Mailbag! RESTORE Lung Health (Ex-Smokers)
By
Dr. Scott Olson, ND
Posted November 23, 2021
I finally quit smoking a few years ago, and I was wondering if there was a way to help clear out my lungs.
–Simon from Boise, ID
First of all, let me say congratulations!
Early in my career, I worked with heroin addicts who told me it was easier to stop heroin than to stop smoking cigarettes.
You’ve taken a HUGE step towards a better, longer life!
The good news about the lungs is that they are self-cleaning. And they started cleaning out the junk the day of your last cigarette.
There have been some studies which show that lungs can actually repair damaged tissue if given the right circumstances.
Here are some tips for strengthening the lungs.
· Exercise. The part of the lungs that is exposed to the outside world is covered with a mucus barrier. The lining of the lungs gets exposed to outside air from the elements you breathe in, but it’s protected by a barrier of mucus. When you breathe heavy, this barrier helps to move mucus out of your lungs, carrying with it the crud that’s accumulated. As a bonus, exercising brings in more oxygen and removing toxins through the blood. It doesn’t have to be complicated… even just going on a walk will help a lot.
· Green tea. This delicious beverage is loaded with antioxidants that can help protect the lungs. I drink it as often as I can.
· N-acetyl cystine (NAC). This is an amino acid that is good for the lungs. It helps break up some of that mucus in them, making it easier to remove the junk. It can be found at just about any health store.
· Eat well. Eating foods that are high in nutrients can go a long way, as can taking a quality multivitamin to fill in the gaps.
· Herbs. There are many herbs that are great for the lungs, but the one I like the best is licorice. It’s been traditionally used as an expectorant, which helps scrub out lung irritations. A word of caution: licorice can increase blood pressure in certain people. If you have a history of high blood pressure, then consider using deglycerized licorice (or DGL) instead. Always consult with your doctor first.
Written By Dr. Scott Olson, ND
Nearly 25 years ago, failed mainstream medical treatments left Dr. Olson in constant pain – and his health in ruins. And that’s when he did something REVOLUTIONARY. He began his career in medicine – and dedicated his life to uncovering the true, underlying causes of disease.
Through his innovative medical practices in Tennessee and Colorado, Dr. Olson has helped cure countless seniors from across America of arthritis… heart disease… diabetes… and even cancer. All without risky prescription drugs or painful surgeries.
View More Free Articles
FDA Finally Admits “BANNED” Soda Ingredient is Unsafe
I’m not a soda fan for MANY reasons. I wrote an entire book on the dangers of sugar, for example. And research links soda drinking to fatty liver disease, heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, obesity, and Alzheimer’s. And the diet stuff is no better. Fake-sugar-filled diet sodas cause “metabolic confusion,” and artificial sweeteners are...
Discover WHY We Accidentally Overeat (and How to Stop)
Picture this… You finish eating a nice meal feeling just fine. But then, 20 minutes later, you’re groaning and clutching your belly because you feel uncomfortably stuffed. If this sounds familiar, you’re in good company. Most of us have had this happen. Science reveals why accidental overeating occurs… and what we can do to avoid...
Find Exercise Exhausting and Painful? Try THIS Natural Fix
If you’ve heard it once, you’ve heard it a thousand times: “You need to exercise.” And sure, you know how vital it is to healthy aging. But let’s be honest, sometimes it feels nearly impossible to get moving—especially when you know you’ll be sore for DAYS after. However, hold on to your seat because I’ve...
Mailbag: Unsteady on Your Feet? Now What?
“I’ve been having trouble with my balance lately and have fallen a couple of times. Could this be related to osteoporosis or another underlying cause?” – John Hi John, It’s always concerning when someone experiences balance issues or falls. While osteoporosis can contribute to an increased risk of falling, several other underlying causes should also...
Is There Really a Hidden Benefit to BROCCOLI?
Just when we thought broccoli’s resume couldn’t get any more impressive, new research proves us wrong. The phytonutrients in this tasty veggie can lower inflammation… balance blood sugar… and even boost your memory. And you likely already know of broccoli’s legendary prowess in preventing cancer. Now, a new study reveals that sulforaphane, the potent compound...
Belly Trick BOOSTS Brain Function
Boy do I love a cheap and easy solution. And if you can’t resist a good bargain either, keep reading. Because I have a brain-boosting one to share that fits the bill. If you’re like most folks, you intend to stay as sharp as a tack well into your golden years. So, you’re always on...
The Hidden Heart Danger LURKING in Your Gut?
Dear Living Well Daily Reader, Living with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is no walk in the park. The cramping, the urgency, the endless trips to the bathroom—it’s a daily struggle that can leave you exhausted and frustrated. And here’s the kicker: sometimes, IBD’s vague symptoms can lead to misdiagnosis or even NO diagnosis at all....
Has the Key to Unlocking Better MS Treatments Been Found?
Dear Living Well Daily Reader, Imagine waking up one morning and feeling a strange tingling in your fingers. You brush it off, thinking it’s just a pinched nerve. But then, your vision starts to blur, and your balance is thrown off. Suddenly, you’re faced with a terrifying reality: you have multiple sclerosis (MS). For the...
6 Secret Ways to Spot HIDDEN Processed Foods
“Avoid eating processed foods,”—If I’ve said it once, I’ve said it a thousand times. The reason why is simple. These Frankenfoods are designed to satisfy your taste buds. But they leave your body full of foreign chemicals that can cause harm and in need of more nutrients. But a patient asked me the other day,...
8 Red Flags There’s a Heart Attack in YOUR Future
Humor me and count to 40. Done? According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), someone in the United States just had a heart attack. That adds up to around 805,000 people a year. Many of those were a “silent” heart attack, with the victim having no clue it even happened—and they go...