Respiratory and Lung support
Oxygen is critical to our survival and a healthy respiratory system ensures adequate oxygen supply to our body. Our supply of oxygen can be insufficient if the lungs, nose, or sinuses become obstructed or do not function properly. Obstruction can occur when there is excess mucous build-up often due to allergen irritation or infectious microbes. A healthy respiratory system also rids our bodies of toxins and metabolic by-products like carbon dioxide. Both a good intake of oxygen and a good exhalation of waste products are equally important to a healthy respiratory system.
The lungs are located inside the rib cage. They are made of spongy, elastic tissue that stretches and constricts as we breathe. The trachea and the bronchi are the airways that bring air into the lungs; they are made of smooth muscle and cartilage, which allows the airways to constrict and expand. The lungs and airways bring in oxygen-enriched air and get rid of waste carbon dioxide made by the cells. When we inhale, the diaphragm and the intercostal muscles (muscles between the ribs) contract and expand the chest cavity, which allows air to flow in through the airways and inflate the lungs. When we exhale, the diaphragm and intercostal muscles relax and the chest cavity gets smaller, which forces air to flow from the lungs and out of the airways to the outside air. Their principal function is to transport oxygen from the atmosphere into the bloodstream, and to release carbon dioxide from the bloodstream into the atmosphere. This exchange of gases is accomplished in the mosaic of specialized cells that form millions of tiny, exceptionally thin-walled air sacs called alveoli.
Several lung diseases have been associated with oxidative stress and linked to oxidant insults such as cigarette smoke, air pollutants and infections. Consequently, dietary factors and nutrients with a potential protective role in the oxidative process and inflammatory response have been implicated in the genesis or evolution of these diseases. These nutrients include fruits and vegetables, antioxidant vitamins such as vitamin C, vitamin E, betacarotene and other carotenoids, vitamin A, fatty acids and some minerals such as sodium, magnesium and selenium.
Antioxidants and Other Nutrients
A healthy respiratory system also provides resistance against allergens and infections. Along with a healthy diet, a program of regular exercise that increases oxygen intake, and avoidance of smoke, pollen, and other allergens help to ensure a healthy respiratory system. Tobacco should be avoided entirely.
Numerous dietary supplements can help in various ways when dealing with respiratory problems. A daily intake of high quality vitamins and minerals can help keep the respiratory system functioning at its peak. Herbs such as mullein, slippery elm, and marshmellow act as expectorants and are useful when phlegm and congestion are present. Green tea, eucalyptus, and rosemary help to open up the sinuses and lungs when constriction or wheezing occurs. Quercetin and garlic are useful when combating chronic allergies. Furthermore, antioxidants can help protect the lungs from free radical damage.
The lungs exist in an oxygen-rich environment, which requires balance between the toxicity of free radicals and the protective qualities of antioxidants. It is known that an increase in oxidative stress, caused by free radicals, can initiate dysfunction of the lungs. It is this process that makes cigarette smoking so dangerous for the respiratory system, because it creates an imbalance between free radicals and antioxidants. Antioxidants are the lungs' first line of defense against free radicals.
Vitamin C is arguably the most important water soluble antioxidant found in the respiratory system. It is well-known that smokers and the children of smokers have far lower levels of vitamin C than non-smokers and the children of non-smokers. Cigarette smoke depletes the body of respiratory vitamin C. Vitamin C works in the respiratory system by protecting the airways against the effects of irritants like sulfur oxides from factories, pollen, cigarette smoke, and pathogens. These substances cause increased oxidative stress which can lead to a narrowing of the airways.
Vitamin B6 is another nutrient that is beneficial for those dealing with lung health issues. The body requires vitamin B6 for normal functioning of more than 60 different enzymes, some of which are directly involved in the respiratory system. Although extreme deficiencies of vitamin B6 may be rare, volumes of research demonstrate the importance of vitamin B6 in numerous health conditions. Clinical studies utilizing vitamin B6 supplementation show that it supports overall lung function and decreases the severity of wheezing and chest tightness even though no deficiency is apparent. For those people on conventional prescription medications, such as theophylline, to treat certain respiratory disorders, vitamin B6 supplementation is quite important. Theophylline depresses levels of the active form of vitamin B6 in the body.
Magnesium is a co-factor in over 300 biochemical processes in the body, and is critically important to the contraction/relaxation state of smooth muscle. Low magnesium enhances the contraction of smooth muscle tissue, while higher magnesium levels promote relaxation. Because the muscles of the respiratory system impact how the lungs expand, therefore, the capacity to trap air, it is important to provide these muscles with adequate amounts of magnesium. Studies show that dietary magnesium intake is directly related to lung function and the occurrence of airway hyperactivity and wheezing.
• Regular exercise and weight control
• Well balanced diet with plenty of fluids
• Avoid smoking and air pollution
• Herbs and Phytonutrients - garlic, bioflavonoids, quercetin, carotenoids, lycopene, mullein, stinging nettle, marshmellow, elderberry, slippery elm, ginkgo biloba, turmeric, bilberry, rosemary, green tea, eucalyptus, onion, horseradish
• Vitamins and Minerals - vitamins A, C, & E, B2, B3, B6, B12, folic acid, calcium, magnesium, PABA, copper, iron, sulphur, selenium, sodium, molybdenum
• Antioxidants - coenzyme Q10, OPC’s (grade seed & grape skin extracts, Pycnogenol), glutathione, peroxidase, n-acetylcysteine, NADH
• Essential Fatty Acids - omega-3 (DHA & EPA), omega-6 (GLA)
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