5 Ways to Treat COPD Naturally

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) makes it a challenge to perform some activities and feel lively. The condition develops due to damaged lung and airway tubes. You develop difficulty in breathing as a result, and as time goes by, it becomes harder and harder. A weak immune system might also cause COPD. However, you can combat the condition naturally but always consult your doctor before trying a new supplement or making a dietary change. Let’ find out the five ways to treat COPD naturally.

1. Consuming Vitamins

An orange a day, whoever it keeps away, it’s for your own good. Oranges have vitamin C, and all vitamins are beneficial for your body. They may help you combat COPD better and prevent severe damage.

Incorporating vitamins into your daily diet is vital. Vitamin A boosts your immune, and it’s naturally found in mangoes, carrots, broccoli, squash, and leafy greens. Vitamin C is a vitamin that kills inflammation. The most common source of this vitamin is the orange and its citrus family. Leafy green veggies like kale, tomatoes, and broccoli, and berries are also rich in vitamin C.

Most people with COPD are vitamin D deficient. This vitamin can be acquired from milk egg yolks, and cheese and research indicate that vitamin D exacerbates COPD. Vitamin E, on the other hand, boosts your immune system and prevents cell damage. It can be found in cereals, vegetable oil, fruits, and vegetables.

2. Using Antioxidants

Any substances that can prevent harm from free radicals are known as antioxidants. Free radicals can cause cell damage and lung inflammation that makes it unbearable for people with COPD.

Many foods contain antioxidants. Some COPD patients can, however, use antioxidant supplements as long as the doctor gives them the go-ahead. Those supplements include N-acetylcysteine (NAC) and vitamins A, C and E. The food to look for are beans, carrots, green tea, apples, berries, olive oil, ginger, etc.

3. Practice Breathing Exercises

Breathing exercises can improve COPD symptoms by strengthening the respiratory muscles. Breathing exercises include diaphragm breathing which involves contracting the diaphragm to breathe deeply and pursed-lip breathing where a person inhales through their nose but exhales through pursed lips as if they are whistling.

Another breathing exercise is Pranayama which is a typical yoga practice. It involves breathing while concentrating on areas of the body along the breathing system.

A 2012 research found that people who practiced breathing exercise had improved exercise tolerance. It’s beyond doubts that breathing exercises can help people with COPD with their difficulty in cardio-exercising.

4. Dehydrate as Much as Possible

One of the most common symptoms of COPD is mucus in your airways. It can be stubborn and lead to uncontrollable coughing. So, what can you do about it? Drinking first glass of water, followed by the second one and continuing to the eighth glass by the end of the day can do you justice. In fact, you are allowed to take over eight glasses of water daily but not less.

Dehydrating will help you thin the mucus and enable other functions in your body to run. Also, increase the moisture in your room with a humidifier. You can use it while you are asleep to make breathing easier.

5. Herbal Remedies

Herbal remedies can also be used to treat COPD and other lung conditions. One remedy that has been tested is “curcumin” which is found in turmeric. The compound was found to help in reducing inflammation and risks of lung cancer.

Ginseng which is an Asian ginger variety is also being studied and some past research indicates that it improves lungs functioning. Point to note is; herbal remedies aren’t replacements for traditional medication or other COPD treatments. You should consult your doc before using them.

Conclusion

Currently, there is no permanent cure for COPD, and once your lungs and airways are damaged, your fate cannot be reversed. Consistent medical care and changes in lifestyle like quitting smoking might help you slow down COPD. Visit your doctor if you have the condition.