Lung Inflammation and Smoke Exposure

A number of years ago while I was lecturing in Los Angeles I became acquainted with an attorney. He shared with me that he was involved in a case in which he learned that children were experiencing severe lung damage from breathing the polluted air in the city at that time.

The West Coast is experiencing some of the worst fires in history and the lungs can not help but be affected. Where there is fire there is often smoke and the smoke has been unusually bad this year. Research indicates that certain nutrients can protect the lungs from smoke and the serious lung inflammation which can result from exposure.

Vitamins C and E

In one study mice were exposed to different levels of cigarette smoke (0, 3, 6, 9, 12, or 15 cigarettes a day). Some of the mice were supplemented with vitamin C, vitamin E, or both. Inflammatory markers indicating oxidation of fats increased in all the mice exposed to the smoke. Vitamin C or vitamin E reduced lung inflammation. The combination of vitamins C and E was most protective against lung inflammation and oxidative damage. In this study the vitamins were administered 12 hours prior to exposure to the smoke. Smoke inhalation tends to be very suppressive of vitamin E levels. In animal studies vitamin E is moved into lung tissue when the animals are exposed to smoke.

Carotenoids

Carotenoids have been shown to reduce risk of lung cancer. In one study of 207 cases the third with the highest levels of carotenoids had a 55-76% reduced risk of lung cancer. One study suggested an inverse relationship between intake of vitamins C, E, and carotenoids.

Herbal Formulas

NeoLife has developed specific herbal formulas to promote easy breathing. Herbal Respiratory Formula is specifically targeted to aid breathing in the lower respiratory tract. It contains elecampane root which can help relieve coughing, stimulate bronchial secretions, and help ward off infections of the lower respiratory tract. Nettle leaf and elder flower have been added to help fight symptoms of allergies and hay fever and reduce congestion. The product also contains thyme and aniseed which assist and clear uncongested airflow, especially in the bronchial area and lungs.

NeoLife has also developed Resp-X. This is a comprehensive, broad spectrum, synergistic combination of ten herbs targeted to the upper part of the respiratory tract. It supports sinus decongestion and comfortable breathing. Horseradish supports normal airflow in the sinuses and lungs and a healthy immune response to air pollutants. Thyme and hyssop promote clear, open airways. Cayenne stimulates respiratory tissues and promotes healthy circulation in lung tissues.

Summary

For best protection against smoke supplementation of these nutrients morning and evening would seem to be a prudent protective measure while exposed to smoke or other air pollution. The intake of omega-3 fatty acids would also tend to release the inflammatory response in the lungs.

References:

Silva Bezerra F, Valenca SS, et al, "Alpha-tocopherol and ascorbic acid supplementation reduced acute lung inflammatory response by cigarette smoke in mouse," Nutrition, 2006; 22(11-12): 1192-1201.

Epplein M, Le Marchand L, et al, "Association of plasma micronutrient levels and urinary isoprostane with risk of lung cancer: the multiethnic cohort study," Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev, 2009; 18(7): 1962-70. 

Shekelle, R.B., et al, "Dietary Factors and the Risk of Lung Cancer: Total Body of Evidence", American Journal of Epidemiology, September 1, 1991;134:471-479.

Naoki Morita, et al., "Vitamin E attenuates acute lung injury in sheep with burn and smoke inhalation injury," Redox Report, 2006;11:2, 61-70, DOI: 10.1179/135100006X101020

Asthma and Carotenoids

Those with asthma often have reduced levels of carotenoids when compared to controls. Epidemiological evidence indicates that carotenoids and carotenoid-rich foods are protective against asthma. Supplementation has also been shown to improve some of the problems associated with asthma. Asthmatics tend to be low in carotenoids in general and particularly low in lycopene, the red carotenoid that colors tomatoes, watermelon, and pink grapefruit.

The intake of omega-3 fats appears to be inversely associated with the development of asthma in one fairly recent study.

References:

Wood, Lisa, "Lycopene-Rich Treatments Modify Noneosinophilic Airway Inflammation in Asthma: Proof of Concept," Free Radic Res, 2008; 42(1): 94-102. 

Li J, Xun P, et al, "Intakes of long-chain omega-3 (n-3) PUFAs and fish in relation to incidence of asthma among American young adults: the CARDIA study," Am J Clin Nutr, 2013 Jan; 97(1): 173-8.