Treating COPD with Diet

Treating COPD with Diet
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Dietary interventions, including increasing fruit and vegetable intake and decreasing meat intake, may not only help slow the progression of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, but may actually improve lung function.

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120 COPD patients were randomized into two groups. Half were told to boost their fruit and vegetable consumption, and the other half stayed on their regular diet. The intervention group was told to eat at least one more serving a day of fruits or vegetables. And they did, and they did for three years. More fruit, and more vegetables, than control.

Here’s the control group. Slowly but surely, they got worse. That’s what happens in COPD (emphysema); you get worse, and worse, and then you die.

The group told to eat at least one more measly serving of fruits or vegetables every day started out the same, but didn’t get worse. One year, two years, three years. In fact, if anything, it looks like their lung function got a little better. That’s not supposed to happen; you’re supposed to get worse.

Could be the antioxidant effect of fruits and vegetables; could be the anti-inflammatory effect; or, frankly, it may not directly be the fruits and vegetables at all. When you eat more of one thing, you tend to eat less of another. For example, the addition of fruits and vegetables resulted in a decreased consumption of meat, which is known to be a pro-oxidant.

Either way, though, there is now hope. These findings suggest that a dietary shift to higher-antioxidant food intake may be associated with improvement in lung function. And, in this respect, dietary interventions might be considered in COPD management.

The tobacco industry viewed these landmark findings a little differently. Instead of adding fruits and vegetables to one’s diet to treat emphysema, wouldn’t it be simpler to just add them to the cigarettes? And voilà, the addition of açaí berries to cigarettes evidently had a protective effect against emphysema in smoking mice.

Next, they’re going to try to add berries to meat. I can always count on the journal Meat Science. Now, adding fruit extracts to burgers was not without its glitches, though. The blackberries literally dyed burger patties with a distinct purplish color—though infusing lamb carcasses with kiwifruit juice before rigor mortis sets in does evidently improve tenderness. And, it is possible to improve the nutritional profile of frankfurters with powdered grape seeds—though there were complaints that the grape seed particles were visible in the final product. And if there’s one thing we know about hot dog eaters, it’s that they’re picky about what goes in their food.

To see any graphs, charts, graphics, images, and quotes to which Dr. Greger may be referring, watch the above video. This is just an approximation of the audio contributed by veganmontreal.

Please consider volunteering to help out on the site.

Images thanks to Karl / flickr

120 COPD patients were randomized into two groups. Half were told to boost their fruit and vegetable consumption, and the other half stayed on their regular diet. The intervention group was told to eat at least one more serving a day of fruits or vegetables. And they did, and they did for three years. More fruit, and more vegetables, than control.

Here’s the control group. Slowly but surely, they got worse. That’s what happens in COPD (emphysema); you get worse, and worse, and then you die.

The group told to eat at least one more measly serving of fruits or vegetables every day started out the same, but didn’t get worse. One year, two years, three years. In fact, if anything, it looks like their lung function got a little better. That’s not supposed to happen; you’re supposed to get worse.

Could be the antioxidant effect of fruits and vegetables; could be the anti-inflammatory effect; or, frankly, it may not directly be the fruits and vegetables at all. When you eat more of one thing, you tend to eat less of another. For example, the addition of fruits and vegetables resulted in a decreased consumption of meat, which is known to be a pro-oxidant.

Either way, though, there is now hope. These findings suggest that a dietary shift to higher-antioxidant food intake may be associated with improvement in lung function. And, in this respect, dietary interventions might be considered in COPD management.

The tobacco industry viewed these landmark findings a little differently. Instead of adding fruits and vegetables to one’s diet to treat emphysema, wouldn’t it be simpler to just add them to the cigarettes? And voilà, the addition of açaí berries to cigarettes evidently had a protective effect against emphysema in smoking mice.

