Find Natural Remedies for Emphysema

Emphysema

Emphysema is a complex lung disease that affects the alveolar sacs (where the exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide takes place). The sacs become overstretched, making it hard to exhale fully. The air that does not escape blocks most fresh air from coming into the sacs. Causes of emphysema include cigarette smoking, air pollution, occupational exposure, allergy and aging. Symptoms include shortness of breath (slow in onset and steadily progressive), cough (may be minimal), fatigue, insomnia, irritability, weight loss and depression. There is currently no cure but there are natural remedies that can help treat symptoms of emphysema.

Treating Emphysema

Vitamin A

According to research:

• Rats who were given a diet deficient in vitamin A developed emphysema.
• Rats exposed to cigarette smoke became deficient in vitamin A due to a carcinogen (benzopyrene) found in cigarettes.
• Rats who were exposed to cigarette smoke and who were given a diet high in vitamin A had positive results. This may explain why some people can smoke most of their life and live to be 90 years old.

Eating foods high in vitamin A should be included in a healthy and well balanced diet. Supplementation should be discussed with your health care provider. Despite the above results, smoking should be avoided. Find natural ways to quit smoking.

Other Important Nutrients

Vitamin E: Improves elasticity of tissues.

Vitamin C: Promotes healthy connective tissue.

Coenzyme q10: Increases the amount of oxygen reaching tissues, slows tissue aging and helps renew cells.

L-glutathione and N-acetyl-cysteine: Both of these amino acids can help reduce (and possibly eliminate it entirely) phlegm.

Other important nutrients include essential fatty acids (omega 3 and 6), selenium and magnesium.

Foods and Herbs

Dairy products and bananas may increase mucus production and should be avoided. Horseradish, onions and garlic may decrease mucus buildup. Ginger and fennel can help relieve spasms and dissolve secretions. Pineapple, which contains a substance called bromelain, and licorice can reduce mucus, and mullein can help bring up phlegm and soothe irritation.

Other herbal remedies that are used to treat emphysema include horsetail, thyme, fenugreek, coltsfoot, agrimony and lobelia.

Hot Moist Packs

Place a hot moist pack over the lungs for 30-60 minutes. This will help stimulate drainage and reduce inflammation.

Exercises

Walking or riding a stationary bicycle will enhance the delivery of oxygen to tissues. You should start out slowly and gradually increase.

Breathing and relaxation exercises are other natural remedies for emphysema.

References

Herbs 2000: Emphysema - https://www.herbs2000.com/disorders/emphysema.htm

Veria: Emphysema - https://www.veria.com/conditions-a-z/emphysema.html

Natural Remedies: Smoking - Vitamin A and Emphysema - https://www.kflatthealthnews.com/2007/08/smoking-vitamin-and-emphysema.html

Photo courtesy of https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Mitrohin_Onions_and_Garlic_1973_Last.jpg

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