Joan’s Boomer Blog

Many seniors suffer from chronic lung diseases like COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease), chronic bronchitis, emphysema or asthma. It’s important to work with your doctor and follow prescribed treatments for these lung problems but there are many natural remedies which boost lung health, increase lung capacity and ease symptoms. Following a good lung health program can keep these debilitating health issues from getting worse and in many cases, help them improve.

Recently I had a case of bronchitis, something I haven’t had in many years. An xray showed “chronic bronchitis” or emphysema, probably a hold over from my time as a smoker many years ago. I quit smoking for good when I became pregnant with my daughter 25 years ago but some damage was done.

I spent 10 years as a hospital corpsman in the Navy and I saw people of all ages dragging oxygen bottles around behind them, barely able to breathe. The thought of that always scared me, but not enough to make me stop smoking at the time.

With visions of oxygen tanks dancing in my head, I had some decisions to make. At this point, the doctor was not telling me I needed inhalers or medications, only that if I got a bad cold or bronchitis again, I’d have to start treatments right away to avoid it making this lung condition worse. I’m very glad now that the health program I’ve been on for the past 15 years was aimed at increasing my immune system so I only rarely even get colds, much less bronchitis.

I’ve always been very proactive when it comes to health and finding alternative remedies for any health condition that comes up. Lung problems and breathing conditions have many alternative therapies to improve the quality of life and slow the progression.

The first thing I did was purchase a POWERbreathe Plus 2 Fitness Model Lung Muscle Trainer - A couple of years ago, our daughter, who played softball in college, was having breathing problems due to allergies and I got her one of these to work with. She said using the Powerbreathe twice a day really expanded her lung capacity and made it easier to breathe. I thought this would be just the thing to help me improve my breathing and open my airways. I’ve worked with it almost daily for a couple months and I’ve really noticed the improvement. The Powerbreathe has really helped my lungs feel clearer and I can breathe deeper since using it. It’s easy to use and easy to keep clean as well.

Foods for Lung Health

We drink green smoothies so it’s easy to incorporate foods for lung health but even if you aren’t a green smoothie fan, you can eat some of these foods daily:

Increase the antioxidants in your diet by eating lots of fruits and veggies, especially those containing carotenes:

• carrots
• sweet potatoes
• yellow squash
• leafy green vegetables

As a natural remedy for serious lung conditions such as COPD, be sure you get at least 9 servings of fruits and veggies daily. Eat lots of blueberries, broccoli, spinach and other healthy foods packed with antioxidants.

Drink lots of green tea and white tea - These drinks are loaded with antioxidants and nutrients which boost the immune system.

Eat Flax seeds or chia seeds - great sources of Omega 3 Fatty Acids and other lung healthy nutrients.

Improve Your Immune System with Supplements for Lung Health

• Astragalus -a Chinese tonic herb that enhances immune function. You can find it at your local health food store in a a tincture or capsule form. Look for standardized astragalus and follow dosing instructions.
• Co-Enzyme Q10 or CoQ10 improves the use of oxygen at the cellular level. Take at least 60 mg twice a day of the softgel form. CoQ10 works best when taken with a meal containing some fat.
• Vitamin D not only increases immunity to colds and flu but it also helps improve lung function in those with asthma, COPD and other lung diseases. Many, if not most, patients with lung illnesses test deficient in Vitamin D. The best source of Vitamin D is D3. Dr. Andrew Weil recommends 2,000 IU daily.
• Omega3 Fatty acids are healthy fats which improve heart function but are also great for the lungs. The American Heart Association recommends 2 to 4 grams per day, either from supplements or from sources like fish, chia seeds or flax seeds.

More Information on boosting your immune system naturally.

Gentle Exercise Improves COPD, Emphysema and Asthma

Exercise increases lung capacity and stamina, both of which are lost in chronic lung conditions. Start by walking, increasing speed and distance or take a water aerobics class, which is good for building your body but easy on your joints.

Try yoga - Yoga is a gentle stretching exercise that focuses on deep breathing. Yoga can build your body, your lungs and your immune system.

Tai Chi is another gentle form of flowing exercise that focuses on breathing.

Functional Fitness for COPD and Asthma - an on demand rental from Amazon which you can use for 7 days for just $1.99. If you decide you like the exercises in the video, you can also purchase it. These exercises require no special equipment and can help reduce the symptoms of asthma and COPD, plus there is some explanation of these conditions.

Practice Deep Breathing Exercises to increase lung capacity.

Other Natural Remedies for Health

Try the Healing Code by Alex Lloyd. This simple 6 minute process has helped thousands heal naturally from any health problem.

Brush and floss your teeth - Bacteria from gum disease can worsen conditions like chronic bronchitis and emphysema. Read Dr. Mercola’s article on this topic.

Stay tuned for more natural remedies for COPD, Emphysema and Asthma. Tomorrow’s posting will be about yoga breathing techniques to improve lung capacity. If you’re a baby boomer approaching retirement, you want to enjoy the second half of life and not be side-lined by chronic lung diseases.

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