Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), a group of lung diseases including emphysema and chronic bronchitis, is most often caused by long-term smoking. Now research reports that a high fiber diet may lower the risk of COPD. Whole foods like oats, cereals, apples, citrus fruits, strawberries, nuts, seeds and lentils are high in fiber. Previous studies show that a high fiber diet can reduce inflammation and promote immunity.
The study, published in the American Journal of Epidemiology, investigated the association of dietary fiber intake and the risk of COPD. Researchers from Harvard Medical School, Boston and INSERM, France analyzed data of 111,580 participants enrolled in the Nurses’ Health Study and the Health Professionals’ Follow-Up Study. Surveys obtained from the participants were analyzed for dietary fiber intake. The participants did not have COPD at the beginning of the study. However, 832 subjects were diagnosed with COPD between 1984 and 2000.
The researchers found that participants with the highest fiber intake had a 33 percent lower risk of COPD, compared to those with the lowest intake. Women had the strongest protective benefit of fiber. Furthermore, fiber from cereal was most strongly linked with a lowered COPD risk.
“These data suggest that a diet high in fiber, and possibly specifically cereal fiber, may reduce risk of developing COPD,” the study authors conclude.
Oxynox Supports Respiratory Health
Research suggests that people who smoke and patients with COPD and emphysema are often nutritionally deficient. Natural nutrients can help promote lung activity, antioxidant status and respiratory health.
Progressive Health’s Oxynox is a respiratory support supplement featuring clinically evaluated ingredients such as NAC (n-acetyl l-cysteine), lipoic acid, mullein, elecampane, vitamin C, vitamin A and magnesium. Oxynox is specifically designed for those that smoke, emphysema symptom relief and respiratory health support.
