Dr. Mike's Health Newsletter

Better Health Through Nutrition

July 2011

In This Issue

COPD

Dr. Michael W. Roth

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drmichaelroth@juno.com
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Hi everyone and welcome to this month's newsletter on COPD.

I'm writing on this particular subject for a couple of reasons: at the request of a friend/customer who has dealt with breathing problems in the past, and because we're seeing more of this particular ailment for a number of reasons which we'll be discussing below...

COPD stands for Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease. It's surprising that many people have not heard of it even though it's the 4th leading cause of death in the United States. At its most basic definition, it is a group of diseases (including chronic bronchitis, emphysema and a range of others) characterized by slowly developing damage to the lungs and a subsequent obstruction, restriction or limitation of airflow making it difficult to breathe.

To further clarify the process, the airways and air sacs (alveoli) begin to lose their elasticity, similar to an old rubber band. The walls between many of the air sacs are destroyed, the primary airway walls become thick and inflamed and the airway cells begin to produce more mucus in response to irritation which tends to clog the airways further.

The most common cause of COPD is cigarette smoking (either primary or secondary), but is being more frequently attributed to other airborne irritants such as pollution, solvents, dust and other chemicals that create cumulative and long-term problems. It can also be caused by congenital conditions such as alpha-1-antitrypsin deficiency.

Some people with COPD have what is known as airway hyperresponsiveness. This is where the airways are over-sensitive to airborne irritants such as secondhand smoke or air pollution of all forms. Those who have this condition and who also smoke are at an increased risk of COPD. In addition to smoking, COPD risk increases in such occupations as construction workers who handle cement, coal miners, lawn specialists who work with chemicals, metal workers, farmers, cotton workers and those working in paper mills or chemical factories where ventilation is not adequate.

Conventional "science" will tell you that there is no cure for COPD and the damage cannot be reversed. Yet, these negative claims are usually referring to conventional medical therapies, NOT alternative treatments. We almost never hear the media reporting on "incurable diseases" being completely eradicated by alternative means. But as you know, effective alternative therapies do exist and have been re-missive and/or curative for scores of people! Our creator made an amazing organism (our bodies) and more often than not, it has the capacity to heal when treated right.

So what can be done naturally to help with or combat COPD?

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Antioxidants/vitamins are an integral part of natural treatment for COPD. Vitamins C, D and E are beneficial and a vast supply of these antioxidants can be obtained from carbon-bonded, organic supplements and by including fresh, organic vegetable juices in the diet containing carrots, celery, beets, parsley, cucumbers, etc. Research has indicated that using the whole vegetable, rather than simply the extracted juice, may contain vital health-enhancing properties lost in juicing. An ordinary blender may not be adequate though. My wife and I use a Vita-Mix blender. It absolutely pulverizes just about anything you put into it and makes delicious vegetable or fruit smoothies.

Another very important aspect of COPD treatment is controlling inflammation. An anti-inflammatory matrix of herbs is essential in controlling the reaction and related mucus secretions (see the inflammation matrix on the intraMAX label).

Japanese researchers at Kagoshima University Hospital found that supplements of omega-3 fatty acids appeared to improve patients' breathing difficulties -- possibly by countering the airway inflammation seen in the disease. Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids are found largely in oily fish, and to a lesser extent in flax-seed, walnuts, soybeans and canola oil.

Decreases in COPD risk were observed in those who consumed tofu, soy and bean sprouts. In fact, the more soy people consumed in several studies, the fewer breathing problems they had, particularly breathlessness. * VERY IMPORTANT - the type of tofu, soy and bean spouts consumed is vital. Make sure they are from NON-GMO (non - genetically modified organism) sources and are certified organic. The best soy products are non-gmo, organically grown and fermented to contain essential living bacteria.

Ginseng has been shown to improve pulmonary function and exercise capacity in patients with COPD according to a 2002 study. A good supply of amino acids, including L-Glutamine, Cirtulline, and Arginine has proven to be of benefit in preventing further metabolic disturbances in COPD patients.

Some have shown benefits in breathing capacity by consuming flaxseed, and MSM is an excellent COPD treatment for helping to strip accumulated bio-films from the lungs.

Thyme is very helpful for many COPD symptoms, including upper respiratory infections. In addition, other herbs that can be used as a natural COPD treatment, are Garlic, Licorice, Marshmallow and Eucalyptus.

One concluding tip that has been found to be beneficial, not only for COPD, but for breathing in general, is lung exercise. Typically as we age, our lungs lose some of their elasticity and thus their vital capacity. These exercises help with both and can be done every day, but even once or twice a week will still prove beneficial. I do these shortly before each of my morning walks/jogs: take a slow breath in as deep as you can for 6-8 seconds, hold it for 18-24 seconds, then slowly exhale for 12-16 seconds going until you can no longer exhale any more air. Try to do this for 5-10 repetitions if possible. You can do this several times a day or week and try to increase the number of seconds you can hold the air in your lungs. It works! If you feel faint or feel any pain, discontinue.

I thank you once again for your time, for your friendship and for your devotion to good health! May God protect and keep you!

Yours in good health,

Dr. Mike

drmichaelroth@juno.com

214-707-3878