First start taking lots of nonessential amino acids because a full spectrum of protein is needed for healthy lung tissue. Valine, Isoleucine, Leucine, and Glutamine are all important. Also Creatine will help build more muscle and get the body back in shape because atrophy is common with lung disease, and Acetylecysteine is very important for healthy lung tissue.
Lots of anti-oxidants are important in order to heal COPD and Asthma, including grape seed extract, Accai Berry, Camu Camu Berry, berries of all kinds and lots of anti-inflammatory foods that are also anti-oxidants, see my post on Anti-inflammatory Foods for Back Health.
Omega 3 and 6 fatty acids are important for keeping down inflammation, which is part of the process of COPD and Asthma. Most people recommend taking at 3000 mgs per day.
Soy foods seem to prevent breathlessness in Asthma and COPD patients according to studies done at the University of Australia — the higher the intake of soy the less problems patients had, so eat lots of tofu and bean sprouts.
Smoked and cured meats are terrible for Asthma and COPD — both significantly increase lung problems.
Lomatium and Thyme seem to open up the bronchi and help with breathing by getting rid of mucus.
And here are some anti-inflammatory agents —
Turmeric is number one on the list, one of the best anti-inflammatory agents there is… add turmeric to all your favorite dishes and start feeling better in no time.
Green Tea is second on the anti-inflammatory list, in fact drink 5 or 6 small cups of Green Tea a day and feel healthier and also boost your immune system too!
Peppers of all kinds have a very high anti-inflammatory rating, add red pepper, cayenne, and all other peppers to your food and eat bell peppers too!
Ginger is very high in anti-inflammatory abilities and will sooth away pain, help your GI tract and help battle against free radicals with great anti-oxidants, plus help you feel more relaxed.
And Boswellia too… which might be a good alternative to steroids… which I would avoid at all costs because of the side effects, but steroids are needed in some cases to preserve life.
Paul Haider – Master Herbalist
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