Emphysema is a long-term, progressive degenerative disease that is usually the result of many years of exposure to cigarette smoke or other pollutants. Emphysema destroys the lung tissues necessary to support the physical shape and function of the lung. It is part of a group of diseases called chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) which ranks as the fourth leading cause of dearth in the US.

Emphysema is a long-term, progressive degenerative disease that is usually the result of many years of exposure to cigarette smoke or other pollutants. Emphysema destroys the lung tissues necessary to support the physical shape and function of the lung. It is part of a group of diseases called chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), which ranks as the fourth leading cause of dearth in the US.

The most common symptom of emphysema is shortness of breath because it destroys the tissue around the bronchioles making it harder for a person to exhale.

The lungs by nature are very spongy and elastic and have to be to function properly. Every time a breath is taken, the chest wall expands and suction draws air into the lungs. Air taken in through the trachea (windpipe) and bronchi are the main air tubes going to the lungs. At the end of these tubes are the alveoli, which are very small air sacs in the lung. Emphysema destroys the alveoli and the bronchi, which strips them of their elasticity. This makes it difficult for a person to exhale and stale air remains within the lungs, obstructing the transfer of oxygen & carbon dioxide.

The most common symptom of emphysema is shortness of breath. Aside from that, a person affected may also suffer from a cough, wheezing and frequent discharge of sputum from the respitory passages.

Emphysema can also lead to other health problems like lung infections as well as a condition known as erythrocytosis in which abnormally high levels of red blood cells exist in the blood.

The largest groups of people who are diagnosed with emphysema are long-term smokers. While cigarette smoking is by far the most dangerous reason that people develop emphysema, is also the most preventable cause.

Another less common risk factor includes a deficiency of an enzyme called alpha-1-antitrypsin, which fights a digestive enzyme called trypsin that is released by immune cells in their attempt to destroy bacteria and other material. But again, cigarette smoke is by far the leading cause of emphysema.

If you have been diagnosed with emphysema and wish to treat it naturally, here are some steps you can take that may be beneficial:

1.) Quit Smoking

2.) Avoid Second Hand Smoke

3.) Start Exercising

4.) Maintain a Healthy Diet Consisting of 50% Raw Foods

5.) Reduce exposure to air pollution and avoid hot, humid climates.

Supplementing with the following can also help:

Chlorophyll (take as directed on label) - Aids clear breathing. My “green drink” of choice is “super green formula” by Garden of Life.

Dimethylglycine (DMG) (250 mg 3 times daily) - Increases endurance and provides oxygen to cells.

Essential Fatty Acids (take as directed on label) - Essential for rebuilding and producing new cells. Try Carlson's liquid fish and cod liver oil. This has a delicious lemon flavor to it.

Zinc (80 mg daily) plus Copper (3 mg daily) - Both work as antioxidants to protect lung proteins.

Coenzyme Q10 (100 mg daily) - Enhances oxygen in the lungs. I highly recommend Jarrow Formulas for supplementing with Co-Q10.

Vitamin C with Bioflavonoids - (1,000 mg three times daily) - A powerful antioxidant that helps protect further decline in lung function.

Free-form Amino Acid Complex (take as directed on label) - Important for repair of lung tissue.

Garlic (2 capsules 3 times daily w/ meals) - Boosts immunity and protects against pneumonia. My top pick is Kyolic by Wakunaga of America, which is a powerful, odorless and organic garlic supplement.

Astragalus- A Chinese herb that accelerates healing in the bronchial tubes and promotes better breathing.

Cordyceps - This herb may slow the progress of lung degeneration by opening up the bronchioles.

ClearLungs - This herbal combination from RidgeCrest Herbals will aid in providing relief from shortness of breath.