Taking supplements for your lungs can help boost your immune system and protect you from illness. These supplements are available from various sources. Choosing the right ones is important to maximize your health. You can consult a doctor for more information on what types of supplements are best for your body.
Ginseng
Ginseng supplements for lungs are useful in preventing microbial infections and in maintaining a healthy respiratory tract. This herb is a natural source of polyphenols, amino acids, vitamins, and minerals. Its many pharmacological activities include inhibiting oxidative stress, cell proliferation, biofilm formation, apoptosis, and enhancing cell-mediated immunity.
In animal models, ginseng has shown inhibitory activity against lung inflammation. Several studies have demonstrated its potential in treating upper and lower respiratory tract infections (RTIs).
The American Ginseng extract was used to protect mice from septic death. It also inhibited the growth of a number of viruses.
Korean Red Ginseng extract has anti-inflammatory properties. However, it may need to be converted into active metabolites by the liver.
Ginseng can interact with medications such as calcium channel blockers, nifedipine, and monoamine oxidase inhibitors. Hence, before taking any supplement, it is best to discuss its use with a health professional.
Ginseng is known to improve tissue healing, reduce the frequency of respiratory tract infections, and alleviate cold symptoms. These benefits are believed to be due to the inhibition of inflammatory cytokines and chemokines.
Several randomized controlled clinical trials have explored the use of ginseng to treat upper and lower RTIs. Although the results are inconclusive, the herbal remedy seems to be effective against some COPD symptoms.
Aside from its anti-inflammatory effects, ginseng has been found to inhibit apoptosis, increase the cellular immunity of the immune system, and inhibit tumor growth. It can also alter blood pressure and heart medications.
Cordyceps
Cordyceps is a fungus used as a dietary supplement. It helps maintain a homeostasis in the body, and has been used to treat lung conditions for centuries. The mushroom is also known to have minimal side effects.
The fruiting body of Cordyceps contains compounds that are antioxidants, which provide protection from metabolic stress. Studies have shown that cordyceps reduces cholesterol levels in hamsters with hyperlipidemic conditions.
Cordyceps is also considered to be an anti-inflammatory agent. In addition, it is believed to have anti-aging properties. This is because it inhibits several markers of aging.
Cordyceps has also been studied for its potential as a protective mechanism against lung fibrosis. These fibrosis-related conditions are caused by excess inflammation. Excessive inflammation can lead to heart disease, cancer, and other health issues.
Cordyceps has been found to improve the activity of antioxidant enzymes. It is also known to increase ATP, which can help in optimizing oxygen consumption during exercise.
Cordyceps supplements are also known to decrease the amount of inflammatory cells in the respiratory system. Cordyceps is also beneficial for people suffering from seasonal allergies. Allergies can cause a variety of health issues, including asthma, wheezing, and coughing.
Another study suggests that cordyceps may benefit people with leukopenia, a condition where the white blood cell count goes down. Leukopenia can also be a risk factor for infection, which makes it important to have a healthy immune system.
Curcumin
Curcumin has anti-inflammatory properties and has been shown to reduce oxidative stress and inflammation. It also has anti-cancer activity, reducing lung tumors in mice. In addition, it increases the expression of the cathepsins K and L. These enzymes are associated with apoptosis and matrix degradation, which may be helpful for lung fibrosis.
Several studies have investigated curcumin’s anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects. Some of these studies have focused on the effect of curcumin on lung fibrosis. Other studies have examined the effects of curcumin on brain health, joint health, blood pressure and depression.
Smith and coworkers performed a study on the effects of curcumin on inflammation and collagen deposition. They observed a reduction in lung inflammatory markers including the levels of neutrophils, chemokines, TGF-b1 and NF-kB. The study suggests that curcumin inhibits inflammatory processes through targeting the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) and nuclear factor-kB (NF-kB).
A study by Los Angeles BioMed found that curcumin attenuates ischaemia-reperfusion-induced acute lung injury and lung inflammation in mice. The treatment reduced the apoptotic rate in the mouse lungs. Moreover, the number of visible lung tumors was decreased by 53%.
