COPD is a very common lung disease. It affects more than 3 million people a year in the US and the symptoms include coughing, wheezing, and tiredness. COPD is more common to occur in those over forty and affects women more than men. It can run in families and, while there are treatments, there is no cure for the disease. However, studies do show that these natural treatments do help:
1. Air quality
A doctor can give a COPD patient help through therapy and certain medications, but there are also many ways that people can help themselves at home, such as by improving the air quality in their home. They should try to remove pet dander, dust, and other irritants from their home. They will also want to be mindful of which chemicals and cleaning products they use because these products can irritate the lungs.
2. De-stress
Those who have COPD may have flare-ups when they become stressed and it is good to learn how to deal with these emotions. When a COPD patient is feeling stressed, their immune system can weaken which can make them more likely to get infections. Learning how to deal with stress can improve their quality of life.
3. Weight management
Those who are underweight tend to have more problems with COPD because their breathing muscles are a bit weaker than those who are overweight. It is important for everyone who has COPD to get to a healthy weight and eat a balanced diet so they can remain strong.
4. Essential oils
Essential oils are good for those who are dealing with COPD because they can help open the airways and make breathing easier. Some essential oils can even help clear mucus from the lungs. Eucalyptus oil can be added to boiling water and to breathe it in.
5. Exercise
It isn’t always easy for those who have COPD to be active because they get out of breath easily, but some exercises are easier than others for these patients, such as water exercises. They can build their strength by swimming, practicing tai chi, or yoga, which can help the lungs become stronger.
6. Supplements
Supplements are an important part of the COPD diet and omega-3 fatty acids are especially important because they can reduce inflammation, like those dealing with emphysema get. Using the right supplements along with the right medications and therapies can greatly improve the life of one dealing with COPD.
