COPD Archives - Amazing Health Advances

Unexpected Allergy RELIEF from a Common Plant Compound

AHA Publisher — Wed, 31 Aug 2022 07:00:38 +0000

Lori Alton via NaturalHealth365 – According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, over 19 million adults in the United States have been diagnosed with allergic rhinitis in the past year alone. Also known as hay fever and seasonal allergies, allergic rhinitis causes a host of troublesome symptoms that can include congestion, sneezing, coughing, headache and itching, and watery eyes. While Western medicine attempts to treat hay fever with antihistamines, these drugs can cause unwanted side effects – including drowsiness, dizziness, and rapid heart rate. A recent University of Michigan study on quercetin benefits shows that this flavonoid, which is found in fruits and vegetables, can safely support lung function. Other research has showcased its allergy-easing effects. Let’s look at some of the most compelling benefits of quercetin. Benefits of Quercetin Include Potent Antioxidant and Anti-Inflammatory Effects The health-promoting benefits of flavonoids such as quercetin have long been known to scientists. Two decades ago, in groundbreaking research published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, researchers identified flavonoids as effective antioxidants that could protect against chronic illnesses. In animal, cell, and clinical studies, quercetin has been shown to decrease inflammation and scavenge harmful free radicals, thereby reducing disease-causing oxidative damage. In addition, one study showed that quercetin supplementation decreased markers of oxidative stress and inflammation in patients with a chronic lung disease known as pulmonary sarcoidosis. In a 2020 clinical trial published in BMJ Open Respiratory Research, scientists evaluated the effects of supplementary quercetin on chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), a blanket term for a group of diseases that cause breathing problems. Participants with COPD were given supplementary quercetin for a week – with researchers concluding that the flavonoid was effective in reducing oxidative stress and lung inflammation. One of the primary goals of the study was to evaluate the safety of quercetin – and there was great news in that department. The team reported that the treatment was well-tolerated, with participants reporting no serious adverse events. Of course, it’s not only individuals with COPD that can benefit from quercetin. This non-toxic natural compound is proving its merits as a natural intervention to ease allergy discomfort. Quercetin Supports Healthy Lung Function, Studies Suggest One of quercetin’s “superpowers” is its ability to help stabilize cells that release histamine in the body. In other words, quercetin can function as a natural antihistamine. According to family medicine physician Jaclyn Tolentino, D.O., quercetin may help to reduce allergy symptoms such as runny nose, watery eyes, and swelling of the face and lips – minus the drying or sedating effects associated with pharmaceutical antihistamines. In addition, quercetin-rich diets are associated with a lower incidence of asthma, which currently affects 8.4 percent of American adults. In a review involving over 10,000 participants published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, the investigators found that the risk of asthma was reduced by an eye-opening 24 percent with a high-quercetin diet. (The scientists also found health-sustaining benefits for the flavonoids naringenin, hesperidin, and kaempferol. This trio of antioxidant compounds tends to be found alongside quercetin in fruits and vegetables, so eating these healthy foods is a win/win for your health.) Incidentally, in a separate study, 12 weeks of quercetin supplementation reduced the risk of upper respiratory infections in healthy adults. (Not only does quercetin reduce the risk of developing certain diseases, but it appears to help healthy people stay that way!) Quercetin Benefits Heart Health Population studies show that people who eat diets high in flavonoids – such as quercetin, resveratrol, and catechin – have healthier levels of cholesterol. And preliminary studies have suggested that quercetin may reduce blood pressure and blood sugar in obese and overweight participants. Quercetin has also been found to improve cardiovascular health by inhibiting platelet aggregation – the tendency of blood to form dangerous clots. So, it’s really not surprising that the AJCN study showing asthma reduction from quercetin also showed that high-quercetin diets decreased the risk of death from ischemic heart disease. Clearly, supporting heart health is among the many benefits of quercetin. Boost Quercetin Intake with Organic Fruits and Vegetables Good dietary sources of quercetin include black and green tea, berries, cherries, tomatoes, onions, leafy green vegetables, cruciferous vegetables, peppers, beans, and apples. (Pro tip: Red apples are a better source than green apples, so – when it comes to quercetin content – a Red Delicious decisively beats a Granny Smith. And, don’t even think of peeling that apple. Most of its quercetin is found in the skin). When it comes to quercetin content, organic produce is the way to go. A recent study published in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry showed that organic tomatoes contained a stunning 79 percent more than those that were conventionally grown. Quercetin is available in supplementary form, sometimes packaged with bromelain (an anti-inflammatory enzyme found in pineapples) and vitamin C to increase bioavailability. Natural healers typically recommend quercetin amounts of 500 mg to 1,000 mg a day – but check first with your integrative doctor before supplementing. As a growing body of research shows, quercetin is emerging as a potent natural antioxidant that can support respiratory function and help to combat allergies. It’s just one more evidence-based reason to eat your (preferably organic) fruits and veggies! Sources for this article include: WomensHealthMag.com CDC.gov CDC.gov NIH.gov Healthline.com NIH.gov To read the original article click here.

