Emphysema is a progressive disease of the respiratory system, particularly the structures within the lungs called alveoli or air sacs. The alveoli allow the exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide, so any alteration in the structure of these air sacs will adversely affect your breathing. A healthy diet is crucial for anyone with COPD or emphysema. If your diet is lacking in essential nutrients, a change may be in order. Consult your physician before taking a vitamin or mineral supplement as these may adversely affect the metabolism of medications that you may be taking for your condition.
Signs and Symptoms of Emphysema
In the early stages of emphysema, you become breathless only upon exertion. Simply walking up and down a flight of stairs may leave you breathing deeper and harder than normal. Your heart rate increases and you begin to notice a difference in your ability to take deep breaths. As the disease progresses, your breathing becomes more and more labored, even with minimal exertion, such as walking from your living room to the bathroom. It is this increase in breathlessness that may warrant a change in diet to support the additional energy needed for the activities of daily living.
Vitamin A
While emphysema has no cure, certain vitamins may provide added protection to the remaining healthy lung tissue. Vitamin A, a fat-soluble vitamin, supports mucous membranes, is an anti-infective and supports growth. Increasing your dietary intake of this vitamin may help your body to fight off respiratory infections, which can further compromise your ability to breathe. This vitamin will also support the growth and repair of the cells lining your airway, which can help to reduce inflammation and mucus production.
Vitamin C
Vitamin C, an antioxidant, helps your body to fight infection. This vitamin also promotes iron absorption from the foods you eat. Iron is crucial in attracting oxygen molecules to the red blood cells, so they can be carried throughout your body. Vitamin C also produces anti-stress hormones that can help you to better manage the stress brought on by emphysema and shortness of breath.
Vitamin-B Complex
Protein produced through the absorption of vitamin-B complex can help strengthen lung tissue as it begins to deteriorate from the effects of emphysema. Vitamins B-1, B-2 and B-6 act as co-enzymes to convert glucose, protein and fats into energy. A person with emphysema requires more and more energy to breathe as the disease progresses.
