According to the Mayo Clinic, emphysema involves the destruction of the bronchioles, which are sacs at the ends of the smallest airways of your lungs. This disease is one of the factors that leads to chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, or COPD, which is most often caused by smoking but can also be caused by a genetic disorder. In most cases of emphysema, however, chronic smoking has released toxins into the lungs, causing permanent damage over time. Taking certain vitamins and minerals may be helpful in treating the symptoms and side effects of emphysema. Speak with your doctor before adding any dietary supplements.
Step 1
Take 110mg of vitamin C daily if you are female and 125mg if you are male. Food Consumer cites a 2010 study published in the "Journal of Clinical Pharmacy and Therapeutics" that found individuals with COPD, including emphysema, found significant relief of symptoms when taking vitamin C, echinacea, selenium and zinc. Vitamin C boosts immunity and stimulates recovery from illnesses that can occur more frequently in people with emphysema. Smokers derive particular benefit from vitamin C, according to the Linus Pauling Institute at Oregon State University. Smokers who take vitamin C may experience less oxidative damage to lung tissue.
Step 2
Take 15mg of vitamin E every day. Like vitamin C, vitamin E is a powerful antioxidant that can help protect your body from some of the damaging effects of smoking. In addition, the Linus Pauling Institute says that vitamin E can enhance the immune response. In individuals living with COPD, chronic illness can lead to compromised immunity and higher risk of contracting colds and other infections. Taking supplemental vitamin E can help decrease the risk of your emphysema symptoms worsening because you are dealing with a co-existing illness.
Step 3
Take 700mcg of vitamin A daily if you are female and 900mcg if you are male. According to the National Institutes of Health, vitamin A plays an important role in immunity as well as the functioning of cells that line the respiratory system. This is especially important if you are living with emphysema, because degradation of the lining of your respiratory tract can leave you vulnerable to viruses and bacteria. A vitamin A deficiency is generally rare, but it can occur if you aren't eating a balanced diet that contains vitamin A fortified foods, vegetables and fruits.
Step 4
Take a zinc supplement daily, according to manufacturer's directions. Zinc is an essential mineral that is important for your body's catalysis of enzymes, healing and, most importantly, immune-system functioning. According to the National Institutes of Health, individuals who have chronic illnesses such as COPD and emphysema are at an increased risk of a zinc deficiency. A zinc deficiency can lead to decreased immunity and delayed healing. If you have emphysema, this can mean you are at higher risk for illnesses and infections that affect the pulmonary system.
Step 5
Take a magnesium supplement, according to manufacturer's specifications. The University of Maryland says that individuals with COPD, which includes those with emphysema, frequently have a magnesium deficiency. Magnesium is essential for the proper functioning of your lungs, and certain medications prescribed for emphysema may interfere with the absorption of this important mineral. They recommend that you ask your physician to monitor your magnesium levels through regular blood testing to ascertain whether you might need supplementation.
Tips and Warnings
- Speak with your doctor before using any dietary supplements.
References
- National Institutes of Health: Zinc
- Food Consumer: Echinacea, Vitamin C, Fight Common Cold, COPD
- Linus Pauling Institute at Oregon State University: Vitamin C
- Linus Pauling Institute at Oregon State University: Vitamin E
- National Institutes of Health: Vitamin A and Carotenoids
- University of Maryland: Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease
