Monday, 23 January 2012

Starting Again - Caring For COPD

I've done a bit of research into what exactly I can do now my COPD has starting to make itself known to me. As well as regular prescription medicines of course, I've researched a little bit into every day, common cures that can help me manage the condition better.  This is what I've found so far:

Firstly, I'm never going to be able to replace/repair the lung function that I've lost ( as minimal as it may be), so I'm looking at minimising further damage and slowing it down altogether.

Taking Flaxseed: this is rich in Omega 3 fatty acids which help play a role in decreasing lung inflammation and easing breathing. I'm supposed to blend a 1/4 cup of ground flaxseed with my morning drink. I'll be cheating on this - I'll be buying flaxseed capsules.

Increasing Antioxidants: Studies apparently show smokers with a higher intake of Vitamin E are less prone to develop COPD. Other vitamins I'm supposed to be taking now are:

Vitamin C: 500-1,000 milligrams three times a day
Vitamin E: 400-800 International Units (IU) daily. Looking for Vitamin E mixed with mixed Tocopherols, the most effective form of the nutrient.
Selenium: 200 micrograms daily
Coenzyme Q10: 10-50 milligrams three times a day
Taurine: up to 1,500 milligrams a day by divided doses
Magnesium: strengthens breathing muscles, 300-500 milligrams daily
Carnitine: 250 milligrams one to three times a day

So, having checked my normal health suppliers web site, the initial cost of getting myself set up with all these tablets is a massive £32.05, which is enough for about 2, maybe three months. Expensive, isn't it?

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