Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (Holistic)

About This Condition

Breathe easier if you have COPD, a disease that leaves you winded and worn out. According to research or other evidence, the following self-care steps may be helpful.

Steer clear of smoke
Kick the smoking habit, and avoid secondhand smoke and other respiratory irritants
Get to know NAC
Take 200 mg of the supplement N-acetyl cysteine three times a day to help break down mucus and supply antioxidant protection to lung tissue
Add L-carnitine to your fitness routine
Improve breathing during exercise by taking 2 grams of this nutritional supplement twice a day
Find relief with ivy leaf
Ease symptoms naturally by taking 50 drops of a concentrated alcohol extract twice a day

About

About This Condition

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) refers to the combination of chronic bronchitis and emphysema, resulting in obstruction of airways and poor oxygen transport in the lungs, respectively.

Although chronic bronchitis and emphysema are distinct conditions, smokers and former smokers often have aspects of both. In chronic bronchitis, the linings of the bronchial tubes are inflamed and thickened, leading to a chronic, mucus-producing cough and shortness of breath. In emphysema, the alveoli (tiny air sacs in the lungs) are damaged, also leading to shortness of breath. COPD is generally irreversible and may even be fatal.

Symptoms

Symptoms of COPD develop gradually and may initially include shortness of breath during exertion, wheezing especially when exhaling, and frequent coughing that produces variable amounts of mucus. In more advanced stages, people may experience rapid changes in the ability to breathe, shortness of breath at rest, fatigue, depression, memory problems, confusion, and frequent waking during sleep.

Healthy Lifestyle Tips

Smoking is the underlying cause of the majority of cases of emphysema and chronic bronchitis. Anyone who smokes should stop, and, although quitting smoking will not reverse the symptoms of COPD, it may help preserve the remaining lung function. Exposure to other respiratory irritants, such as air pollution, dust, toxic gases, and fumes, may aggravate COPD and should be avoided when possible.

The common cold and other respiratory infections may aggravate COPD. Avoiding exposure to infections or bolstering resistance with immune-enhancing nutrients and herbs may be valuable.

Holistic Options

Negative ions may counteract the allergenic effects of positively charged ions on respiratory tissues and potentially ease symptoms of allergic bronchitis, according to preliminary research.¹^{, 2}

Eating Right

The right diet is the key to managing many diseases and to improving general quality of life. For this condition, scientific research has found benefit in the following healthy eating tips.

Recommendation	Why
Get your sweets from fruit	Eating lots of fruit and eliminating refined sugars from your diet may improve symptoms. Malnutrition is common in people with COPD and may further compromise lung function and the overall health of those with this disease. However, evidence of malnutrition may occur despite adequate dietary intake of nutrients. Researchers have found that increasing dietary carbohydrates increases carbon dioxide production, which leads to reduced exercise tolerance and increased breathlessness in people with COPD. On the other hand, men with a higher intake of fruit (which is high in carbohydrates) over a 25-year period were at lower risk of developing lung diseases. People with COPD should, therefore, consider eliminating most sources of refined sugars, but not fruits, from their diet.
Uncover your allergies	Chronic bronchitis has been linked to food allergies in many reports. An elimination diet can help you uncover problematic foods. Chronic bronchitis has been linked to allergies in many reports. In a preliminary trial, long-term reduction of some COPD symptoms occurred when people with COPD avoided allergenic foods and, in some cases, were also desensitized to pollen. People with COPD interested in testing the effects of a food allergy elimination program should talk with a doctor.

Recommendation

Why

Get your sweets from fruit

Eating lots of fruit and eliminating refined sugars from your diet may improve symptoms.

Malnutrition is common in people with COPD and may further compromise lung function and the overall health of those with this disease. However, evidence of malnutrition may occur despite adequate dietary intake of nutrients. Researchers have found that increasing dietary carbohydrates increases carbon dioxide production, which leads to reduced exercise tolerance and increased breathlessness in people with COPD. On the other hand, men with a higher intake of fruit (which is high in carbohydrates) over a 25-year period were at lower risk of developing lung diseases. People with COPD should, therefore, consider eliminating most sources of refined sugars, but not fruits, from their diet.

Uncover your allergies

Chronic bronchitis has been linked to food allergies in many reports. An elimination diet can help you uncover problematic foods.

Chronic bronchitis has been linked to allergies in many reports. In a preliminary trial, long-term reduction of some COPD symptoms occurred when people with COPD avoided allergenic foods and, in some cases, were also desensitized to pollen. People with COPD interested in testing the effects of a food allergy elimination program should talk with a doctor.

Supplements

What Are Star Ratings?

