Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease or COPD is a progressive lung disease that causes breathing difficulties. This condition includes chronic bronchitis, emphysema, asthma, and some forms of bronchiectasis. Its symptoms may be mild at first but as it progresses, it can be increasingly difficult to breathe.
Over 30 million people in the U.S. are affected by this condition. COPD symptoms include wheezing, breathlessness, frequent coughing, and tightness in the chest.
The statistics have shown that COPD was the third leading cause of death in the United States.
What Can Cause COPD?
1. Smoking
COPD usually affects people over 40 or those who have a history of smoking. This includes both former and current smokers. Around 90% of people who suffer from COPD have smoked at some point in their lives.
2. Genetic Factors
COPD can be a result of purely genetic factors. One of the most common genetic risks for emphysema is alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency. AATD-related CORD can be a result of a deficiency of this particular protein in the bloodstream. In this condition, the blood cells harm and deteriorate the lungs.
3. Environmental Factors
Those people who have long-term contact with some harmful pollutants in their workplace can experience COPD. Such harmful lung pollutants include dust, chemicals, and fumes. Also, long-term contracts with other lung irritants and secondhand smoke can bring about the onset of COPD.
Studies Reveal Lung Tissue Can Be Regenerated
COPD is usually treated with medications, oxygen therapy, oral and inhaled steroids, bronchodilators, and many other methods. According to recent research findings, there may be a natural way to treat COPD. Dr. Donald Massaro and Dr. Gloria De Carlo Massaro have conducted research at Georgetown University School of Medicine. With the help of ATRA, a derivative of Vitamin A they can effectively reverse emphysema in rats.
Dr. Donald Massaro stated that after 12 days of ATRA injections, the rat was able to produce alveoli and small air sacs where the carbon dioxide and oxygen move between the lungs and the bloodstream. He also claims that the production of alveoli ends in childhood. This also points out why smoking can lead to emphysema.
Cigarette smoke also reduces the level of Vitamin A, due to benzopyrene, a common carcinogen found in cigarettes.
Beta-carotene and Vitamin A
Beta-carotene is an important pigment found in certain fruits and vegetables which gives them their rich color. Within the body, beta-carotene is converted into Vitamin A. You can increase the level of beta-carotene and Vitamin A through natural food sources.
Ten Rich Foods in Beta-Carotene:
- Carrots
- Sweet potato
- Romaine lettuce
- Dark green leafy vegetables
- Detechter
- Squash
- Dried apricots
- Sweet red peppers
- Broccoli
- Peas
Natural COPD Treatment
According to research, there is a natural way of treating COPD which regenerates the damaged lung tissue. So, the Linus Pauling Institute recommends a combination of carotene-rich foods and healthy fats. So, you are free to puree, chop and cook them in oil several times. Also, you can juice fresh fruits and vegetables that are rich in beta-carotene to increase your level.
Via David Wolfe | David Wolfe | COPD Foundation | CDC | Healthaliciousness | David WolfeHealthline