Next, they’re going to try to add berries to meat. I can always count on the journal Meat Science. Now, adding fruit extracts to burgers was not without its glitches, though. The blackberries literally dyed burger patties with a distinct purplish color—though infusing lamb carcasses with kiwifruit juice before rigor mortis sets in does evidently improve tenderness. And, it is possible to improve the nutritional profile of frankfurters with powdered grape seeds—though there were complaints that the grape seed particles were visible in the final product. And if there’s one thing we know about hot dog eaters, it’s that they’re picky about what goes in their food.

To see any graphs, charts, graphics, images, and quotes to which Dr. Greger may be referring, watch the above video. This is just an approximation of the audio contributed by veganmontreal.

Please consider volunteering to help out on the site.

Images thanks to Karl / flickr

Doctor's Note

See also the prequel to this video, Preventing COPD with Diet, and my other videos on reversing chronic disease. Also, What’s in a Burger? and What is Really in Hot Dogs? may be of interest.

And if you were going to infuse lamb carcasses with kiwi fruit juice, would the juice of green or yellow kiwis be healthier? See Antioxidant content of 3,139 foods. And be sure to check out my videos on kiwi fruits.

Check out my associated blog posts for further context: Eating To Extend Our Lifespan; Treating COPD with Diet; Preventing and Treating Kidney Failure With Diet; Head Shrinking from Grilling Meat; The Science on Açaí Berries; and Raspberries Reverse Precancerous Lesions.

If you haven’t yet, you can subscribe to my videos for free by clicking here.

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52 responses to “Treating COPD with Diet”

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  1. See also the “prequel” to this video, <a href=", and the 10 other videos on . and may also be of
    interest. And if you were going to infuse lamb carcasses with kiwi fruit juice,
    would the juice of green or yellow kiwis be healthier? See . Though
    there are only , there are hundreds of other videos
    on .

    Reply

      2. Hi Sharon –
        I also have bronchiectasis and am in pursuit of some non-pharmaceutical tools to combat progression of my condition. I have my first visit with a naturopathic doctor on Monday and hope that I will learn some “tricks” that will reduce the number of exacerbations I have. I’ll be very interested to hear of your successes as you proceed with your plant-based diet. Please keep us posted! Have you decided to go vegetarian or will you include a small amount of fish, possibly chicken?

        Reply

  2. The last line of your commentary was, itself, worth the viewing of this excellent video! I loved it! Thanks again Dr. Greger for your videos.

    Reply

    1.  Thanks for the kind words–I try to add as much humor as I can to these videos. Sometimes it’s easier than other times–like this was one just handed to me :)

      Reply

  4. I laughed out loud at the end of this – but I am passing the info on to my mother, who has COPD after a lifetime of asthma and a diet sadly low in fruits and veggies.

    Reply

  6. I have a lot of trouble viewing your videos.  Most will not load.  Could you publish the script as an alternative to viewing the video?  Thanks

    Reply

    1.  I’m so sorry you’re having trouble!

      Which browser and version of it are you using?  Is your browser version up to date? You can upgrade any browser version here.

      Have you tried clearing your browser cache and cookies?

      Have you tried using the browser with all extensions or add-ons disabled?

      Do you have third party cookies enabled?

      Do you have JavaScript enabled?

      Have you upgraded Flash recently or are you using the latest version?

      Do you have another browser you can try?

      Reply

    2. I just wanted to update everyone that we can now read the transcripts of the videos by clicking on the “Transcript” button beneath each video. Hope that helps! :)

      Reply

  7. Do any studies show diet having an impact on idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF)? Thanks so much for the daily videos! We have your date/sweet cherry ice cream about every week!

    Reply

    1. I second the request for light on IPF. I’ve a friend with this diagnosis, now advanced to the degree he is scheduled for a lung transplant! 

      Reply

    2. This is just one experience and may not mean a thing.  My husband has pulmonary fibrosis and about a year ago, I started making vegetable plates with no meat for dinner.  He still sometimes eats meat sandwiches for lunch but no meat for breakfast.  The last time he went to his doctor, he was told that his pulmonary fibrosis had not changed a bit from the previous checkup. It’s worth a try.

