Newsletter Post

Good morning Friend!

Have you been wondering how to improve your respiratory health? Do you have questions about lung illnesses and diseases? I get a lot of questions about these, so I thought I'd share the number one FAQs I get.

1. What is the respiratory system comprised of?
2. Which conditions affect the respiratory system?
3. What is the number one thing I can do with my diet to support my respiratory health?

What is the respiratory system comprised of?

Interestingly enough, many people think I’m only speaking of the lungs when I talk about respiratory illnesses and diseases; however, there is much more to it than that.  There are many parts that work together for us to breathe optimally and even if one part is slightly off it can make everyday tasks in life a bit (or a lot more) difficult.

The respiratory system is comprised of the organs and structures in the body that are responsible for breathing. It includes the mouth, nasal passages, the pharynx, the larynx, the trachea, the bronchi, and the lungs. These organs and structures work together to bring oxygen into the body and remove carbon dioxide, which is a waste gas produced by the cells. The respiratory system is vital for maintaining life as it is the one thing we can't live more than a few minutes without. Because it is something we do involuntarily, it is often taken for granted. If you are breathing today, even if it is labored, be grateful because it is a sign you are still alive.

Which conditions affect the respiratory system?

There are many conditions that can affect the respiratory system. Some common respiratory conditions (not all) include:

• Asthma: a chronic lung disease characterized by inflammation and narrowing of the airways, which can make it difficult to breathe.
• Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD): a group of lung diseases that includes chronic bronchitis and emphysema. It is characterized by inflammation and damage to the airways, which can lead to difficulty breathing.
• Pneumonia: an infection of the lungs that can cause inflammation and fluid accumulation in the air spaces of the lungs.
• Tuberculosis: a bacterial infection that primarily affects the lungs and can lead to the formation of abscesses (pus-filled pockets) in the lungs.
• Cystic fibrosis: a genetic disorder that affects the respiratory, digestive, and reproductive systems. It is characterized by the production of thick, sticky mucus that can clog the airways and lead to respiratory infections.
• Bronchitis: an inflammation of the bronchi, the tubes that carry air to and from the lungs. It can be acute (short-term) or chronic (long-term).
• Influenza (flu): a viral infection that can cause inflammation of the respiratory tract and lead to difficulty breathing.
• Allergies: an abnormal immune response to a substance (such as food, pollen, dust or mold). Allergies can cause symptoms such as sneezing, a runny nose, and difficulty breathing.
• Ageing: lung capacity usually declines as we age; however, this all depends on lifestyle and activity levels of individuals
• Damage: can be caused by breathing in pollutants (cigarette smoke, chemical cleaning supplies, air pollution), dust, fumes, or not getting treatment while in respiratory distress.  This can result in scar tissue, damage to capillaries, cilia, alveoli and more.
  

What is the number one thing I can do with my diet to support my respiratory health?

You may hate me for this, but the answer is eliminate or significantly reduce your consumption of dairy.  Dairy that has been pasteurised is generally inflammatory and mucus producing.  When the respiratory system is inflamed, it can create difficulty in breathing.  Add excess mucus production to already restricted and swollen airways and it results in a recipe for disaster.

If you consume dairy and aren’t sure if you have a sensitivity (not an allergy), there are ways you can determine if it is causing some of your issues. Feel free to reach out and ask and I will share how you can find out.

At the end of the day though, are you willing to pay the price of consuming something that inhibits your ability to breathe optimally for a few moments of tongue tantalizing pleasure? Is having something in your diet worth it if the result is taking more meds or having the scare of “I can’t breathe?"

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