By: Carlos M Viana, Board Certified Clinical Nutritionist (CCN), Oriental Medicine (OMD)
Breathing is essential to life. Breathing air into your lungs provides the body with necessary oxygen to support muscle movement, food digestion, brain function and more. Exhaling rids the body of the waste gas, carbon dioxide.
For some, this is easier said than done. The International Journal of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease published an article that explains how mucus secretions commonly found in people with COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease) negatively impacts lung function. People with COPD, asthma or other breathing problems generally have a lower or compromised immune system and need to be especially extra diligent following guidelines to stay safe and healthy especially in today’s world.
Exercise helps strengthen lungs. Being physically active makes the lungs work harder to bring additional oxygen demanded by the body. This reinforces muscles, heart and lungs. If you cannot breathe deeply, it’s difficult to do aerobics. Start with easy yoga deep breathing. SCUBA divers and singers know and practice deep controlled breathing. Be sure to work on your posture to lift ribcage, stay hydrated to loosen mucus. Deep belly laughing is also a great lung exercise!
Besides sanitation and protection or avoiding others who may be sick, anyone who is ill or ‘high risk’ of having difficulty breathing should eat as fresh, natural and healthy as possible. Avoid dairy products. Cow’s milk is a top food for producing mucus in the lungs, sinus and colon. Other mucus producing and inflammatory foods include: soy products, wheat (bread, pasta, cereals and more), corn, all sugar – especially processed, other white starchy foods like white potato, white rice, caffeine, read meat and alcohol.
Some dietary supplements like vitamin C have shown to help detox the lungs. Studies suggest people with COPD and other conditions may have low levels of Vitamin D3. Vitamin D3 has shown to improve the body’s sensitivity to insulin which controls blood sugar, reducing risk of insulin resistance. Vitamin D3 may lessen flair ups in chronic lung patients and help the lungs function better.
My favorite lung supplement, NAC or N-acetylcysteine is can be safely taken to dissolve thick mucus with problems such as chronic bronchitis, asthma, emphysema, colds and flu. NAC liquifies thick mucus from the chest and lungs, allowing you to breathe easier.
NAC is an antidote for Paracetamol, acetaminophen toxicity. Taking too much Paracetamol (pain killer) can hurt the liver. Symptoms can include, nausea, vomiting, pale skin, sweating and fatigue. NAC will detoxify the body so you can feel better quickly.
Dietary supplements do not have the negative side effects of many pharmaceutical drugs when broken down in the liver. Instead of producing toxins, NAC breaks down into in the liver. Glutathione, called “The Mother of All Antioxidants” prevents and stops cell damage. It protects our brain and helps prevent cancer. Take NAC with food for lung and liver health.
Get the Point! All yogis and health guru’s know Breath is Life! A healthy diet including eliminating dairy products and adding supplements like vitamin C, D3 and NAC can help clear tight lungs. Eliminating or reducing chemical, bacterial and viral pollutants whenever possible. Learn about deep breathing exercises, good not only for lungs, but also relaxation. Contact us for personal questions and do not forget the first things birds do to greet the new day and last thing at night is to breathe and sing. A big belly laugh might also be just what the doctor ordered.
CARLOS VIANA, Ph. D. is an Oriental Medical Doctor (O.M.D.) having studied in Shanghai, China; a Board Cert. Clinical Nutritionist (C.C.N.), a fellow member of the Board Certified Association of Addiction Professionals (C.Ad.), the Chairperson of the Latin American Committee of the International Academy of Oral Medicine and Toxicology (IAOMT), a Rejuvenating Cell Therapist and specializes in Anti-Aging Medicine, has a weekly radio program, writes and lectures extensively. For information: VIANA NATURAL HEALING CENTER NV, Kibaima 7, Aruba, TEL: 585-1270, Web Site: www.vianaheal.com. Dr. Viana’s Award Winning BOOK: Prescriptions from Paradise, Introduction to Biocompatible Medicine – Available at local Bookstores, Hotel Gift shops and Boticas. Signed copies at Viana Healing Center, EBooks: Amazon kindle, Nook, Itunes check for Events at: facebook.com/vianahealingcenter.
