Coughing and Wheezing Leave You Short of Breath?

Breathe easier with these four clinically studied lung-supporting nutrients

AndrographisPaniculata.jpg

Andrographis paniculata: Plants with slender green leaves

Photo by H. Zell, 2009, Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0

Andrographis paniculata is native to South Asian countries such as India and Sri Lanka. Also known as “Indian echinacea,” it exhibits antibacterial, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anticancer, and immunostimulating properties.

If you or a loved one has ever had a coughing attack that left them gasping, wheezing or short of breath, then I have some good news for you.

Researchers have discovered a nutrient that significantly reduces the frequency of coughing attacks.

Better still, this nutrient is safe and effective for those with breathing problems. And it’s safe for anyone who simply wants to protect their lungs as they get older.

Yet few doctors tell their patients about it. Instead, they stick with conventional remedies.

But those remedies often come with unwanted side effects. Plus they are best taken for only a short period of time. Stop taking them and the symptoms come right back.

Fortunately, there are natural alternatives. These alternatives are ideal for anyone with swelling and mucus build-up in the airways. And they also help prevent and protect their airways before problems begin.

Chinese researchers tested one of these natural alternatives as a way to ease coughing fits and shortness of breath. In their randomized, controlled study, these attacks ended for more than 50% of the patients taking it!1

Clears airways and breaks-up mucus

So what is this nutrient? It’s N-Acetyl Cysteine or NAC for short. You’ve probably heard of NAC. It is a precursor nutrient for glutathione, the human body’s self-made super antioxidant. In this way it helps the body maintain its natural defenses. On its own it acts as a potent antioxidant and powerful anti-mucolytic, a molecule that breaks down and actually thins mucus.

Many doctors use it for just that purpose – to break-up mucus. By breaking up mucus, NAC prevents the build-up that irritates and blocks airways. As an antioxidant, it supports your body in fighting the inflammation that constricts airways.

And the research shows it works:

  • A review of NAC used in 12 clinical trials involving 2,691 patients reported those who used it regularly had fewer attacks of shortness of breath and coughing fits.2
  • NAC helped reduce attacks in patients with breathing problems.3
  • Patients with chronic but less severe problems enjoyed benefits from 600 mg a day.4
  • Break-up mucus build-up
  • Help reduce inflammation in the lungs and airways
  • Relax and calm airways
  • Soothe and ease the body’s coughing response

As a filter, the lungs are under constant assault from toxic pollutants. The EPA alone has identified 187 hazardous air pollutants present in urban areas, and that doesn’t even include a simple irritant like dust.

Pollutants like these create free radicals that attack the tissue of your lung and airways. Antioxidants support your body’s ability to prevent and repair damage. Blueberries have shown to be a powerful antioxidant.

Now, blueberries contain a wide variety of powerful antioxidants, but a high density of anthocyanins gives them super antioxidant potency!

Scientific analysis has linked high anthocyanin intake and significant anti-inflammatory effect.5 In one study of 839 veterans, researchers found anthocyanins helped slow the decline of lung function in non-smokers and in smokers too!6

The Eastern remedy calming airways for centuries

In East Asia, healers have turned to the same remedy for centuries to ease chest tightness, gasping and wheezing. It’s the foundation for herbal medicine mixtures aimed at helping those with chronic breathing difficulty.

Scientists call it Ganoderma lucidum. It’s better known as Reishi. Despite modern alternatives, many traditional healers continue to stick with this time-tested natural remedy to ease respiratory problems.

Doctors of natural medicine in the West adopted Reishi decades ago. They found it worked as well as many mainstream remedies, without the side effects.

Scientists have observed that Reishi balances immune response by controlling TNF-alpha, the molecule responsible for system-wide inflammation in the human body. Less inflammation keeps airways open and clear.7

Researchers tested Reishi against other mainstream remedies in a clinical trial involving 91 patients with serious breathing problems. The researchers measured air flow and the presence of inflammatory molecules in the patients. They concluded that Reishi:

  • Performed as well as the other remedies.
  • Improved air flow.
  • Reduced levels of cytokines, immune system molecules that cause inflammation.

An herb to soothe coughs

When coughing starts, the Chinese turn to Andrographis. It’s another centuries old remedy used by traditional healers to ease coughing related to illness and bring relief to those with chronic coughing attacks.8

Studies have shown “significantly superior” results for Andrographis as a therapy to relieve coughing when compared to other standard cough remedies.9

Researchers have confirmed two ways Andrographis works:

  1. It fights invaders that irritate the airways; and
  2. Relieves inflammation in the airways.10

As a cough reliever, it was an essential to help fight invaders and relieve inflammation.

Short-term remedies don’t provide lasting relief. These remedies offers a natural, time-tested and safe alternative. They aim to prevent emergencies and give you back control over your life.

Sources

  1. Chest. 2014 Sep;146(3):611-623. doi: 10.1378/chest.13-2784.
  2. Heart Lung. 2017 Jan 18.
  3. Expert Rev Respir Med. 2016;10(1):89-97. doi: 10.1586/17476348.2016.1121105.
  4. Lancet Respir Med. 2014 Mar;2(3):187-94.
  5. Am J Clin Nutr. 2015 Jul;102(1):172-81.
  6. Am J Clin Nutr. 2016 Feb;103(2):542-50.
  7. Int Immunopharmacol. 2015 Aug;27(2):224-31.
  8. Clin Exp Pharmacol Physiol. 2012 Mar;39(3):300-10.
  9. Forsch Komplementmed. 2015;22:359–368
  10. J Tradit Complement Med. 2014 Apr;4(2):93-8.

About the Author

Janet Zand

Janet Zand, O.M.D., L.Ac., is a Board Certified Acupuncturist, a Doctor of Traditional Chinese Medicine, a nationally respected author, lecturer, natural health practitioner and herbal and nutraceutical products formulator who has helped thousands of people achieve better health.

Zand previously edited the monthly newsletter Women’s Health Letter, one of the