There are a number of lung vitamins on the market, but you need to make sure you buy the right ones. Some of them include Vitamin D, Ginseng, Cordyceps, and NAC. These are some of the most important vitamins to have in your daily diet. But which ones are the best?
Curcumin
Curcumin is a powerful antioxidant that helps protect the body from inflammation and oxidative stress. It may also help with lung health.
Curcumin has been proven effective in treating chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). The main symptom of this disorder is increased breathlessness.
This condition is caused by outdoor and indoor air pollution. It affects 10-12% of adults over the age of 40. Many people experience symptoms such as cough, bronchitis and nasal congestion.
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease is characterized by inflammation of the airways. Several bacterial infections are associated with the disease. In addition, the inflammatory response to chemical fumes, dust and other environmental factors contribute to the development of the disease.
Turmeric has many anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. It also contains a compound called curcumin, which is the active component of turmeric.
A recent study shows that curcumin may be effective in preventing cancer cells from spreading. Studies have also shown that it can reduce blood pressure and cholesterol levels. There is also some evidence that it improves symptoms of anxiety and depression.
However, there are more studies needed to verify these claims. If you’re considering taking curcumin, you may want to look at supplements that have phospholipid complexes and nanoparticles, which increase the amount of curcumin that the body absorbs.
Curcumin for COPD works by reducing inflammation, which is the primary irritant in the condition. It also inhibits airway constriction and opens up the bronchopulmonary tubes.
In addition, curcumin may also have an anti-allergic effect, which relieves breathing distress. Although more studies are necessary, it seems that it may be an effective treatment for this disease.
Curcumin can be taken as a powder or extract, and is marketed as Fortodol or Miradin in the UK. These products have not been approved as medicines in the United Kingdom, so you should check with your doctor if you are considering using them.
NAC
N-acetyl cysteine is an amino acid that is used to treat a number of health conditions. It is also a powerful antioxidant. When combined with Vitamin C, it can help protect the body from free radical damage.
In addition to fighting free radicals, NAC can also aid in clearing up mucus secretions from the respiratory system. These mucus clumps can make it hard for patients with chronic lung problems to breathe. The sulfhydryl bonds of NAC break down these secretions to make them easier to expel through coughing.
Another benefit of NAC is its ability to reduce the symptoms of flu. Researchers say that the supplement may help prevent the replication of the virus.
NAC is also used to treat acetaminophen poisoning. It is thought to break up and inactivate the toxic byproduct of acetaminophen. Other studies have shown that NAC can help reduce the symptoms of chronic bronchitis and COPD.
Despite its benefits, NAC isn’t right for everyone. If you have a medical condition, speak with your doctor before you try it.
One study found that NAC could help treat HIV/AIDS. It was also found that NAC can reduce the symptoms of depression. However, more research is needed to fully understand its benefits.
NAC is considered a semi-essential amino acid. When the body does not have sufficient reserves of amino acids, it slows down the production of NAC.
There are three ways to administer NAC: through a diet, via supplements, or as a medication. Some doctors believe that NAC can be beneficial in treating a number of diseases, including chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), liver toxicity, HIV/AIDs, and depression.
Research has suggested that high doses of NAC might be effective for patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. This study, known as IFIGENIA, is a phase III clinical trial.
Ginseng
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a serious lung disease that leads to premature mortality. While prescription drugs help to control symptoms, they cannot reverse the gradual deterioration in breathing capacity. For that reason, it is essential to consult your doctor often and have regular flu shots. However, there are some natural supplements that can help you maintain a good quality of life.
Ginseng is a type of Asian plant that is commonly used in Chinese medicine. It can be taken to help you cope with stress, fatigue, and tension. Also, ginseng can improve memory and mental strength. In addition, it can reduce depression and anxiety.
Several studies have been conducted on ginseng to treat lung inflammatory disorders. A few of the studies have shown that ginseng can increase bacterial clearance from the lungs. Additionally, it has been reported to improve physical endurance and breathing.
Among the pharmacological components found in ginseng are ginsenosides, which are considered to be anti-inflammatory. They are said to inhibit pro-inflammatory cytokines, NF-kB pathways, and MAPKs.
A number of studies have been conducted on Panax ginseng, or red ginseng. These studies showed that ginseng improves the immune system and can help reduce the risk of cancer. Similarly, it can help regulate blood sugar and cholesterol levels.
Recently, a study involving adults showed that a ginseng-based herbal blend improved their lung function. This was compared to no treatment.
Another study involving mice demonstrated that Panax ginseng berry extract helped lower fasting blood glucose. The extract also led to increased glucose tolerance in the mice. After twelve days, the mice had significantly less fasting glucose than those that did not receive the berry.
Vitamin D
Vitamin D has been linked to lung health. It has been shown to have immunomodulatory properties and may help in the treatment of respiratory infections.
Atopic diseases, such as asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), are characterized by inflammatory responses. These responses can be initiated by inappropriate Th lymphocyte responses. However, the lung immune system does not respond to non-pathogenic antigens. Therefore, viral and bacterial infections can trigger acute exacerbations in patients with COPD.
Vitamin D may play a role in the treatment of asthma by modulating cellular mechanisms that induce inflammatory response. The primary human airway epithelial cells express high levels of 1a-hydroxylase mRNA, an enzyme that generates active vitamin D. In addition to its immunomodulatory activities, it has been reported to have direct effects on human airway smooth muscle cells.
Vitamin D deficiency has been associated with increased susceptibility to respiratory infections, including respiratory viral and mycobacterial infections. In addition, infants born to vitamin D-deficient mothers are at risk for postnatal reduction in lung function.
Recently, studies have been conducted to understand the relationship between vitamin D and lung health. Some research shows that serum 25D levels are related to the severity of asthma and COPD. Others show that the presence of variants of the vitamin D receptor (VDR) increases the risk for asthma.
Research also suggests that localized synthesis of 1,25D is involved in the immune effects of vitamin D. This action is dependent on a receptor on the airway epithelium, IkBa. When exposed to LPS, the receptor inhibits neutrophil recruitment.
Further research is needed to identify the long-term benefits of vitamin D in the lung. Several randomized placebo controlled trials are underway.
