Natural Remedies For COPD

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is an inflammatory disease that affects the lungs. It makes it quite difficult for people to breathe. This is why iconic symptoms include shortness of breath, wheezing, tightness in the chest, and lots of respiratory infections. There’s often swelling, blue fingers and lips, and constant throat clearing as well. Not a lot of fun to deal with for sure! COPD takes years to develop before symptoms appear, thanks to the lung damage that accumulates. Serious risk factors linked to it include smoking, secondhand smoke, air pollution, chemical fumes, and even dust.

There is good news! There are common COPD medications used for this condition, including COPD treatment inhalers. Some even look to COPD and radiation treatment. Of course, since smoking is a serious risk factor, smoking cessation products to help people stop smoking also take the forefront.

Quit Smoking

Smoking is the leading cause of COPD. Some say it accounts for up to 90 percent of all cases. Of course, this makes quitting smoking the leading way to naturally treat COPD! It isn’t, however, easy to do. Treating COPD is a great reason to stop smoking, but finding more motivation is very beneficial too. It is also important to put together coping strategies. Popular choices include going to support groups, practicing meditation, and even chewing gum regularly! Some even say taking up yoga helped them a lot! It’s best to talk to a doctor to determine an effective strategy, including how to deal with potential withdrawal. That is particularly common for those who go cold turkey!

Avoid Air Pollutants

Air pollution is another irritant that can damage the lungs. This one is harder to avoid than smoking, but it is certainly possible! Those in cities where pollution is rampant must avoid exercising at peak times and in congested areas. This often means exercising in the early morning or evening at home. Using air filters at home works wonders as well! Many cars have a recycled air setting on the air conditioner. This must be turned on to avoid the fumes from traffic! Although being outside is healthy, on smoggy days it is better to stay inside to treat COPD. It also pays to spend time in the countryside, where pollution is much lower!

Eat Clean

The lungs need as much help as possible when it comes to treating COPD, especially naturally. Another amazing thing to do for them to keep them healthy is to eat clean. Eating clean helps keep the body running as efficiently as possible. Focusing on foods high in antioxidants is extremely helpful when it comes to cleaning the body of toxins.

Delicious choices for antioxidants include berries like blueberries, goji berries, and cranberries, Pecans, artichokes, and kidney beans are fairly high in antioxidants as well. And yes, dark chocolate is also on this list of foods high in antioxidants. Remember, everything in moderation!