COPD

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is a serious disease that makes it difficult to breathe. It is caused by a long-term exposure to substances that irritate the lungs. According to studies, COPD has a prevalence of 251 million cases worldwide in 2016. In fact, in 2018, approximately 3 million deaths were caused by the inflammatory disease with 90% of COPD deaths recorded in third world countries. Causes Smoking cigarettes is the leading cause of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD). About 20-30% of hardcore smokers develop COPD while long-term smokers may develop a reduction in lung function. In developing countries, it usually occurs when people inhale fumes from burning fuel. Symptoms Symptoms of COPD are usually detected after significant damage has been done to the lung, which often worsens over time, especially if exposed to more smoke. Some other conditions that COPD can cause are:

Short breath
Chest tightness
Wheezing
Excess mucus in lung
Loss of energy
Unplanned weight loss
Ankles, feet or leg swelling

Risk factors for COPD Smoking tobacco As aforementioned, the most common risk factor for COPD is smoking. The more the smoke the higher your risk of COPD.

Asthma patients who smoke
Asthma combined with smoking triggers your risk of COPD.
Exposure to dust and chemical fumes
Exposure to all these can inflame and irritate your lungs.

Keeping A Healthy Lung With The Best Diet Often times, we care less for our lungs. But they help us stay alive. That’s why we must prioritize their health. Although the body has natural defense systems which protect the lungs, there are certain diets that must be included in order to reduce the risk of COPD. According to research, people who consumed a high-fat, low-carb supplement showed improvement than those who took high-carb diets. Also, try to include the following into your daily diet:

Protein-rich foods
Include complex carbohydrates because they are high in fiber.
Foods to add to your diets include peas, quinoa, beans, bran, potatoes with skin, lentils, oats, barley.
Fruits and vegetables contain minerals, vitamins, and fibers.
Potassium-rich foods such as avocado, tomatoes, beets, oranges, bananas.

Preventing COPD COPD can be prevented. Most cases have been linked to smoking, so the best way to prevent it is to quit smoking. Sure, this simple statement may not look simple if you’re a hardcore smoker, but you can quit. It’s all about trying. People working in environments exposed to dust and chemical fumes are also at higher risk. If you work in this type of environment, look for protective, respiratory equipment to protect yourself. Going beyond the holistic approach Louise Hay, Motivational leader and empowerment coach who has done pathbreaking work in supporting HIV/AIDS patients and their families, has said that, “Illness however mild or severe is an indicator of your emotional state, caused by your thoughts and focus.” According to her, the main cause of COPD is: Fear. Not trusting the process of life. Getting stuck in childhood. Fear of taking in life fully. One of the ways of healing this is through saying or writing affirmations. Her affirmation for healing COPD is: I have the capacity to take in the fullness of life. I lovingly live life to the fullness. Show less