The study showed that curcumin decreased cell proliferation, migration and apoptosis in fibroblasts. These results are in accordance with data from a human fibroblast line. However, the exact mechanism of these effects is not fully understood.
Another study by Adcock IM studied the effects of oxidative stress on the respiratory system. In particular, the researchers looked at the role of cathepsins in apoptosis.
Vitamin C
The benefits of vitamin C for the lungs include protection from a number of respiratory symptoms. It acts as an antioxidant, a cellular repair and rejuvenation agent, a pulmonary stimulant and a bronchodilator.
Vitamin D is also a key nutrient for the lungs. It helps strengthen the bones, prevents respiratory tract infections and increases the strength of the immune system. This enables the body to naturally repair damaged lung tissues.
As with most vitamins, a lack of vitamin D is associated with a higher risk of chronic lung diseases. In addition, vitamin D deficiency may also worsen asthma.
Other benefits of vitamin C for the lungs are its ability to fight off respiratory viral infections and reduce lung tissue damage. One study found that vitamin C supplements can reduce the severity of cigarette smoke-induced emphysema in mice.
Studies have also shown that vitamin D deficiency is associated with the development of asthma and COPD. A recent study conducted in Europe found that low vitamin D levels increase the risk of respiratory ailments and flare-ups of COPD.
The MORGEN (Metabolic Oxidation and Respiratory Gene Expression) study investigates the relationship between the intake of antioxidants and the occurrence of respiratory symptoms in the Netherlands. This study is a part of a larger project to monitor health in the country.
Linus Pauling first noted the antiviral properties of vitamin C in 1970. His conclusions were based on one clinical trial, and they were probably overly optimistic. Nevertheless, the findings have paved the way for other studies.
Omega-3s
If you have chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) you may be interested in omega-3 supplements. These are fish oils that contain fatty acids that are believed to have anti-inflammatory properties. They may also have an effect on reducing respiratory symptoms.
The EPA and DHA molecules in these oils are believed to have anti-inflammatory effects. They can help regulate cytokine production, neutrophil infiltration, and macrophage clearance of apoptocytes.
Research is ongoing regarding the role of Omega-3 in the treatment of respiratory diseases. While the available evidence is limited, there are some positive findings. A study conducted at the University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, for example, examined the effects of an inhaled Omega-3 derivative.
In addition to a diet rich in fatty acids, other factors that can help promote healthy lungs include physical activity, avoiding smoking, and taking vitamin C and zinc. For the best results, talk to your healthcare provider before you begin taking any supplement. Choosing the right ones for your specific needs can prevent complications.
One study showed that an inhalable derivative of Omega-3 was helpful in combating lung infections in mice. It reduced inflammation by clearing Nontypeable Haemophilus influenzae (NTHi) bacteria. This is important, because NTHi can cause many inflammatory diseases.
Another study suggests that Omega-3s can have a positive effect on exercise-induced asthma. Taking omega-3s in high doses can possibly improve symptoms of asthma, and researchers are working to determine how these supplements can be used effectively in humans.
Beta-carotene
There are studies which have linked high doses of beta-carotene supplements with an increased risk of lung cancer in smokers. Beta carotene is known to be a natural antioxidant that protects against the loss of lung function. It has been shown to help slow the rate of decline in forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1) over eight years. However, high doses of antioxidants may interfere with the absorption of other nutrients and can negatively affect the body’s natural defense system.
One large study in China found a significant reduction in cancer mortality. Researchers found that smokers who took high doses of beta carotene supplements were significantly higher in the relative risk of developing lung cancer than those who did not take the supplement. The difference remained four years after the supplement was stopped.
Another study, the Finnish ATBC, compared the intake of alpha-tocopherol and beta carotene among 29,000 male smokers. Researchers analyzed blood samples to determine how much of each vitamin was present. They also measured the amount of vitamin E in the blood, which is an antioxidant.
The participants in the trial were randomly assigned to either an alpha-tocopherol or beta carotene group. A daily dose of either vitamin was given.
The researchers found that the alpha-tocopherol group had a lower lung cancer incidence than the beta carotene group. However, overall mortality was two percent higher. Those taking alpha-tocopherol had less ischemic heart disease and hemorrhagic stroke.