Can Asparagus Spare You from a Hangover?

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a breathing disorder that severely hinders the flow of air to the lungs. Usually seen in smokers (former and current), patients can except to be afflicted by emphysema and chronic bronchitis. Of course, the best method of preventing such a fate is to never smoke to begin with. However, the American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine has recently published a simple and possible solution for those already suffering from COPD: broccoli.

The John Hopkins School of Medicine in Baltimore conducted a study that looked at the decrease of NRF2, a protein that protects the lungs against inflammation that occurs in severe cases of COPD. When compared to the tissues of healthy lungs, lungs affected by COPD showed a significant decline in this vital protein in both its concentrations and its activity. This suggests future treatment should stem from this information.

"Future studies should target NRF2 as a novel strategy to increase antioxidant protection in the lungs and test its ability to decrease exacerbations and improve lung function in patients with COPD," said Dr. Shyman Biswal, who led the study.

Until these studies are underway, there is a promising option for those suffering from COPD. Broccoli contains a compound that keeps the NRF2 level stable inside the lungs. With such a simple and accessible treatment, how could anyone with COPD think twice about going for that second helping of broccoli at dinner?

There is even proof that increasing NRF2, as broccoli does, can help to offset other harmful effects of tobacco smoke inhalation. This is due to isothiocyanate compounds, such as sulforaphane, that has been achieved in animals. It is also a natural occurrence in broccoli.

Dr. John Heffner, past president of the American Thoracic Society sees the importance of Biswal and the team’s findings. "This study adds greater precision to our understanding of the specific antioxidants that may protect the lung against (COPD) to allow clinical trials based on valid pathophysiologic principles."