The post Unexpected Allergy RELIEF from a Common Plant Compound appeared first on Amazing Health Advances.

Hydroxychloroquine + Azithromycin Therapy at a Higher Dose Improved Survival by Nearly 200% in Ventilated COVID Patients

AHA Publisher — Mon, 07 Jun 2021 07:00:14 +0000

Dr. Liji Thomas, MD via News-Medical – Treatment options have been limited in the ongoing coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. Earlier optimism regarding immunomodulatory drugs such as azithromycin (AZM) and hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) seemed to be undermined by results of large interventional trials. However, a fascinating new study posted to the medRxiv* preprint server (not peer-reviewed*), suggests that such disappointment may have been both premature and unwarranted, based on a re-analysis of over 250 patients on invasive mechanical ventilation (IMV) during the first two months of the pandemic. Using computational modeling, the use of weight-adjusted HCQ and AZM appears to be associated with a more than 100% increase in survival, without a clear correlation with ECG abnormalities. Study Details In this study, based on a subset of critically ill COVID-19 patients, consisting of patients who required intubation and IMV, data from the medical records were analyzed using several novel methods. This included not only the vital signs and laboratory values but the therapeutic methods. The study was carried out on patients at Saint Barnabas Medical Center, New Jersey, with just over 1% having been clinically diagnosed to have COVID-19. Of the 255 patients, almost 80% died during the study period. Seven patients were transferred to another hospital on the ventilator, mostly after day 40 of hospitalization. Parameters were broadly comparable between survivors and non-survivors, except that all patients with an active malignancy, dementia, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and stroke failed to survive. However, sex, race, presentation severity, and blood type had no association with survival chances. A pre-print version of the research paper is available on the medRxiv* server. A preprint is a version of a scholarly or scientific paper that precedes formal peer review and publication in a peer-reviewed scholarly or scientific journal. Laboratory Markers Laboratory markers of inflammation, such as Ferritin, D-dimer, Lactate Dehydrogenase (LDH), and C-reactive protein (CRP), were above average in almost every patient (96%). While all parameters, except the LDH, were equivalent in survivors and non-survivors, three patients had D-dimer values above 69,000 ng/mL. LDH values were higher in non-survivors by almost 30%. The increase in these parameters over time was characteristically steeper in patients who did not survive. Clinical Complications More than three in four non-survivors developed acute kidney injury (AKI), of which a tenth received renal replacement therapy (RRT). Of this latter group, a fifth survived. Almost 60% of patients were intubated within three days of hospitalization. The time to intubation did not predict survival, but intubation beyond day 15 was associated with survival in only 1 of 16 patients. More than 90% of the patients in this cohort had high blood glucose levels above 140 mg/dL, peak at >200 mg/dL, without corticosteroid therapy. Although none were known to be diabetics, most probably had impaired glucose tolerance before they acquired SARS-CoV-2. This prevalence is higher than in most other studies, probably because the researchers looked actively for hyperglycemia Obesity While half of the patients were obese, and 30% were overweight, the older patients were significantly heavier. That is, 74% of those above 60 were obese, vs 37% of those below this age. The mean body weight was approximately 90 kg, but unlike most antibiotic clinical trials, the range of body weight was extensive. The heaviest patient thus weighed approximately seven times more than the lightest. Notably, blood glucose levels or obesity did not predict a good clinical outcome. Therapeutic Drugs The chief therapeutic classes included steroids, tocilizumab, convalescent plasma, hydroxychloroquine, and azithromycin. Corticosteroids, when given at 6 mg or more, reduced the mortality risk 1.4 times. Meanwhile, the interleukin-6 receptor blocker) tocilizumab had two-fold lower mortality. Convalescent plasma (CP) was used only from week 4, in a fifth of the patients, mostly younger than those who did not receive it. The survival of the group which received CP was almost doubled from CP non-users. HCQ was used in 94% of patients within 48 hours of emergency room arrival, while >55% received 2,000-3,000 mg, cumulatively. Of this number, approximately 63% also received AZM. This combination fell out of favor over the study period based on external recommendations. Effect of HCQ/AZM on Mortality With every log increase in the cumulative dose of HCQ, the mortality rate fell by 1.12 times, such that at 3 g HCQ, survival odds rose by 2.5 times. When