Because it is often caused by smoking, emphysema can be a difficult condition to treat; surgery or lung transplants are usually not possible because the damage in the lungs is too extensive. Fortunately, some herbal remedies have been shown to effectively ease symptoms of emphysema and other respiratory illnesses, such as chronic bronchitis and asthma, as well as some forms of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Read on to learn about the top four natural herbal supplements that may be able to help you breathe easier today!
What is Emphysema?
One of several chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases (COPDs), emphysema is a lung disease that causes permanent damage to air sacs in your lungs. This makes it harder to breathe, and you may be out of breath after only mild exertion. As emphysema worsens, you can develop trouble exhaling carbon dioxide and become more likely to get infections. It’s more common in smokers and people who have been exposed to secondhand smoke, as well as those who have used certain types of pesticides or herbicides.
What Causes Emphysema
No one knows exactly what causes emphysema. However, it is known that many people with emphysema also have some lung disease like chronic bronchitis. Doctors believe that you may be at risk of developing emphysema if you have other respiratory conditions, such as severe allergies or asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). If your family has a history of COPD, you are at greater risk of developing it yourself. Pollution and cigarette smoke may also lead to development of emphysema in some individuals.
Symptoms Of Emphysema
Shortness of breath is usually a symptom of emphysema, but it can also be a sign of other respiratory conditions such as asthma or congestive heart failure. Other symptoms include fatigue and weakness, a persistent cough that produces sputum (phlegm), wheezing, and coughing up blood. When people with emphysema sleep, they can wake up short of breath and require oxygen to make it through the night. The risk factors include smoking; being overweight; family history; and exposure to certain chemicals in some jobs or hobbies.
Treatment Options
The best choice depends on what stage you’re at in your emphysema and whether you have co-occurring conditions, such as cardiovascular disease or diabetes. For most people with early-stage emphysema, treatment will include inhaled medications (inhaled corticosteroids), oxygen therapy and possibly lung volume reduction surgery. Avoiding triggers is critical to preventing further lung damage, so if you smoke, stop. If your job causes exposure to dusts and chemicals that are known asthma triggers, get a respirator mask and make sure it fits properly. Keep a written record of everything that aggravates or improves your symptoms so you can share them with your doctor when it’s time to talk about treatment options.
The Benefits of Turmeric (Curcumin)
The herb turmeric is well known as a primary ingredient in yellow curry. Turmeric is one of nature’s Natural Remedies for Emphysema that has powerful anti-inflammatory properties. Curcumin, which is one of turmeric’s active ingredients, can help you breathe easier and feel better without exposing your body to harsh, addictive medicines. When it comes to Herbal Supplement for Emphysema, curcumin is often preferred over other natural ingredients because it contains high levels of antioxidants. These antioxidants can have a number of positive health effects on people suffering from respiratory conditions such as asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder (COPD). You’ll find plenty of evidence about curcumin online; simply search curcumin or turmeric to see all its documented benefits.
Eat Healthily
Though it’s tempting to eat whatever when you’re feeling blue, that’s not a good idea. There are lots of foods that can help reduce anxiety and depression and improve your overall mood—eating them can be an easy way to lift your spirits and lower stress. Foods like soybeans, tomatoes, bananas, salmon (especially fatty fish), tofu, and walnuts all contain omega-3 fats; studies suggest these healthy fats may help reduce symptoms of depression. That said, make sure you always check with your doctor before starting any new diet or supplement regime. And if you’re trying to deal with severe depression, it’s best to seek professional medical help before making any changes to your diet or lifestyle.
Quit Smoking
Research has found that smoking is one of the leading causes of emphysema, a chronic lung disease that causes shortness of breath. Quitting smoking is hard and there are some herbal supplements that may make it easier to quit, including varenicline (Chantix) and bupropion (Zyban). While nicotine replacement therapy isn’t as effective at quitting as these other methods, it can be helpful if used correctly with one of them. Using an herbal supplement or some other form of nicotine-replacement therapy with patches or gum can help keep withdrawal symptoms away and help you get through it safely while slowly weaning yourself off nicotine dependence.