Our proprietary “Star-Rating” system was developed to help you easily understand the amount of scientific support behind each supplement in relation to a specific health condition. While there is no way to predict whether a vitamin, mineral, or herb will successfully treat or prevent associated health conditions, our unique ratings tell you how well these supplements are understood by some in the medical community, and whether studies have found them to be effective for other people.

For over a decade, our team has combed through thousands of research articles published in reputable journals. To help you make educated decisions, and to better understand controversial or confusing supplements, our medical experts have digested the science into these three easy-to-follow ratings. We hope this provides you with a helpful resource to make informed decisions towards your health and well-being.

3 Stars Reliable and relatively consistent scientific data showing a substantial health benefit.

2 Stars Contradictory, insufficient, or preliminary studies suggesting a health benefit or minimal health benefit.

1 Star For an herb, supported by traditional use but minimal or no scientific evidence. For a supplement, little scientific support.

Supplement	Why
3 Stars N-Acetyl Cysteine 200 mg three times daily	N-acetyl cysteine helps break down mucus and supplies antioxidant protection to lung tissue. NAC (N-acetyl cysteine) helps break down mucus. For that reason, inhaled NAC is used in hospitals to treat bronchitis. NAC may also protect lung tissue through its antioxidant activity. Oral NAC, 200 mg taken three times per day, is also effective and improved symptoms in people with bronchitis in double-blind research. In other double-blind studies, oral NAC in the amount of 600 mg twice a day for 1 year significantly decreased the number of disease exacerbations in patients with moderate-to-severe COPD. However, NAC was ineffective in one study. Results may take six months. NAC does not appear to be effective for people with COPD who are taking inhaled steroid medications.
2 Stars Creatine 5 grams three times a day for two weeks, and then 5 grams once daily	Creatine has been shown to increase muscle strength, muscle endurance, and overall health status. In a double-blind study, people with COPD received creatine or a placebo for 12 weeks. After the first 2 weeks of supplementation, all participants underwent an outpatient pulmonary rehabilitation program. Compared with the placebo, creatine significantly increased muscle strength, muscle endurance, and overall health status, but not exercise capacity. The amount of creatine used in this study was 5 grams three times a day for 2 weeks, and then 5 grams once a day for 10 weeks.
2 Stars Ivy Leaf 50 drops of a concentrated alcohol extract twice per day	One double-blind trial found an ivy leaf extract to be as effective as the mucus-dissolving drug ambroxol for treating chronic bronchitis, which is a component of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. One double-blind trial found an ivy leaf extract to be as effective as the mucus-dissolving drug ambroxol for treating chronic bronchitis.
2 Stars L-Carnitine 2 grams taken twice per day	Studies have shown that when L-carnitine is given to people with chronic lung disease, breathing during exercise improves. L-carnitine has been given to people with chronic lung disease in trials investigating how the body responds to exercise. In these double-blind trials, 2 grams of L-carnitine, taken twice daily for two to four weeks, led to positive changes in breathing response to exercise.
2 Stars South African Geranium Refer to label instructions	In a double-blind study of patients with COPD, supplementing with an herbal preparation from the roots of South African Geranium decreased the number of disease flare-ups, compared with a placebo. In a double-blind study of patients with COPD, supplementing with an herbal preparation from the roots of Pelargonium sidoides (South African geranium) for 24 weeks significantly decreased the number of disease exacerbations (flare-ups), compared with a placebo. The preparation used is known as EPs 7630, and the amount taken was 30 drops 3 times per day.
1 Star Anise Refer to label instructions	Anise is used traditionally to promote mucus discharge. Mullein is classified in the herbal literature as both an expectorant, to promote the discharge of mucus, and a demulcent, to soothe and protect mucous membranes. Historically, mullein has been used as a remedy for the respiratory tract, particularly in cases of irritating coughs with bronchial congestion. Other herbs commonly used as expectorants in traditional medicine include elecampane, lobelia, yerba santa (Eriodictyon californicum),wild cherry bark, gumweed (Grindelia robusta),anise(Pimpinella anisum), and eucalyptus. Animal studies have suggested that some of these herbs increase discharge of mucus. However, none have been studied for efficacy in humans.
1 Star Coenzyme Q10 Refer to label instructions	CoQ10 levels have been found to be low in people with COPD. Supplementing with CoQ10 improved blood oxygenation, exercise performance, and heart rate in one study. Researchers have also given coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) to people with COPD after discovering their blood levels of CoQ10 were lower than those found in healthy people. In that trial, 90 mg of CoQ10 per day, given for eight weeks, led to no change in lung function, though oxygenation of blood improved, as did exercise performance and heart rate. Until more research is done, the importance of supplementing with CoQ10 for people with COPD remains unclear.