given together with AZM, the benefit was still more significant. Chances of survival increased further. Among those who received both > 3g HCQ and >1g AZM, almost half survived, compared to one in seven (16%) among patients who received one of these drugs at the same dosages. This means a 32% absolute difference in survival, or a relative improvement in survival odds of 200%, with the combination of HCQ/AZM at this dosage. This far exceeds the survival benefit cited in any study of any intervention so far. When HCQ/AZM was given at lower dosages, the risk of death was over three times higher relative to the above combination and dosage regimen. When the cohort was divided into patients who received >3g HCQ/>1g AZM and those who did not, overall, the absolute chances of survival were 23% higher for the first group. The 17% survival in the second group would have increased to 39% with the former treatment, predicted the researchers. This indicates that treatment with >3g HCQ/>1g AZM was associated with a more than 130% increase in survival rate compared to any other standard therapy. Weight-Adjusted Cumulative Dosage The researchers also found that when adjusted for weight, the cumulative dose would have a still greater effect. In fact, the average treatment effect (difference in mean survival, in this case) shows a steep increase between 40-50 mg/kg to peak at 46% for a dose of 82 mg/kg. Thus, patients receiving HCQ above 80 mg/kg of HCQ with >1g AZM had 14 times higher survival odds compared to those who did not. If HCQ dosage was fixed at >3g, the odds of survival were 7 times higher, or less than half of that achieved with the weight-adjusted cumulative dosage. “The fact that weight-adjusted cumulative dose has an even greater effect on survival than cumulative HCQ dose is strong confirmation of the causal relationship between this treatment and improvement in survival rate.” Age was another major factor since those older than 60 were five times more likely to succumb than younger patients. Hyperlipidemia was the single comorbidity linked to approximately four times higher odds of death. Interestingly, there was no correlation between the cumulative dose of HCQ (or AZM) and the occurrence of QTc prolongation. In fact, the QT interval began to fall during the period when the cumulative dose of HCQ increased. None of the patients showed torsades de pointes. What Are the Implications? These findings indicate that a steeply rising ferritin, D-dimer and LDH over time predict poor survival, the rate of rise being several times greater for non-survivors. This should be validated to help provide a better prognosis for COVID-19 patients. The extensive range of obesity among critically ill patients indicates that weight-adjusted dosage is critical in achieving the correct therapeutic levels. Moreover, AZM is an independent contributor to improved survival. Most importantly, this is the first clinical study to demonstrate the remarkable benefit of using cumulative doses of HCQ>3g/AZM>1g, compared to those not treated with this combination. Why did such a large effect miss observation? For one thing, HCQ produces its benefit by cumulative effects on the target cells, which is weight-dependent. The failure to treat patients with weight-adjusted doses leads to ineffective treatment and outcomes biased towards lighter patients. HCQ is both safe and tolerable at higher doses, as shown in studies of rheumatoid arthritis or lupus. Such high doses for such long durations have not been used to treat COVID-19. The earlier studies claiming prolongation of the QTc duration with HCQ in COVID-19 treatment are shown to be flawed. Indeed, available data suggests that this finding is due to the underlying illness itself. The investigators also point out: “On April 24, 2020, the FDA issued a warning about the possible effects of low HCQ on QTc interval (47). Since 2010, the FDA has approved over 150 clinical trials, which include HCQ treatment. The FDA did and does not require monitoring for cardiotoxicity. In each of these trials, the total HCQ dose and expected tissue levels are markedly higher than used or seen in Covid patients. This discrepancy lacks logic or explanation.” In this startling study, the investigators carefully re-examined the data, showing that among critically ill COVID-19 patients on IMV, less than 4% “walk out of hospital.” In contrast, the survival benefit of combined HCQ/AZM at a cumulative dosage of >80 mg/kg and >1g, respectively, is shown to be both clear and significant. The safety at such doses is obvious, since survival is increased by almost 130% in this very high-risk population. Moreover, it appears that AZM is an important component of this therapy in terms of mortality reduction. *Important Notice medRxiv publishes preliminary scientific reports that are not peer-reviewed and, therefore, should not be regarded as conclusive, guide clinical practice/health-related behavior, or treated as established information. To read the original article click here.

