COPD or Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease is an umbrella term that is used to describe progressive lung disease. Diseases under COPD include emphysema, chronic bronchitis, asthma and some forms of bronchiectasis.
30 million people in the United States are affected by COPD. Over time COPD can get progressively worse and negatively affect breathing. Symptoms include increased breathlessness, wheezing, tightness in the chest and frequent coughing. In 2014, COPD was the third leading cause of death in the U.S.
What Causes COPD?
1. Smoking
COPD most often occurs in people 40 or over who have a history of smoking. This includes current and former smokers. About 90% of individuals who develop COPD have smoked at some point.
2. Genetic Factors
COPD can develop based on purely genetic factors. Alpha-1 Antitrypsin Deficiency is the most commonly known genetic risk factor for emphysema. AATD releated COPD is caused by a deficiency of this protein in the bloodstream. Without this protein, white blood cells harm the lungs, and lung deterioration occurs.
3. Environmental Factors
People who have had long-term contact with harmful pollutants in the workplace can develop COPD. Harmful lung irritants include chemicals, dust and fumes. Heavy or long-term contact with secondhand smoke or other lung irritants in the home can also cause COPD.
There are many modern medications, prescriptions and treatments used to help with COPD. However, recent research suggests there may be more natural way to help treat COPD. Dr. Gloria De Carlo Mssaro and Dr. Donald Massaro performed research at Georgetown University School of Medicine. They used a derivative of Vitamin A – ATRA – and they were able to successfully reverse emphysema in rats.
12 days after the treatment began Dr. Donald Massaro said, “It appeared that the treatment regenerated the adult rat’s ability to produce alveoli, the small air sacs where oxygen and carbon dioxide move between the lungs and the bloodstream.”
Cigarette smoke causes a depletion of Vitamin A, thanks to a common carcinogen found in cigarettes called benzopyrene. What’s unfortunate is the production of alveoli ends during childhood.
2 super ingredients can help dramatically with COPD and they are Beta-Carotene And Vitamin A.
Beta-Carotene is what gives fruits and vegetables there coloration. When it’s ingested or inside the body it turns into vitamin A which is very good for your health. The best way to level up on beta-carotene and vitamin A is eating a healthy, wholesome diet.
The top ten foods that are highest in beta carotene are:
- Sweet potato
- Carrots
- Dark green leafy vegetables
- Romaine lettuce
- Squash
- Cantaloupe
- Sweet red peppers
- Dried apricots
- Peas
- Broccoli
Natural COPD Treatment
This research shows that those who suffer from COPD may have a natural way to help regenerate their damaged lung tissue. The Linus Pauling Institute recommends increasing the bio availability of carotene rich foods by eating them with healthy fats. You can chop, puree or cook them in oil at meal times. Juicing organic, fresh fruits and vegetables that are high in beta-carotene is also a great way to increase your intake.