that Big Pharma won’t advertise—common herbs and supplements could ease mild COVID-19 symptoms. And the best part? You won’t need a prescription or to...
Women, Don’t Ignore These 5 Signs!
I’ve spent decades in medicine, and if there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that women are tough as nails. They’re pros at pushing through discomfort and brushing off warning signs. But that strength can also be their biggest health risk. Feeling tired? Well, of course—after all, you’re juggling a million things! Short of breath? It...
5 Warning Signs Men Should NEVER Ignore!
Men—listen up. I know you pride yourself on being tough. You insist on pushing through and refuse to make a fuss about “every little ache and pain.” But here’s the cold, hard truth… That tough guy act? It could KILL you. As a doctor I get an unwanted first-row seat to some hard-learned lessons. Hardly...
Mailbag: Is Your Gut Secretly Attacking Your Joints?
“Can a leaky gut cause sudden onset arthritis? My wife has developed arthritis over a 2-month period that is almost debilitating at this point, and she has constant diarrhea. Are these symptoms connected in some way?” -Leaky and Lost Hi Lost, When my patients ask me about leaky gut, my answer is always the same: “It’s...
“Brain Brew” SLASHES Dementia Risk
If you’re a regular Living Well Daily reader, you know I’m a coffee fan. There are plenty of good reasons to stay that way. In fact, I shared a reason just last week. But I’ve also made room in my life for another hot beverage—and that’s green tea. Now, new research suggests it was a...
Nature's New Mood Booster? (It's Already in Your Kitchen!)
Scientists uncovered something surprising hiding in plain sight in our kitchens. And it might turn out to be nature’s answer to fighting depression. The best part? You’re probably already eating it… Let’s find out. An exciting new study published in the Journal of Affective Disorders reveals that naturally occurring spermidine could help keep the blues...
Coffee Mug Hack Could Head Off Cancer
If you’re a coffee lover, it doesn’t get much better than that first cup of morning coffee. But before you reach for your favorite mug, I have some news that might make that java taste EVEN better. A new study finds your coffee habit could protect you from one of the world’s most common cancers…...
WALK Away from Cancer? Study Says “Yes!”
When you’re battling cancer, the LAST thing you need is more questionable advice. Yet a parade of well-meaning folks will insist you must do everything from running marathons to moving to a Greek island in order to outsmart the disease. But what if something as simple as a daily walk could give you the extra...