The post Hydroxychloroquine + Azithromycin Therapy at a Higher Dose Improved Survival by Nearly 200% in Ventilated COVID Patients appeared first on Amazing Health Advances.

Common Asthma Drug May Help People Fight COVID: ‘It Should Reduce Hospitalizations by Around Half’

AHA Publisher — Wed, 09 Sep 2020 07:00:53 +0000

Lorie Johnson via CBN News – Scientists are looking into whether a drug commonly used by people with asthma and other breathing conditions can also be used to successfully treat COVID-19. The drug could prevent patients in the early stages of the disease from landing in the hospital. Ever since COVID-19 burst on the scene in early 2020, scientists saw right away it goes for the lungs. Then came a surprise when they saw that people being treated for certain lung diseases seemed oddly protected against the coronavirus. These COVID-19 patients were people with asthma and the lung disease COPD and were living in Asia, Europe, North America, and elsewhere. Scientists noticed they were either underrepresented or completely absent from data surrounding pandemic cases, according to researcher Dan Nicolau of The Queensland University of Technology. “Which suggests that something these patients are doing is keeping them out of hospital,” he told CBN News. “It’s not keeping them from getting COVID but it’s keeping them, at least in some of the cases, keeping them from getting very sick.” Apparently, these patients who contracted COVID-19 were already using an inhaled corticosteroid, such as Budesonide, to treat their asthma or COPD. Nicolau leads a clinical study being conducted by QUT and Oxford University testing Budesonide’s effectiveness when given very soon after a person becomes infected with the novel coronavirus. “It should reduce hospitalizations in our math model, by around half,” said professor Nicolau. Unwilling to wait for study results, some doctors have begun prescribing inhaled Budesonide to patients who were recently diagnosed with COVID-19, such as Dr. Ted Trimble, who practices family medicine at Titus Regional Medical Center near Dallas, Texas. “I can’t do medicine without my faith. I often say to my patients upfront, ‘I consult Dr. Jesus’,” he told CBN News. Dr. Trimble said he’s prescribed Budesonide to ten COVID-19 patients with plans to continue. “Nine out of ten did extremely well within the first few treatments,” he explained. “They could breathe much easier, one needed to go to the hospital for oxygen support but did not require intubation or ventilation.” Likewise, Dr. Tom Rogers, an integrative medicine specialist who practices in the Knoxville, Tennessee area has also seen positive results in 11 patients and counting. “I started using it with no side effects and it seems to be if you treat early along with a Z-pack and zinc it really is very effective,” he told CBN News. Dr. Rogers gives the Budesonide specifically to COVID-19 patients with respiratory symptoms like a mild cough, wheezing, or shortness of breath. In cases where patients exhibit different common symptoms such as loss of smell, achiness, or fatigue, Rogers usually prescribes the controversial drug Hydroxychloroquine with the antibiotic Azithromycin, also known as a “Z-pack”, and zinc. “I am a Christian and my faith really carries me through every day caring for people all these years,” he said, adding, “There’s another very powerful thing that works against any disease or illness. It’s called prayer.” While the US Food and Drug Administration does not recommend Budesonide or Hydroxychloroquine to treat COVID-19, there has been movement. FDA Commissioner Stephen Hahn, M.D. now admits some Hydroxychloroquine studies “suggest a benefit” and pointed out doctors are free to prescribe drugs “off label” and that the FDA “does not regulate the practice of medicine.” To read the original article click here. For more articles from CBN News click here.

