Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) comprises a group of lung diseases that cause breathing problems. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), about 16 million Americans suffer from COPD, while a million others don’t even know they have it.
COPD is a chronic disease that can cause disability and reduce the quality of life in the long run. It is the fourth leading cause of death in the U.S.
To date, there is no cure for COPD. However, with the right care and treatment, it can be prevented and controlled.
What Is COPD?
The two common types of COPD are chronic bronchitis and emphysema.
Our lungs consist of two fundamental structures that enable us to breathe. These are the:
- Bronchi: The air passages of our lungs.
- Alveoli: The tiny air sacs which hold air within our lungs.
Chronic bronchitis causes inflammation of the bronchi, whereas emphysema is associated with damage to the alveoli. Both of these conditions make breathing difficult.
A 2018 CDC survey found that nine million Americans suffer from chronic bronchitis, whereas 3.8 million Americans were diagnosed with emphysema. Furthermore, women are 37 percent more likely to suffer from COPD than men. In fact, there are more than seven million women in the U.S. with COPD — and the number continues to rise every year.
Signs and Symptoms
The early symptoms of COPD often go ignored, causing the disease to remain undiagnosed for years until it becomes seriously life-threatening.
COPD starts with shortness of breath, which makes you tired quickly. Over time, you may struggle with carrying on day-to-day-activities and may go breathless frequently.
The classic signs and symptoms of COPD are:
- Frequent coughing, also known as “smoker’s cough”;
- A cough may be productive, meaning it will produce mucus, phlegm, sputum, and occasional blood spots;
- Shortness of breath, even with normal routine activities;
- Difficulty in normal breathing;
- Frequent wheezing sound;
- Grayish-blue discoloration of lips and fingernails due to reduced oxygen levels in the blood;
- Persistent and frequent respiratory infections, such as common cold, flu, and influenza;
- Constant feeling of tiredness;
- Low energy, and;
- Weight loss.
In more severe cases, you may also notice swelling in legs, feet, and ankles, along with being breathless even while talking.
The more affected your lungs are, the more severe your symptoms will be. However, note that not all people with COPD experience all of these symptoms. Some people experience symptoms that are common in other diseases.
Herbal Remedies for COPD
For centuries, people have used herbs to relieve symptoms related to breathing difficulties. Some natural herbs that may improve symptoms of COPD are:
- Eucalyptus;
- Ginger;
- Oregano;
- Peppermint;
- Ginseng;
- Turmeric, and;
- Red sage.
Eucalyptus
Eucalyptus is an evergreen plant loaded with numerous health benefits. Its leaves contain a potent essential oil called cineole, which is known for mucus loosening properties.
A 2009 study published in the Respiratory Research journal showed that the use of eucalyptus oil (cineole) may improve lung function and breathing in COPD.
Ginger
Did you know this delicious flavor-enhancer can help you breathe better? Scientists have discovered that ginger can break down mucus built up in your airways and improve your breathing. Thus, ginger may improve air circulation and reduce inflammation in COPD.
Oregano
This popular herb contains chemicals that act as natural decongestants to loosen mucus from your lungs. Therefore, regular intake of oregano may help keep COPD symptoms at bay.
Peppermint
This minty-herb is loaded with menthol, an active medicinal component known to relax the muscles of your lungs and reduce inflammation. The use of peppermint may serve as an effective remedy in alleviating some symptoms of COPD.
Ginseng
Ginseng is a popular Asian herb known for its wide array of health benefits. A 2002 study published in the Monaldi Archives for Lung Diseases demonstrated the effectiveness of ginseng in improving lung function and breathing in people with COPD. The herb improved exercise capacity in COPD patients, who otherwise get exhausted with bare minimum physical activity.
Turmeric
Turmeric is widely used as a natural remedy for skin problems in Asia. The plant contains curcumin, a natural antioxidant with added anti-inflammatory properties.
Scientists have discovered that curcumin fights oxidative stress and controls airway inflammation. As such, it may serve as a natural remedy in COPD. It may also slow the progress of lung cancer in advanced COPD.
Red Sage
Severe cases of COPD may result in reduced oxygen levels in the blood, which in turn can harm blood vessels.
Red sage contains powerful antioxidants that are known to preserve the natural structure of blood vessels during low oxygen. Thus, red sage may serve as a promising treatment in promoting the health of your blood vessels in advanced COPD.
Foods with Antioxidants
COPD is an inflammatory process, meaning it triggers the release of cells that cause inflammation in your lungs and leave your body in a state of oxidative stress. Factors like excessive cigarette smoking and environmental pollution can add up this stress, worsening your COPD. This is where antioxidants come into play.
Antioxidants reduce oxidative stress in your body and preserve your lung function in COPD. A diet high in natural antioxidants can improve your lung function.
Food sources that contain an abundant amount of natural antioxidants are:
- All types of berries;
- Beans;
- Plums;
- Prunes;
- Ginger;
- Green tea;
- Cherries;
- Carrots, and;
- Fish.
Diet and Exercise
Do you know why people with COPD tend to lose weight? It’s because their respiratory system consumes more than the normal amount of calories to breathe. A healthy, nutrient-dense diet not only provides a variety of healthy nutrients to support normal lung function but also helps you maintain a healthy weight.
Exercise is another way to build strength and endurance in COPD. Although intense physical activity might make you breathless, mild, and low-impact exercises, like walking and yoga, improve your overall health and breathing during COPD.
Living with COPD
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease is a long-enduring and highly disabling illness that can suck the life out of your lungs. However, living with COPD doesn’t have to be this hard. While there is no cure for COPD to date, it still can be controlled effectively with lifestyle changes and natural remedies.
If you are suffering from COPD, aim to take control of your health from day one. Embrace healthy eating habits and give your body all the nutrients it needs to stay strong. Through clean eating, light exercise, and herbal remedies, you can surely improve your lung function over time.