      Reply

  8. Made me laugh. Unfortunately I came over here to find a topic on COPD to link to a friend who’s husband is suffering. Hope it triggers her and him to improve their diets and forestall the inevitible. Love your posts, so much. I always know I can get some info here. I appreciate how much work goes into all this research. You make a difference in so many lives.

    Reply

    1. Kathryn you might try Serrapeptase and NAC or N-acetyl cysteine. both are inexpensive and made a world of diffrence with my mother-en-law and her COPD

      Reply

      2. What brand does she used. I have tried both those at different times and did not see much results?

        I also am on a plant based diet and have COPD and I still struggle. I continue to get worse. I also walk 30 minutes most days with oxygen and sometimes that is a struggle. Should I not eat rice or potatoes? I eat beans most nights with a salad and mushrooms.
        Juice veggies for lunch and fruit and nuts in the morning and still I am getting worse… so discouraging. Been Vegan over a year now.

        Reply

        1. It is now April and I feel much better, but this is not rare…. with copd there are good weeks and bad weeks, the difference is finding more good weeks then bad. I pray for the good weeks to be more and more as I live.
          The news about the Plant based diet gives hope but it is no quick fix, and the difference can be in years, not in months. I have probably had COPD for years, but was just diagnosed around 2013 where is notably started getting worse and started using inhaler as it got so bad could hardly walk or shower and ended up in immediate care. I did not start plant based diet until about a year ago and now on oxygen part of the time, but at testing they said I was an anomaly as I was still working and not on oxygen at that time in comparison to the test results for my breathing. I have severe COPD.
          The testing can also be flawed because you can take the test on a bad week. I refused oxygen the first time they tried to give to me. I refused it for a year, but finally gave in and now use it to walk the dog and mow the yard and go downstairs to do laundry, carry in the groceries. I still work.
          Things I think help is raw unprocessed sauerkraut for the probiotics and veggies and plant based diet, deep breathing, getting out in sunshine, staying active as possible and never give up. One thing I can say, is that I have never ended up in the hospital and never get lung infections, I don’t have any issues using some supplements but I am careful about those too, and never use Vit. E. I do take breaks from supplements too, we can get most of what we need from food. I am also fighting breast cancer naturally and have been for going on 9 years this August.
          I love Dr. Greger videos and learn a lot and change some things in diet because of it. I always have green tea at least once a day, now also Hibiscus, white button mushrooms, ground flax seed, and weekends make a huge berry smoothie that last a few days.
          I was curious about the brand of Serrapeptase and NAC that someone feels is making a difference.

          Reply

          1. First off I want to say that you are an inspiration and a very,very,strong person. May the Most High Bless you and heal you totally from your COPD and breast cancer. Now I use Dr. Best serrepeptase 40,000 -I.U’s 3x a day and when I had my last x-ray Ray’s not only was there no sign of scar tissue…It did not reveal any hyperinflation in my lungs as well. I also heard about all clear…which is a high dose of Serra enzymes being used to clear lungs out. Serrepeptase eats the unwanted,proteins, scar tissue and fibrous materials away in your body. Keep up the great work and blessings to you.

            Reply

        2. I was told serrepeptase​ helps COPD by removing scar tissue from the lungs. It breaks down and dissolves unwanted proteins in the body.