The post Common Asthma Drug May Help People Fight COVID: ‘It Should Reduce Hospitalizations by Around Half’ appeared first on Amazing Health Advances.

12 Targeted Nutritional Strategies for Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease

AHA Publisher — Mon, 24 Aug 2020 07:00:11 +0000

Lori Alton via NaturalHealth365 – The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that over 16 million Americans are currently living with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), a debilitating condition characterized by difficulty breathing and blocked airflow to the lungs. While Western medicine may attempt to treat COPD with drugs such as bronchodilators and corticosteroids, these can feature toxic side effects that can include osteoporosis, pneumonia and even premature death. Fortunately, natural solutions do exist! Scientific research has shown that certain foods and supplements can markedly improve lung function and help alleviate COPD. Let’s take a look at twelve of the most promising nutritional strategies. Inflammation and Oxidative Stress Are the Twin Engines Driving Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease encompasses two primary conditions: emphysema (damage to the tiny air sacs in the lungs that allow for oxygen exchange) and chronic bronchitis due to inflamed airways. As the disease develops, narrowing and scarring of the airway may occur. Common COPD symptoms include shortness of breath, persistent cough, wheezing and the production of sputum. Oxidative stress, in which harmful free radicals lead to cell and tissue damage, is a major factor in COPD. Inflammation – the presence in the lungs of inflammatory cells such as eosinophils -also plays a role. Cigarette smoking, which accounts for 75 percent of cases, is the primary cause of COPD. Exposure to other irritants and fumes – such as coal and woodsmoke – can also play a role. The following nutrients have been shown to help alleviate COPD. Of course, you should consult your experienced integrative doctor before adding any to your daily health routine. Turn to N-Acetylcysteine (NAC) for Natural COPD Relief NAC, a supplement derived from the amino acid cysteine, has been credited by researchers with the ability to dissolve mucous, quell coughs and counteract oxidative stress. Extensive studies have shown that NAC improves symptoms and helps slow declines in lung function. In one influential study, people with moderate-to-severe COPD who were given 1,200 mg a day of NAC improved their performance on post-exercise lung function tests. But, remember: If you have an organ transplant, stomach ulcer or take any medication like, nitroglycerin – talk to your doctor (and pharmacist) before taking NAC. Go with Glutathione for Improved Respiratory Function Glutathione, a natural chemical produced in the liver, plays a vital role in boosting the immune system and neutralizing environmental toxins. Plus, its extraordinary antioxidant powers can help it combat COPD. Glutathione is found in high concentrations in lung epithelial lining fluid and can help improve lung function and reduce inflammation. You can ramp up your dietary intake of glutathione with fresh avocados, asparagus, cucumbers and tomatoes. Eating cruciferous vegetables, such as spinach and cauliflower, also spurs production of glutathione. Natural healers typically advise glutathione in dosages of 500 to 1,000 mg a day. For maximum benefit, opt for a liposomal formulation – and take it with vitamin C. Good News: Studies Suggest CoQ10 Improves Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease A vitamin-like nutrient that is needed for muscle growth and repair, coenzyme Q10 can play an important role in reversing damage to the smooth muscle cells of the airway. One influential clinical study showed that CoQ10 had favorable effects on muscular energy metabolism in patients with COPD. Good dietary sources include grass-fed beef liver, poultry, cold-water fatty fish, spinach and broccoli. Don’t Forget Fish Oil Fish oil is rich in EPA and DHA, a pair of fatty acids hailed for their anti-inflammatory effects. Peer-reviewed clinical studies have shown that these beneficial compounds reduce shortness of breath and inflammatory markers in COPD patients. Natural health experts typically advise dosages of 1,000 to 1,200 mg a day. Research Supports the Value of Resveratrol Resveratrol, a flavonoid found in grapes, peanuts, cocoa and blueberries, has piqued researchers’ interest for its potent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects. In a just-published review appearing in Current Opinion in Clinical Nutrition and Metabolic Care, the authors noted that resveratrol decreases inflammation and oxidative stress in the lung – and called it a “promising candidate” for decreasing lung injury from COPD. Utilize