Chronic Bronchitis and Emphysema

by Brazos Minshew, TriVita’s Chief Science Officer A man with emphysema was asked about his experience with the disease. He answered by describing the desperation of never getting a full breath. “What if you went to take a breath and nothing happened?” he asked. That is what having emphysema is like: you breathe, but nothing happens. Oxygen cannot get in and carbon dioxide can’t get out. The result is a feeling of slow suffocation. Emphysema and chronic bronchitis are also called chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). These two conditions affect more than 25 million people in North America. COPD is the #4 killer right now and, with the current rate of increase, it is destined to be the #3 killer in just a few short years.

Common causes Emphysema is triggered by smoking and irritants in the air. Emphysema traps carbon dioxide in the lungs and prevents oxygen from getting into the bloodstream. An interesting facet of our lung physiology is that the urge to breathe is triggered by an increase in carbon dioxide, not a deficiency of oxygen. As carbon dioxide builds up, the urge to breathe reaches a point of panic and desperation. This is the experience of people with emphysema. Chronic bronchitis is caused by inflammation in the lungs from pollution, allergy, infection and certain enzyme deficiencies. Often, medications that open the airways and bring relief to people that suffer with chronic bronchitis cause great distress when they wear off and the airways snap closed again. The rate of COPD from chronic bronchitis is increasing every year as pollution and allergies increase. Reducing your risk Reducing inflammation. People that are prone to inflammation are more likely to contract COPD. Therefore, helping your body reduce inflammation with nutrients such as Omega oils is vitally important. OmegaPrime uses perilla seed oil as a specific anti-inflammatory for the respiratory system. Avoiding irritants. Triggers for COPD include smoke and pollution. One key to respiratory health is isolation from these irritants. Don’t smoke Use air filters Stay indoors during high pollution days. Using Vitamin C as an antihistamine can also help protect delicate lung tissues from damaging pollution – including pollen. If inflammation has already developed in the lungs, proteolytic enzymes such as those found in Breathe Easy can be helpful. Another enzyme called CoEnzyme Q-10 is critical for lung health as it helps increase energy in the lung tissues and helps reduce resistance in the transfer of oxygen and carbon dioxide. Finally, antioxidants such as those found in Adaptogen 10 Plus and Super Antioxidant Complex can help improve your lungs’ ability to function under even the most difficult circumstances. The importance of breath Physicians can accurately predict how long you will live (barring accidents) based on your lung volume (called FEV-1). You can increase your lung volume by practicing deep breathing and increase lung efficiency by: Reducing inflammation Protecting lung tissues from pollen and pollution Increasing lung energy Providing protection with antioxidants. Source: TriVita Wellness Report, November 15, 2008

With Age, Or If You Take Statins, CoQ-10 Supplementation Is Absolutely Crucial

CoQ-10 helps to generate most of your body’s fuel

What exactly is CoEnzyme Q-10 (CoQ-10) and why is it so important to our continued good health? CoQ-10 is the perfect marriage of vitamins, antioxidants and Omega-3 fats, and is created when all of these important nutrients combine inside every one of your millions of cells. Many experts believe that CoQ-10 is the key spark to ignite the fuel that generates most of the total energy required by your body. And those organs with the highest energy requirements — such as the heart, lungs and liver — have the highest CoQ-10 concentrations. 

Without enough CoQ-10, none of the systems in your body can function because they don’t have enough fuel to do their jot. After age 50, you are basically ‘running on empty” when it comes to your body’s production of CoQ-10. That’s why supplementation is a must for anyone in that age group. 

How can you tell if you’re lacking in CoQ-10?

In the early stages, the deficiency may start showing up as a wide variety of dental problems. If you suffer from sensitive teeth or bleeding, swollen or shrinking gums, your body is telling you that you’ve already exceeded your ability to produce CoQ-10. 

The CoQ-10 and statin connection

Several studies have confirmed that statin drugs such as Lipitor and Zocor interfere with CoQ-1O production, causing blood levels of CoQ-10 to drop. So, if you’re taking statin drugs I for a heart condition, don’t hesitate to discuss the benefits of CoQ-10 supplementation with your health- care provider. 

What’s the best CoQ-10 supplement for you?

There are many supplements on the market, but they are not all made alike, Remember: It’s not how much you ingest, but how much you absorb that counts. TriVita’s CoQ-10 is formulated to be in perfect balance for your body’s nutritional needs. 

In fact, studies show TriVita’s CoQ-l0 has up to 10 times better absorption with soft gel caps than the lower- quality dry form found on many drugstore shelves. This high absorption rate means that TriVita’s CoQ-10 goes directly to the areas where your body needs it most. 

This supplement can help save lives. It nourishes your heart and brain and provides power to your entire body, If you’re over 50, want greater stamina, have gum problems or sensitive teeth, or are taking a statin drug, you owe it to yourself to see how TriVita CoEnzyme Q-10 can make a difference.*

SUCCESS STORIES

“ … the CoEnzyme Q-10 has been a tremendous help for her.”

“My sister and I both love many of TriVita’s products, but the CoEnzyme Q-10 has been a tremendous help for her. She was having trouble with her gums and after taking the CoEnzyme Q-10, they are tighter. This in turn helps to prevent gum disease. We are both so thrilled with all of TriVita’s products. We share our experiences with everyone! Thanks, TriVita!!”

—     Diane H. Harrington, DE

 

*If you take statins, you need CoQ-10. Consult with your healthcare provider to find out whether you’re a good candidate for CoQ-10 supplementation.

 

Source: TriVita Catalog December 2008 pg 35