DavidWolfe.comChronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease affects around 30 million people in the United States. COPD is an umbrella term that is used to describe lung diseases that worsen over time, including emphysema, chronic bronchitis and asthma. COPD can develop for years without noticeable symptoms. Symptoms in the more developed states of the disease include:
- Increased breathlessness
- Frequent coughing
- Wheezing
- Tightness in the chest
In most cases, COPD is caused by inhaling pollutants such as cigarette smokes, fumes and chemicals from work environments. Living with COPD isn’t easy, but COPD natural treatments can help improve breathing, reduce inflammation and manage COPD symptoms.
Here are the nine best ways to treat COPD naturally:
1. Eat A Healthy Diet
COPD natural treatment options include following a healthy diet full of plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables. Citrus fruits that contain quercetin, flaxseeds, chia seeds and other foods that contain omega-3 fatty acids are especially helpful thanks to their anti-inflammatory properties.
2. Improve Your Breathing
Certain breathing techniques can work as COPD natural treatment options. The American Association for Respiratory Care suggests that pursed-lip breathing and diaphragmatic breathing may help increase blood oxygen levels and prevent shortness of breath.
3. Increase Your Water Intake
COPD causes mucus to collect in the airways, making it difficult to breathe. Drinking plenty of water throughout the day will help thin mucus. You can also use a humidifier to help make breathing easier at home.
4. Exercise
Exercise might not be the first thing that comes to mind when thinking about COPD prevention. But regular exercise can help strengthen your respiratory muscles and improve your endurance, which promotes easier breathing.
5. Eucalyptus Oil
Eucalyptus oil can be used as an effective COPD natural treatment. It contains cineole, which reduces shortness of breath and improves lung function. Use eucalyptus oil in an diffuser or humidifier to breathe in the anti-inflammatory benefits.
6. Ginseng
Ginseng has the ability to improve lung function and decrease bacteria in the lungs. The herb has long been used in Traditional Chinese Medicine to help health respiratory conditions.
7. Never Smoke
The most important of all the COPD treatment options is to avoid smoke in every form. Whether it’s a traditional cigarette, a cigar or an electronic cigarette, smoking only worsens COPD symptoms.
8. Avoid Crowds
Respiratory infections can cause COPD symptoms to worsen. The more you’re in big crowds, the higher your risk of being exposed to infectious germs. You don’t need to sit at home in isolation, just be careful not to put yourself in situations that could worsen your symptoms.
9. Reduce Stress
Stress can worsen many health issues, including COPD. Anxiety can led to inflammation in the airway and shortness of breath. Reducing your stress levels can help your body feel more relaxed, which has a direct effect on COPD symptoms.