You can use supplements to help you keep your lung health in top condition. Whether you suffer from chronic coughing or bronchitis, these products can help you to breathe easier. The best supplements for lung health are those that contain vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that fight a number of ailments.
Ginseng
Ginseng is an herb that may help to improve lung health. The herb is thought to be an antioxidant, as it helps to remove free radicals from the body. It can also boost immunity, increase energy, and fight infections.
Ginseng is believed to have many other health benefits, including its ability to reduce stress and promote relaxation. In addition, it may help to regulate blood pressure and cholesterol levels. However, more research is needed to determine the full extent of ginseng’s potential to support lung health.
Ginseng supplements are generally safe at relatively low doses. However, they can interact with some medications, such as blood thinners. Therefore, it is important to check with your doctor before taking ginseng.
The Korean Red Ginseng has been known to increase the immune system’s reactivity, which may benefit people with respiratory diseases. In addition, it has been shown to protect the lungs from infectious diseases, such as influenza and respiratory syncytial virus.
Cordyceps sinensis, on the other hand, is a fungus that may provide a boost in immune function and energy. According to researchers, this supplement can assist in preventing inflammation and improve the ability to exercise.
Panax ginseng is another herb that can benefit the lung. This plant is known to improve symptoms of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.
Cordyceps
Cordyceps supplements for lung health may be beneficial for those with respiratory disorders such as emphysema and chronic bronchitis. These mushrooms are used in traditional Chinese medicine and have been studied for many years for their therapeutic effects.
The mushrooms are said to have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. They also stimulate the production of adenosine triphosphate (ATP), which is needed to provide energy for the muscles. As a result, exercise could be more intense, and oxygen may be used more efficiently.
Another Cordyceps benefits are associated with its ability to prevent cancer. Its polysaccharides have been shown to have antioxidant properties. In addition, the mushrooms are thought to support liver and kidney health. Some research has shown that they can reduce blood pressure and cholesterol levels.
Cordyceps is also useful for smokers, as it has been shown to help them quit. Studies have found that it inhibits tracheal contractions, which can lead to greater airflow to the lungs.
In addition, cordyceps is also useful for improving the health of the brain. Research has indicated that it increases glutathione antioxidant levels in the brain. This has been found to be helpful in reducing oxidative stress in the brain, which can lead to aging and neurodegenerative diseases.
Vitamin D
Vitamin D supplements have been shown to improve the lung functions of COPD patients. The benefits include reduced sputum volume, improved FEV1/FVC, and reduced risk of acute exacerbations. However, more studies are needed to understand the actual pharmacological properties of vitamin D.
Recent observational studies have shown that low serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) levels are associated with poorer lung function. However, these associations have been somewhat weak.
Vitamin D3 has been shown to improve the physical efficiency of patients with respiratory ailments. This effect may also be applicable in COPD patients.
Many observational and clinical studies have investigated the relationship between vitamin D and COPD. Among these, the most notable findings have been that vitamin D deficiency is more common among smokers and patients with recent hospitalizations. Nevertheless, there are still a number of questions regarding the effects of vitamin D on COPD.
To better understand the effects of vitamin D on lung health, researchers conducted a systematic review of studies. They selected relevant human studies published in the last decade. A total of 36 studies were reviewed. These included randomized control trials and meta-analyses. Several of the studies used different modes of administration and drug regimes.
Omega-3 fatty acids
Omega-3 fatty acids are an essential nutrient. They reduce blood pressure and cholesterol levels, protect against pro-inflammatory stimuli, and may also decrease the risk of heart disease. However, how they benefit patients suffering from lung diseases is still unknown. There are a number of studies examining the benefits of omega-3 supplementation.
For example, researchers at Queen Mary University in London found that high dietary intake of omega-3 fatty acids can prevent asthma. Similarly, scientists in Japan have determined that omega-3s improve respiratory function in people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.
Another study analyzed a specialized agent that sped up the process of clearing bacteria from the lungs. In mice, this reduced inflammation and reduced lung damage. It is not clear whether the agents actually cleared the bacteria, however.