          Reply

    3. I have tried NAC and Serraptese and they both might help a little but let me tell you something that helped my COPD with19% lung function, severe stage – that I noticed more than both, including the diet, but then again I have been on the diet and those testing me say I am anomaly – but I still struggle so much so I don’t feel like an anomaly, but at the time not on oxygen and still working. I am still working but finally had to get oxygen especially for exerting myself, do fine once I catch my breath and not walking far.
      I do need oxygen to walk the dog 30 minutes and at times to vacuum and go downstairs to do laundry, work in yard, etc, but I don’t wear into grocery store, etc.but I always get parking spot close to bldg.
      Okay, here it is, what I have found that helped me most and noticeable with 1 1 /2 weeks…… CBD Hemp oil with .3 THC or less, meaning barely a trace of THC so it is legal in all 50 states- no high or nothing because really barely a trace of THC. I was very skeptical at first and they say to work up on drops… so I worked up to 20 drops AM and 20 drops PM and within 1 1/2 weeks I noticed WAY LESS INFLAMMATION in airways, LESS MUCAS, and LESS Short of Breath, LESS Anxiety due to being short of breath. Not the miracle drug that some say Cannabis with THC is for the lungs and it has been recorded that Cannabis in history up to 1945 I believe was good for lung conditions… McKesson and Robbins had an oil tincture for medicine to treat many things including lung conditions but you don’t hear about that much these day, but they made into an oil and was NOT smoked. I for one am not big on getting high so although I am researching the Cannabis with THC (considering a move to a legal state if I become unable to work due to COPD).
      There are a couple companies that sell the pure CBD oil, one has the 750 MG bottle that I just finished and liked, but due to customer service issues I am trying another company but they have only have the 500MG (but will be adding 1000MG soon) both are money back guarantee first bottle so I am trying their 500mg. I do have order with first company for 4bottle of the 750MG, just they are taking so long, but they could lose me if the other company’s oil is just as effective. Both organic, no pesticides, synthetic’s, grown and made in US.
      I know the struggle so hope this helps someone.

      Reply

    1. If you only have asthma, you can be off meds in 3 days and asthma free in 10 days, by water fasting-supervised, for at least 3 weeks. Then correctly breaking fast, and eating 100% vegan, 80% raw fruits and vegetables. Limit nuts. No bread, gluten, etc. Perhaps some steamed lentils, brown rice, steamed veggies-but primary food is SALAD and fruit. If salad is too reactive, try blending it for a while. Romaine lettuce and watermelon should become your best friends.

      I have seen this work for virtually all asthmatics who’ve tried it. The struggle is to stick to protocol without exception and re-fast as needed.

      Reply

  12. Dear Dr. Greger,

    I’ve recently recovered from an anxiety disorder by changing my diet and exercising, the last 8 years I’ve been fighting alone since I’ve refused medicine(the more I’ve read the more I’ve seen how that was the right decision). I’m now healthier and fitter than ever, however, my father is sick and I’m putting half my daily time into trying to research what I can do to help him…

    He’s got COPD, I’ve got him on a vegan varied diet and have him eating some acai berries. Managed to get him to start running too and he’s loving it.

    There’s a little background I don’t know if it matters, but here’s my question:

    I’ve been trying to access articles on PubMed that relates to his issues which seem helpful. However, the full articles seem hidden and I have no idea how this works. Isn’t all research available to the public? I thought there was some kind of honor-code when it comes to that? Is the only way to pay? Or is there some kind of library or something for this?

    (One of the many articles in question: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22963552 )

    If you’ve read this far, thank you so very very much, otherwise I’m in great great gratitude towards what you do for us by sharing all this wonderful information on the site.

    Your a hero and a life-saver!

    Thank you

    Reply

    1. Hi Vencenti, of course I am not Dr. G! I can say that PubMed articles are not all free, the article you sent link to – is not. One possible workaround is to check your local library for access to the specific journal – it may be available and may not. I do have access to my library database via computer but it does have limited journals and doesn’t have the article you are trying to see.

      Reply

      1. Hi Jacquie, thank you so very much for your answer. However unfortiunate. Do you happen to know why not all research is free? Wouldn’t that dramatically speed up it’s implementation into practice?

        I’m trying to get it through my library but during the summers… their open hours are… odd.

        Thanks again tho!

        Reply

    2. wonderful news so your dad is running now with COPD? That’s not only my goal but amazing. what is your dads fev score by the way?

      Reply

    3. If he is running, he must be beginning stage of the disease…. Best thing he can do is keep active!! Keep it up, that will greatly delay any progression of the disease as well as eating healthy, drinking lots of water. If needing more for symptons, CBD hemp oil is great the kind with no more than a trace if that of THC so legal in all states..