1 Star Elecampane Refer to label instructions	Elecampane is used traditionally to promote mucus discharge. Mullein is classified in the herbal literature as both an expectorant, to promote the discharge of mucus, and a demulcent, to soothe and protect mucous membranes. Historically, mullein has been used as a remedy for the respiratory tract, particularly in cases of irritating coughs with bronchial congestion. Other herbs commonly used as expectorants in traditional medicine include elecampane, lobelia, yerba santa (Eriodictyon californicum),wild cherry bark, gumweed (Grindelia robusta),anise(Pimpinella anisum), and eucalyptus. Animal studies have suggested that some of these herbs increase discharge of mucus. However, none have been studied for efficacy in humans.
1 Star Eucalyptus Refer to label instructions	Eucalyptus is used traditionally to promote mucus discharge. Caution: Do not use eucalyptus oil internally without supervision by a healthcare professional. As little as 3.5 ml of the oil taken internally has proven fatal. Herbs commonly used as expectorants in traditional medicine include eucalyptus, elecampane, lobelia, yerba santa (Eriodictyon californicum), wild cherry bark, gumweed (Grindelia robusta), and anise(Pimpinella anisum). Animal studies have suggested that some of these herbs increase discharge of mucus. However, none have been studied for efficacy in humans.
1 Star Evening Primrose Oil Refer to label instructions	Evening primrose oil contains gamma-linolenic acid, a type of omega-3 fatty acid that has been linked to reduced risk of COPD. A greater intake of the omega-3 fatty acids found in fish oils has been linked to reduced risk of COPD, though research has yet to investigate whether fish oil supplements would help people with COPD. In a double-blind trial, people with COPD received a fatty acid supplement (providing daily 760 mg of GLA [gamma-linolenic acid], 1,200 mg of ALA [alpha-linolenic acid], 700 mg of EPA [eicosapentaenoic acid], and 340 mg of DHA [docosahexaenoic acid]) or a placebo (80% palm oil and 20% sunflower oil) during an eight-week rehabilitation program. Compared with the placebo, the fatty acid supplement significantly improved exercise capacity. While two of the fatty acids supplied in this supplement (EPA and DHA acid) are found in fish oil, it is not known which components of the supplement were most responsible for the improvement. Gamma-linolenic acid is found in evening primrose oil, black currant seed oil, and borage oil; alpha-linolenic acid is found in flaxseed oil and other oils.
1 Star Fish Oil Refer to label instructions	The omega-3 fatty acids found in fish oil have been linked to reduced risk of COPD. A greater intake of the omega-3 fatty acids found in fish oils has been linked to reduced risk of COPD, though research has yet to investigate whether fish oil supplements would help people with COPD. In a double-blind trial, people with COPD received a fatty acid supplement (providing daily 760 mg of gamma-linolenic acid, 1,200 mg of alpha-linolenic acid, 700 mg of eicosapentaenoic acid, and 340 mg of docosahexaenoic acid) or a placebo (80% palm oil and 20% sunflower oil) during an eight-week rehabilitation program. Compared with the placebo, the fatty acid supplement significantly improved exercise capacity. While two of the fatty acids supplied in this supplement (eicosapentaenoic acid [EPA] and docosahexaenoic [DHA] acid) are found in fish oil, is not known which components of the supplement were most responsible for the improvement. Gamma-linolenic acid is found in evening primrose oil, black currant seed oil, and borage oil; alpha-linolenic acid is found in flaxseed oil and other oils.
1 Star Gumweed Refer to label instructions	Gumweed is used traditionally to promote mucus discharge. Mullein is classified in the herbal literature as both an expectorant, to promote the discharge of mucus, and a demulcent, to soothe and protect mucous membranes. Historically, mullein has been used as a remedy for the respiratory tract, particularly in cases of irritating coughs with bronchial congestion. Other herbs commonly used as expectorants in traditional medicine include elecampane, lobelia, yerba santa (Eriodictyon californicum),wild cherry bark, gumweed (Grindelia robusta),anise(Pimpinella anisum), and eucalyptus. Animal studies have suggested that some of these herbs increase discharge of mucus. However, none have been studied for efficacy in humans.
1 Star Lobelia Refer to label instructions	Lobelia is used traditionally to promote mucus discharge. Mullein is classified in the herbal literature as both an expectorant, to promote the discharge of mucus, and a demulcent, to soothe and protect mucous membranes. Historically, mullein has been used as a remedy for the respiratory tract, particularly in cases of irritating coughs with bronchial congestion. Other herbs commonly used as expectorants in traditional medicine include elecampane, lobelia, yerba santa (Eriodictyon californicum),wild cherry bark, gumweed (Grindelia robusta),anise(Pimpinella anisum), and eucalyptus. Animal studies have suggested that some of these herbs increase discharge of mucus. However, none have been studied for efficacy in humans.