the Disease-Fighting Power of Zinc Zinc, an essential trace mineral, is believed to protect the health and function of respiratory cells during lung inflammation or injury. In a study published in Respiratory Medicine, researchers measured the effect of zinc picolinate on volunteers with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. The team concluded that zinc supplementation could have favorable effects on the antioxidant capacity of COPD patients. Significantly, researchers report that zinc deficiencies are linked with increased risk of both cystic fibrosis and COPD. Good sources of zinc include oysters, grass-fed beef, poultry and pumpkin seeds. Boswellia Serrata – an Ancient Herbal Remedy Earns Scientific Credibility Also known as Indian frankincense, boswellia has been utilized by herbalists for centuries to treat respiratory problems. Animal studies have shown that boswellic acids from frankincense help to block the production of pro-inflammatory chemicals, alleviate airway dysfunction and prevent the progression of experimentally induced lung fibrosis (scarring). These encouraging COPD-fighting results have been reinforced by human studies. One clinical study showed that boswellia caused substantial improvement in COPD by specifically inhibiting human leukocyte elastase (an enzyme which triggers emphysema and chronic bronchitis). Boswellia may be recommended in dosages of 300 to 500 mg, two to three times a day. Quercetin Helps Put the Brakes on Inflammation Quercetin, an antioxidant flavonoid found in fruits and vegetables, has been shown to significantly decrease lung inflammation. And, researchers found in one preclinical trial that it helped to prevent COPD from progressing. You can increase dietary intake of quercetin with apples, onions, grapes and green tea. Vitamin D – the “Sunshine Vitamin” – Benefits Lung Function Vitamin D, which is produced in the skin in response to sunlight, has been shown to help regulate airway contraction. Studies have revealed that having low levels of vitamin D raises the risk of COPD – while high-dose vitamin D supplementation has been shown to improve muscle strength and exercise capacity in COPD patients. Natural health experts advise getting 20 minutes of direct sunlight several times a week to ensure sufficient vitamin D levels. You can also boost dietary intake with cold-water fatty fish, cage-free eggs, mushrooms and almonds. While individual needs can vary, integrative doctors typically recommend between 5,000 and 8,000 IU of vitamin D a day. Supplementation is particularly important if you’re deficient. (below 30 ng/mL) Address COPD with Antioxidant Vitamin C Vitamin C, also known as ascorbic acid, has potent antioxidant, antihistamine and anti-inflammatory effects that make it useful in treating COPD. In fact, studies have shown that people with low levels of vitamin C have an increased risk of COPD. In a 2016 review, the authors noted that dietary vitamin C can lower oxidative stress and restore the proliferation of alveolar cells in the lungs. Good sources include citrus fruits, red bell peppers, broccoli and strawberries. Many integrative doctors recommend supplementation, with liposomal formulations of vitamin C considered the most bioavailable. Enlist Vitamin E to Help Prevent COPD Like vitamin C, vitamin E can help reduce the odds of developing COPD. In a ten-year population-based trial of over 38,000 women, the scientists concluded that taking 600 IU of vitamin E a day significantly reduced the risk of lung disease. You can ramp up your intake of vitamin E with sunflower seeds, almonds, spinach and wheat germ oil. Scientific Review: Proper Nutrition Linked With Milder COPD Symptoms Overall, a healthy diet is associated with lower risk of COPD – along with better outcomes for those who develop the disease. In research published in European Respiratory Review, the authors noted an association between fruit intake and significantly improved pulmonary function. Antioxidant-rich fruits (along with vegetables, nuts and seeds) are a virtual treasure trove of micronutrients and flavonoids that are particularly helpful to COPD – including the aforementioned quercetin, zinc and vitamins A, C and E. And, cruciferous vegetables like Brussels sprouts, arugula and broccoli not only trigger production of beneficial glutathione – but also contain sulforaphane, an anti-inflammatory plant compound that may help enhance the therapeutic effects of COPD medications. If you are living with COPD, you may find that the twelve natural strategies listed above really can help you to “breathe easier.” Sources for this article: CDC.gov, LifeExtension.com, LungInstitute.com, NIH.gov, NIH.gov, Chiroeco.com, ScienceDirect.com To read the original article click here. For more articles from NaturalHealth365 click here.