      Reply

  15. Healing from COPD, i never taught dr.abegbu who could ever get my COPD cured with his healing herbs, i have tried almost everything but i couldn’t find any solution on my disease, despite all these happening to me, i always spend a lot to buy a COPD drugs from hospital and taking some several medications but no relieve, until one day i was just browsing on the internet when i come across a great post of ! Williams Fran-ca who truly said that she was been diagnose with COPD and was healed that very week through the help of these great powerful healing doctor, sometime i really wonder why people called him Baba ABEGBU i never knew it was all because of the great and perfect work that he has been doing that is causing all this. so i quickly contacted him, and he ask me some few questions and he said a thing i will never forget that anyone who contacted him, is always getting his or her healing after take the herbs cure in a week so i was amazed all the time i heard that from him, so i did all things only to see that at the very day which he said i will be healed, all the strength that has left me before rush back and i became very strong and healthy, this disease almost kills my life all because of me, so i rush to hospital for the final test. So the disease and the doctor said i am COPD negative, i am very amazed and happy about the healing DR.ABEGBU gave to me from the ancient part of Africa, you can email him now for your own healing too at DR.ABEGBUHEALER@GMAIL.COM

    Reply

    1. Please post pulmonary function test proving anyone has been cured??

      They are treating with cannabis and some are getting off inhalers and oxygen after a year or so, but they have to continue to use to keep off inahlers & oxygen. You can see proof when their lung function continues to increase while on it.

      Reply

  16. A must Read.

    This was how i cure my COPD God bless Dr.Uzaba for his marvelous work in my life, I was diagnosed of COPD since 2013 and I was taking my medications, I wasn’t satisfied i needed to get the COPD out of my system, I searched about some possible cure for COPD i saw a comment about Dr. Uzaba , how he cured COPD with his herbal medicine, I contacted him and he guided me. I asked for solutions, he started the remedy for my health, he sent me the medicine through UPS SPEED POST. I took the medicine as prescribed by him and 14 days later i was cured from COPD ,thank you Spiritual Uzaba Temple you can email him

    Spiritualuzabatemple@gmail.com or call +2349031695243

    Name :Mr Alexander Francisco

    Reply

  17. I smoked for many years, but quit about 20 years ago. I am 65 years old. Until recently, I considered myself to be very healthy and fit. I am treating some osteoporosis and high cholesterol, but with a small dose of statin and my vegan diet I actually got my cholesterol down to 157 with the LDL only 74. I am active, with an excellent BMI. No other health issues or symptoms. I hike, walk upstairs, kayak, garden, horseback ride, lift weights at the gym, and generally feel as well now as I when I was 40 or even younger. I was recently asked if I would like to have a lung cancer screening using a low dose CT. As a former smoker I accepted. I was shocked when it came back that I have emphysema. I have not seen the pulmonary dr yet so I don’t know much else. I do know I have no symptoms at this point. No shortness of breathe, no wheezing, coughing, phlegm, or tightness. I am reading all I can here about foods to combat this. And I am offering myself as a case study if Dr Gregor or anyone else is interested.

    Reply

    1. My Dad was diagnosed with Emphysema, it may have slowed him down, but he was never on inhaler or oxygen?? Sometime they just get it wrong…

      Reply

    2. Stay active, eat healthy and you may never see any real symptoms of Emphysema that hinders your life, maybe reducing workouts but at 65 you are doing GREAT!
      They say my step dad had emphysema too, but he passed later with cancer… but all those years he supposedly had emphysema, he never ended up on inhalers or oxygen and he did not eat healthy or work out. He was a smoker and did welding for years, but left the welding after diagnosed – only change he made??

      Reply

  18. First off….I totally agree with Dr. G., the more plant based the better for all chronic diseases and general health. Having that said, dissemination of all the facts, myths and opinions is hard for the average person and the industries work hard to keep people confused. As an example, on this topic, the American Lung Association puts an emphasis on protein and so as to not get sued, obviously the best sources are “milk, eggs, cheese, meat, fish, poultry…..”

