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COPD refers to chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases---asthma, pneumonia, chronic bronchitis, and emphysema---with growing factors for COPD involving excess worrying, death and disability. The World Health Organization reports that the top five respiratory diseases account for 17.4% of the worldwide 24  million deaths every year, involving bronchitis, emphysema, asthma, pneumonia, and lung cancer.

Whether a person has COPD or not, lung reduction develops in anyone over the age of 25. Simply put, it is part of the aging process. But for those who smoke, their lung reduction occurs more rapidly with women deteriorating at a much faster rate than men. To quit smoking is the only sure preventive for reduction rates of lung deterioration, combined with adequate nutrition, some form of exercise and remaining positive. Excess worrying will make the condition much worse than it is, eventually requiring additional oxygen and eventually mechanical respiratory assistance.

FAULTY TREATMENTS

The John Hopkins University has reviewed several studies involving the use of inhaled anticholinergic medication (IAC) and found that it increased the risk of heart attack over 50% while also having an 80% risk of cardiovascular death. Even inhaled corticosteroid (ICS) studies when compared to the IAC treatments found the ICS was connected to high incidences of pneumonia. The leading researcher, Dr. M. Bradley Drummond, is reported as saying to HealthDay News:

"You're looking at six million people who may be exposed to this 34 percent increase in risk." He also referred to about 7.5 million COPD patients using ICS.

What has been found to be a problem solver with the above findings is the findings of "oxidative stress" in those with COPD. A gene known as NRF2 controls the group of antioxidants which are the key components in the lungs' defense system against COPD or any inflammatory injury. As the severity of COPD goes up, the antioxidant count goes down.  "Oxidative stress leads to the biggest concern with COPD, preventing bacterial infection. Most COPD patients end up with infection in the lungs, and that's what can be deadly," says Melissa Hickle.

RATED # No. -- HEALTHY FOODS FOR COPD WITH OXIDATION

• Apple – Red Delicious (#12), Granny Smith (#13), Gala  (#20)
• Artichokes – cooked (#7)
• Beans – small red beans (#1), red kidney beans (#3), pinto beans (#4), black bean dried (#18)
• Blackberries (#8)
• Blueberries – wild (#2) over cultivated (#5), even though both are good
• Cherry – sweet (#15)
• Cranberries (#6)
• Nuts – pecans (#14), walnuts, hazelnuts
• Potatoes – Russet (#17)
• Plums – black (#16), regular red plums (#19)
• Prune – dried (#9)
• Raspberry (#10)
• Spices – ground cloves, cinnamon, and oregano are extremely rich in antioxidants
• Strawberry (#11)
• Sweet cherry

For those who enjoy sipping tea, both black and green tea are beneficial with antioxidants. Both form free-radical fighting theaflavins.

SHORTCUTS FOR EATING WITH COPD

• Take medications one hour before eating to clear the airways before eating.
• Use oxygen while sitting up to remove pressure on the lungs.
• Eat six small meals a day instead of three, in order to keep the stomach from being too full and pressing on the diaphragm. If large meals are consumed, do it early in the day.
• Beverages should be drank at the end of the meal to prevent a "too full" feeling.
• Eat and chew slowly to prevent shortness of breath.
• Eat breakfast every day, or a liquid breakfast/nutritional supplement.
• Use less salt and foods low in salt.
• Drink lots of water and fruit juices.
• Rest between meals.