The post 12 Targeted Nutritional Strategies for Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease appeared first on Amazing Health Advances.

How Many Chemicals Will the American Public Be Inhaling After Lockdown?

AHA Publisher — Mon, 01 Jun 2020 07:00:03 +0000

Lori Alton via NaturalHeath365 – Natural health experts have long warned of the adverse effects of inhaled chemicals from household cleaners, with recent Harvard research validating their concern. That being said, due to the current virus outbreak, many people are increasing the use of disinfectants in their homes – just as “stay at home” orders cause millions to spend unprecedented amounts of time indoors. Many experts worry that this ramped-up exposure to inhaled chemicals is exponentially increasing the toxic burden to which we are all exposed – an especially concerning development for those with respiratory disease. And, the threat is not just confined to our homes. As the nation begins to emerge from lockdown, stadiums and airplanes are beginning to institute a routine of spraying surfaces with potent chemical disinfectants. Is there a way to “strike a balance” and minimize the harm from toxic chemicals in this “virus era?” Warning: New Disinfecting Technology Will Lead to Rise in Amount of Inhaled Chemicals The newest “precautionary measure” being used to reduce the risk of infection, disinfectant-spraying drones, is the brainchild of New York-based tech company EagleHawk. The company, which will launch the drones in stadiums to dispense chemicals from above, says they are receiving “strong interest” from major-league, minor-league and college sports associations. According to the website, the drones will only use chemicals approved by the EPA and New York Department of Environmental Conservation for effectiveness against the SARS-CoV-2 virus. Yet, many wonder how safe these substances really are. Meanwhile, several airlines – American, Delta, United, Spirit and Frontier among them – are “fogging” their planes to kill pathogens and protect passengers against viral infections. The procedure is performed during scheduled overnight cleanings, when workers dispense a fog of “safe to breathe” disinfectants on interior surfaces prior to physically cleaning the plane. Some of the areas to be fogged include seats, inflight entertainment screens, tray tables, overhead bins and lavatories. A Delta spokesperson said that the fogging procedure uses a high-grade, EPA-registered disinfectant and virucide that is safe to inhale and is highly effective against many communicable diseases, including the SARS-CoV-2 virus. For many, though, doubt remains as to the safety of the procedure. Can We Really Trust the EPA Not to Unleash Toxic Chemicals on the Public? Lest we forget: the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has notoriously claimed safety for glyphosate, the primary ingredient in Bayer’s popular weed killer Roundup. Yet health advocates maintain that the herbicide is linked with cancer. The World Health Organization (WHO) agrees – and in 2015 classified glyphosate as a “probable carcinogen.” Over 10,000 lawsuits filed against Bayer Corporation currently allege that glyphosate causes cancer, particularly non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma. In recent cases, courts have found for the plaintiffs. In 2019, a jury ordered Monsanto (Roundup’s prior owner) to pay a $2 billion-plus settlement to a married couple who had developed non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma after long-term use. Unsurprisingly, the EPA continues to maintain that there are no risks to health when glyphosate is used properly. Harvard Study Reveals Link Between Fumes from Cleaning Chemicals and Chronic Respiratory Disease While corporations assure us that their disinfectants are safe, a long-term 2017 study conducted by Harvard University and involving 55,000 US nurses disclosed a strong association