C.O.P.D (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease)

These suggestions are not intended to replace appropriate professional advice. Please check labels and consult your pharmacist if you take medication.

When adopting a new healing lifestyle, make a few changes at a time.  It took time for a condition to develop, and it will take time to restore healthy lung function.

Diet - Designed for minimal mucous production and optimum digestion

• Drink 7-10 glasses filter or spring water at room temperature. 
  
  
• Consume a diet that is 75-80% alkaline forming. Very important.
  
  
• Organic foods are the safest way to nourish yourself – a worthwhile investment!
  
  
• Make antioxidant rich fruits, vegetables, raw seeds and nuts, bean, legumes, and whole grains the mainstays of your diet. 
  
  
• Animal products are mucous forming. Enjoy in moderation.

• Combine foods for optimum digestion. Fruit on an empty stomach 30 minutes before other foods. Starches and animal products require very different digestive secretions and should not be eaten together to avoid excess mucous production.
  
  
• Spices like chili peppers, ginger, garlic, and cayenne pepper thin mucus in the lungs.
  
  
• Some C.O.P.D. sufferers are sensitive to histamine.  Eliminate fermented foods for a 2-week period to see if symptoms improve.
  
  
• Take 2 tsp apple cider vinegar and raw honey (opt) in one cup of room temperature water with meals.  Low stomach acid is common with C.O.P.D.
  
  
• Have complete protein no later than lunch for better digestion of amino acids.
  
  
• Eliminate refined sugar, processed or cured meats, white rice and white flour.
  
  
• Cook gently.  High heat generates acrylamides and advanced glycation end products.

Basic Supplements – For the Maintenance of Good Health

• Bio-Strath tablets – important for digestion and stress tolerance.
  
  
• *Extra vitamin C – 1,000-2,000 mg daily until improvement, then 500 mg daily.
  
  
• Vitamin D – 8,000 IU for one month then reduce to the upper limit of 4,000 IU daily – steroid precursor, anti-inflammatory.
  
  
• Magnesium – keeps airways relaxed, promotes better sleep and regularity.
  
  
• *N-acetylcysteine (NAC) has a beneficial effect on overall lung health - thins mucus and supports immunity.  On WHO’s top 100 essential remedies list.
  
  
• Omega 3 fatty acids – supports respiratory health, decreases inflammation.
  
  
• Make intermittent use of probiotics.

*Vitamin C is important during the healing phase and thereafter during winter months when fresh produce is not available.  NAC can be continued if desired or used intermittently i.e. during cold and flu season.

Special Care:

• Holy Basil and fenugreek teas are helpful for breaking up congestion in the lungs.
• Take serrapeptase on an empty stomach upon rising and before bed on an empty stomach for 2 weeks then once a day. Serrapeptase is a proteolytic enzyme that scours the body digesting waste, including material trapped deep in lung tissue.
• Practice rhythmic abdominal breathing – outdoors whenever possible. Watch your posture - lungs need room to “breathe”. Breathe deeply, exhale thoroughly!
• It’s important to breathe through your nose to warm the air, filter particles of dust, and destroy pathogens, such as viruses, before they can enter your lungs. If nasal passages are congested use a Neti pot a few times a week to keep them clear.
• Nitric oxide relaxes the lungs, improves mitochondria activity and oxygen circulation. See Dr Zack Bush’s 4-Minute Workout online.
• Studies show keeping a journal is of particular value for people who suffer with respiratory conditions and/or arthritis.
• Soak a cloth in castor oil mixed with a few drops of eucalyptus oil. Apply to the lung area and cover with a hot water bottle for 30 minutes. Repeat as needed.
• Keep the air in your home healthy with plants, salt lamps, an essential oil diffuser, and natural bees wax candles with jute wicks.

Journal and track your progress. Many people find their health improves in multiple ways. We hope you experience similar benefits 😊

*Revised September 2024