Earlier epidemiologic research has shown that increased consumption of omega-3 fatty acids is associated with a decreased incidence of COPD. This is due to the fact that they suppress the inflammatory response. The EPA and DHA in omega-3s act as anti-inflammatory mediators. Likewise, downstream products that are produced by ALA and DHA are known to dampen the inflammatory response.
In the United States, more than 30% of the population lives in areas with high air pollution. Air pollution has been associated with a higher prevalence of respiratory symptoms.
Curcumin
Curcumin is a powerful antioxidant that fights oxidative stress and free radicals. It has been used for thousands of years to treat a wide range of diseases. Some studies have shown that turmeric supplements are beneficial for lung health.
Curcumin’s antioxidant activity also may help protect the respiratory system. Research has shown that curcumin reduces the inflammation of the airways and decreases the production of tumor necrosis factor-a (TNF-a) and tumour necrosis factor-a (TNF-b). Additionally, curcumin inhibits the activities of several pro-oxidant enzymes and transcription factors associated with lung tumor progression. In addition, the antioxidant properties of curcumin have been shown to neutralize hydrogen peroxide and hydroxyl free radicals.
Another study found that curcumin inhibited the activation of NF-kb, which is involved in the regulation of white blood cell activity. Furthermore, the study demonstrated that curcumin reduced the expression of IL-8, a pro-inflammatory mediator.
A third study tested the chemopreventive effects of curcumin in a mouse model of lung cancer. The study was conducted in mice genetically engineered to express the human Ki-rasG12C allele. CCSP-rtTA/Ki-rasG12C bitransgenic mice were fed a normal diet supplemented with curcumin. They were incubated with 500 mg/ml of DOX in drinking water.
Vitamin C
Vitamin C is a water-soluble antioxidant that has been shown to protect important molecules in the body from damage by free radicals. It is an essential nutrient for humans. If you are deficient in vitamin C, you should consider taking supplements. However, it is always best to discuss your supplement needs with a healthcare professional to make sure you are consuming the correct dosages.
The recommended dietary allowance for vitamin C is 75 to 120 mg a day. Vitamin C is also an important supplement for smokers. Smoking can increase oxidative stress in the blood.
People with asthma are at risk of having low levels of vitamin C. Athlerosclerosis, a buildup of plaque on the walls of blood vessels, can also lead to low levels of this antioxidant.
High plasma concentrations of vitamin C are associated with a decreased risk of heart failure. However, there is little evidence of a reduction in the incidence of stroke.
One way to improve lung health is to reduce smoking. Another is to get plenty of physical activity. In addition, taking zinc and selenium can help.
Studies have shown that vitamin E supplementation can improve some symptoms of asthma. However, large doses have been linked to birth defects. Moreover, vitamin D deficiencies can worsen asthma.
Vitamin E
The lung is one of the most vulnerable areas of the body. Exposure to toxins and pollutants can lead to oxidative stress in the lungs. Vitamin E supplements can help alleviate some of this oxidative burden.
One study found that vitamin E supplementation reduces markers of oxidative stress in the urine of male cigarette smokers. Another study found that vitamin E supplementation can reduce the levels of LDL, or bad cholesterol, in patients with metabolic syndrome.
Although the benefits of vitamin E are widely recognized, it may also cause side effects. Some of the possible effects include increasing the risk of prostate cancer in men, and increasing the risk of lung cancer in nonsmokers. Taking dietary supplements should be discussed with your doctor.
There are several types of vitamin E. Alpha-tocopherol is the form that is associated with better lung function. However, different forms have different effects on the body.
Tocotrienols, a family of four molecules, have antioxidant capabilities and are also effective at suppressing inflammation. They block translocation of NFkB into the nucleus. This can help stop NFkB activation and prevent further damage to the lungs.
Alpha-tocopherol has also been shown to decrease the risk of asthma. A large cohort study found that those in the highest quintile of tocopherol intake had a relative risk of 0.53 for asthma.