between bleach-containing chemical cleaners and chronic pulmonary obstructive disease, or COPD. After following the participants for three decades, researchers found that participants who used chemical disinfectants just once a week had a 32 percent higher risk of COPD, a debilitating respiratory condition that causes difficulty breathing and affects about 13 million Americans. And, a separate study found that women who regularly used chemical cleaning solutions had poorer respiratory function than those who didn’t. In fact, the amount of lung function the women lost was nearly equivalent to smoking a pack of cigarettes a day. The message: even minimal exposure to chemical fumes can have significant effects on lungs over the span of years. In fact, using household cleaners on a regular basis is enough to eventually cause COPD. Unsurprisingly, people with pre-existing lung problems are more susceptible to damage. Breathing in chemical fumes can accelerate and worsen the development of COPD, with even brief exposures triggering inflammation in the lungs and causing wheezing, coughing and severe shortness of breath. A Variety of Lung-Damaging “Villains” Can Contribute to COPD The Harvard researchers noted that bleach and quaternary ammonium compounds – among the most common chemicals found in cleaning products -were particularly likely to cause COPD later in life. Certain volatile organic compounds (VOCS) and chemical fragrances can also damage lungs over time. Checking labels on disinfectants and sanitizing solutions can help tip you off to the presence of chemical culprits that may lurk within. In addition to ammonia and bleach, be on the lookout for sodium hypochlorite, hydrochloric acid, sulfuric acid, napthalene, formaldehyde, quaternium-15, and 1,-4-dioxide. Be aware, though. Unless you are an industrial chemist, some of the names can be difficult to decipher. For example, bronopol – an antimicrobial agent – is sometimes listed as 2-bromo-2-nitropropane-1,3-diol. Minimize Exposure and Protect Your Health With Common-Sense Techniques Of course, there may be times when circumstances require the use of a chemical disinfectant. You can minimize your exposure by avoiding spray bottles, using the product in a well-ventilated room and applying the solution with a cloth or sponge. Even better, you can find safer cleaning and disinfectant products using the Environmental Working Group’s search tool here. Or, make your own natural, non-toxic cleaners using water, baking soda, vinegar and lemon juice. Keep in mind, according to experts at Rutgers University, diluted hydrogen peroxide – which is non-irritating to lungs and is considered somewhat safer than chlorine and bleach chemicals – may be effective against viruses present on surfaces. Action Step: Look to Consume More Antioxidants to Protect Your Health Environmental toxins can cause the creation of free radicals – unstable molecules that can contribute to disease. Fortunately, free radicals can be scavenged and neutralized by antioxidants, which are created in the body and found in plant-based foods as well. Important antioxidants include vitamins A, C and E, as well as carotenoids (natural plant pigments) such as beta-carotene, lycopene, lutein and zeaxanthin. The mineral selenium also has antioxidant qualities. You can boost dietary vitamin A with cage-free (organic) eggs or liver from a grass fed animal, vitamin C within organic berries and oranges and vitamin E found in organic nuts and seeds. Naturally, carrots and mangoes are good sources of beta-carotene, while selenium is found in whole grains and nuts. And, don’t forget about flavorful spices such as turmeric, ginger and cinnamon. These can add a jolt of flavor – along with valuable antioxidant support. To read the original article click here.

The post How Many Chemicals Will the American Public Be Inhaling After Lockdown? appeared first on Amazing Health Advances.