1 Star Magnesium Refer to label instructions	Magnesium is needed for normal function, supplementing with it can make up for the magnesium deficiency commonly caused by prescription drugs taken by people with COPD. Many prescription drugs commonly taken by people with COPD have been linked to magnesium deficiency, a potential problem because magnesium is needed for normal lung function. One group of researchers reported that 47% of people with COPD had a magnesium deficiency. In this study, magnesium deficiency was also linked to increased hospital stays. Thus, it appears that many people with COPD may be magnesium deficient, a problem that might worsen their condition; moreover, the deficiency is not easily diagnosed. Intravenous magnesium has improved breathing capacity in people experiencing an acute exacerbation of COPD. In this double-blind study, the need for hospitalization also was reduced in the magnesium group (28% versus 42% with placebo), but this difference was not statistically significant. Intravenous magnesium is known to be a powerful bronchodilator. The effect of oral magnesium supplementation in people with COPD has yet to be investigated.
1 Star Mullein Refer to label instructions	Mullein is traditionally used for its ability to promote the discharge of mucus and to soothe mucous membranes. Mullein is classified in the herbal literature as both an expectorant, to promote the discharge of mucus, and a demulcent, to soothe and protect mucous membranes. Historically, mullein has been used as a remedy for the respiratory tract, particularly in cases of irritating coughs with bronchial congestion. Other herbs commonly used as expectorants in traditional medicine include elecampane, lobelia, yerba santa (Eriodictyon californicum),wild cherry bark, gumweed (Grindelia robusta),anise(Pimpinella anisum), and eucalyptus. Animal studies have suggested that some of these herbs increase discharge of mucus. However, none have been studied for efficacy in humans.
1 Star Vitamin C Refer to label instructions	In one study, people who got more vitamin C from their diet were less likely to be diagnosed with bronchitis, however, vitamin C has not been studied in relation to COPD. A review of nutrition and lung health reported that people with a higher dietary intake of vitamin C were less likely to be diagnosed with bronchitis. As yet, the effects of supplementing with vitamin C in people with COPD have not been studied.
1 Star Wild Cherry Refer to label instructions	Wild cherry bark is used traditionally to promote mucus discharge. Mullein is classified in the herbal literature as both an expectorant, to promote the discharge of mucus, and a demulcent, to soothe and protect mucous membranes. Historically, mullein has been used as a remedy for the respiratory tract, particularly in cases of irritating coughs with bronchial congestion. Other herbs commonly used as expectorants in traditional medicine include elecampane, lobelia, yerba santa (Eriodictyon californicum),wild cherry bark, gumweed (Grindelia robusta),anise(Pimpinella anisum), and eucalyptus. Animal studies have suggested that some of these herbs increase discharge of mucus. However, none have been studied for efficacy in humans.
1 Star Yerba Santa Refer to label instructions	Yerba santa is used traditionally to promote mucus discharge. Mullein is classified in the herbal literature as both an expectorant, to promote the discharge of mucus, and a demulcent, to soothe and protect mucous membranes. Historically, mullein has been used as a remedy for the respiratory tract, particularly in cases of irritating coughs with bronchial congestion. Other herbs commonly used as expectorants in traditional medicine include elecampane, lobelia, yerba santa (Eriodictyon californicum),wild cherry bark, gumweed (Grindelia robusta),anise(Pimpinella anisum), and eucalyptus. Animal studies have suggested that some of these herbs increase discharge of mucus. However, none have been studied for efficacy in humans.

References

1. Gualtierotti R, Solimene U, Tonoli D. Ionized air respiratory rehabilitation technics. Minerva Med 1977;68:3383-9.

2. Jones DP, O'Connor SA, Collins JV, et al. Effect of long-term ionized air treatment on patients with bronchial asthma. Thorax 1976;31:428-32.

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Last Review: 06-08-2015

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The information presented by TraceGains is for informational purposes only. It is based on scientific studies (human, animal, or in vitro), clinical experience, or traditional usage as cited in each article. The results reported may not necessarily occur in all individuals. Self-treatment is not recommended for life-threatening conditions that require medical treatment under a doctor's care. For many of the conditions discussed, treatment with prescription or over the counter medication is also available. Consult your doctor, practitioner, and/or pharmacist for any health problem and before using any supplements or before making any changes in prescribed medications. Information expires December 2024.

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