MAILBAG: Crush COPD Symptoms NATURALLY
By
Dr. Scott Olson, ND
Posted May 30, 2023
“Got any natural treatments for COPD?”
– Mike, Ann Arbor, MI
Dear Mike,
Unfortunately, COPD, or chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder, is a common condition. In fact, it’s now the third leading cause of death in the United States.
COPD causes the airways to constrict, making breathing difficult or uncomfortable. Persistent coughing, excess mucus production, wheezing, shortness of breath, and chest tightening are common symptoms. And they can worsen over time.
What I’ve seen work the best for COPD can be summed up with one word: EXERCISE.
That, no doubt, sounds counterintuitive. So let me explain.
It’s true. COPD does make it difficult to exercise. But finding ways to MOVE your body… and breathe more deeply as a result… has the most significant positive impact BY FAR.
As always, checking with your doctor BEFORE starting any new exercise program is best. But once exercise gets the green light, these gentle movements can help anyone battling COPD.
Deep breathing exercises are great for folks with breathing issues. Pursed-lip and diaphragmatic breathing can boost lung capacity. You’ll find descriptions and helpful videos HERE on the American Lung Association website.
Walking is another gentle way to improve breathing. I typically suggest folks start by walking as far as they comfortably can. This may be just around the corner at first, but then gradually increase the distance over time. The goal is to reach a point where your heart rate increases, and you’re breathing a bit heavier than usual.
Research shows the supplement N-Acetylcysteine (NAC) can thin the excess mucus many folks with COPD battle. It can also reduce the number of episodes of more acute symptoms. And NAC can boost small airway function. Ask your doc about adding it to your treatment regimen.
Severe COPD can eventually put a strain on the heart as well. So it’s a good idea to protect the ticker with exercise and heart-supporting supplements, including fish oil, COQ10, and hawthorn.
P.S. Researchers have discovered an astounding trick that can significantly extend your life… and it just takes 11 minutes a day! CLICK HERE for the secret.
Source:
“Safety of N-Acetylcysteine at High Doses in Chronic Respiratory Diseases: A Review.” Drug Saf. 2021 Mar;44(3):273-290. doi: 10.1007/s40264-020-01026-y. Epub 2020 Dec 16. PMID: 33326056; PMCID: PMC7892733. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7892733/
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
Stop Obsessing Over Diet Trends
Can we stop with the endless diet debates already? Every other week there’s a new headline shouting about which diet is best for weight loss, heart health, or diabetes. Paleo, keto, low-carb, high-protein… it’s exhausting. And now, a new meta-analysis is out comparing the Mediterranean diet, the DASH diet, and something called AHEI (that’s “Alternative...
A New Reason to Ditch Processed Junk
If you’ve ever walked the inside aisles of your local grocery store and thought, “This is all just junk,” your instincts were spot on. A new study published in the journal Thorax just added another red flag to the list of dangers linked to ultra-processed food—a 41 percent higher risk of lung cancer. That’s right....
When Being Winded on Stairs Is Serious (And When It Isn’t)
I had an athlete visit me recently because he experienced shortness of breath while climbing stairs. He is in great shape, so he was worried about what it might mean. “Doc,” he said, “I run five miles three times a week. Why am I huffing and puffing after two flights of stairs?” His concern is...
Study EXPOSES Hidden Danger Lurking in Your Car
We think of our homes and cars as safe havens. But according to a startling new study, they may be flooding your lungs with microscopic plastic particles—every single day. Researchers in France recently found that adults inhale an average of 68,000 microplastic particles daily from indoor air alone. To put that in perspective, that’s about...
Mailbag: Is Modern Food Making You Snore?
“What can cause snoring, and is there a way to correct this issue?” —Seeking Silence Hi Seeking, Snoring happens when the soft tissues in your throat relax and vibrate as air passes through during sleep. While several factors can cause snoring—from sleep position to nasal congestion—I want to share one trigger that might surprise you....
Simple Food Swap SLASHES Dementia Risk 28%
Let’s be honest… who would jump at the chance to cut their dementia risk by 28 percent. And no, you don’t need to run marathons, survive on broccoli, or learn to play the zither (whatever that is) to make it happen. All it takes is one easy swap—something that’s probably already in your refrigerator. Researchers...
This SMART Floss Exposes Hidden Health Danger
Scientists have created dental floss that doesn’t just clean between your teeth—it also tracks your stress while you’re flossing. Now, I know what you’re thinking… “Great—now even flossing is going to stress me out by telling me how stressed I am.” But this fascinating new tool from Tufts University could be a game-changer for understanding...
Is This "Safe" Sweetener Damaging Your Brain?
The headlines are alarming… “Popular Sugar Substitute Linked to Brain Cell Damage” and “Erythritol Could Damage Critical Brain Barrier” are just two of the dozens I’ve spotted recently. But before you toss every sugar-free product in your pantry, let’s take a closer look at what this study actually shows—and what it doesn’t. The latest research...
This Summer Threat Could SPIKE Your Blood Sugar
Picture this… It’s another scorching hot summer day. You crank up the air conditioning while watching the weather forecast, which predicts yet another “record-breaking” heat wave. It’s starting to feel like just another miserably uncomfortable summer. But what you might not realize is that—if you have diabetes—those rising temps could do far more damage to...
Move Over Yogurt—5 Foods That Pack MORE Probiotics
Let’s talk about your gut. The microbiome is the collection of trillions of bacteria and other tiny organisms that live in and on your body—especially in your gut—and help keep you healthy. I’ve written often about how vital it is to maintain a healthy microbiome. And you might have dutifully added yogurt to your shopping...