    Yes, they include nuts, beans and peas at the end of that list. But what do you think the average person eating a standard American SAD diet hears in the above statement?? It certainly isn’t to go eat nuts, beans and peas! Grrrr…frustrating.

    http://www.lung.org/lung-health-and-diseases/lung-disease-lookup/copd/living-with-copd/nutrition.html

    Reply

    1. Jimmy Franklin…
      So you were cured in 12 – 14 days huh? Well, why aren’t you on Youtube telling us about it? Showing us your test results before and after? Were you on oxygen? What was the name of inhaler you were using?

      Other meds?

      It just amazes me that everyone of you who refers us to someone in Africa or India with a link or e-mail address always say they were cured and send a link… nothing else… not I was on this on oxygen. I was using this medicine and now I don’t have to. I was severe COPD or mild COPD or absolutely NO details, NO youtube videos with any proof, or pictures of what you received for your money sent to Africa, videos of you taking it and the whole bit, just reaching out on different forums to people who are DESPERATE…..
      Where are all you people and where is your documentation?

      I e-mailed a couple of those and it amazes me what they say matches those in India… it also amazes me that if legit and so great, why isn’t someone in US buying quantities to sell here in America where people would trust more?? After a bank won’t let transactions go through to most foreign countries that you normally don’t do business with until they call you first.

      Reply

  19. I was diagnosed of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) in summer of 2014, my symptoms started out with shortness of breath and chronic cough. The pulmonary disease specialist prescribed me some medications to help my symptoms however the medications did no good and their side effects were too severe. In May 2016, i started on NewLife Herbal Clinic COPD Herbal formula treatment, i read alot of positive reviews on their success rate with the COPD Herbal formula and i immediately started on the treatment. Just 11 weeks into the Herbal formula treatment I had great improvements with my breathing, there is no case of dyspnea and chest tightness since treatment, visit NewLife Herbal Clinic official website www. newlifeherbalclinic. com or email info@ newlifeherbalclinic. com. This treatment is incredible!

    Shirley Heche

    Reply

    1. Were you on rescue inhalers, nebulizer, all day inhaler or oxygen before? After? How bad were you? What did you take? How much did it cost? Do you sell it?

      Reply

  20. Im Simone Bever i was diagnosed of Pulmonary Fibrosis for 4 years, i have tried several doctors with different types of medications with no help, i was browsing the net and i came across Standard Herbs Home i decided to give a try and i purchased their herbal remedy and i used it for 3 weeks and i am totally cure of Pulmonary fibrosis. Thanks to you Standard Herbs Home. Will advice you to have a contact with them if you have any similar problem or any type of disease through website: http://www.standardherbshome.com or info@standardherbshome.com

    Reply

  21. I am amazed that a Dr. G thread about treating COPD with diet has no specific, actionable steps with documentation of their clinical efficacy. Which foods? Cooked or raw? help breathing? Which to avoid?

    For those having success, what do you eat for breakfast, lunch and dinner? What exercise helps? What about location , environment, pollution levels?

    Reply

  22. My sister is 47 and has pulmonary fibrosis and takes warfarin to thin her blood. We are aware that she should not increase her green leafy vegetables intake without first discussing with her consultant, but she does not like vegetables such as kale and spinach anyway. Her consultant has not been particular regarding what vegetables (and fruit) she can eat freely without affecting her warfarin/vitamin K. Please could you let me know a list of ‘safe’ vegetables and fruit that will not affect her vitamin K. Also is there anything else you would recommend she eats/doesn’t eat to improve coping with her condition?
    Thank you

    Reply

    1. Hello, many thanks for your comment!

      As you have already pointed out, people under treatment with warfarin should abstain to eat foods rich in vitamin K as it can undermine the drug’s effectiveness.

      This video by Dr. Greger might help:
      https://nutritionfacts.org/questions/best-sources-of-vitamin-k/

      And this is a list of some of the richest vitamin K foods, made by the National Institutes of Health Clinical Center, they also give advice about other supplements and things you need to keep in mind:
      https://www.cc.nih.gov/ccc/patient_education/drug_nutrient/coumadin1.pdf

      Hope it helps

      Reply

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