A process of combustion
The function of the lungs and associated airways is to help oxygenate the cells by inhaling air, and get rid of the gaseous products of combustion by exhaling. We know from the time of the famous French chemist, Antoine Laurent Lavoisier, who first enunciated the precept, that life in a biochemical sense is a process of combustion. This requires continuous supplies of oxygen, in mammals supplied by their lungs. After cellular combustion that provides energy to the organism, the products of combustion which are mostly oxides of carbon are returned to the atmosphere also via the lungs.
The battle of the bronchi
The small airways called bronchi, are affected by environmental factors, as for example by atmospheric pollution found in many large cities, in the vicinity of chemical plants, inadequately ventilated factories, an so on. But the bronchi are also affected by bacteria, viruses and fungi that give rise to such diseases as asthma, bronchitis, cystic fibrosis, emphysema, legionnaires' disease, pneumonia, tuberculosis and others. It is not possible to adequately discuss all of these here, but a brief mention of each of these diseases will help demonstrate the importance of correct nutrition in all cases.
The role of nutrition
Asthma and bronchitis are basically allergic reactions, most often caused by food allergies. Cystic fibrosis is a hereditary disorder involving the endocrine glands and is characterized by recurrent lung infections. Cystic fibrosis patients frequently suffer from malnutrition because they lack the appropriate enzymes. Emphysema is a classic and chronic symptom linked to long time smoking. Smoking depletes the body's vitamin C, weakens the immune system, and exposes the smoker to risks of heart disease, cancer, and pulmonary infections. Legionnaires' disease is caused by bacteria multiplying in and transmitted from faulty air-conditioning units.
But beta-carotene, vitamins C and E can protect the lungs from bacteria and free radical damage. Pneumonia is an inflammation that may be caused by bacteria, viruses or fungi. The right nutrition will reduce the inflammation, and foods such as garlic will repel all invaders. Tuberculosis is a highly contagious disease caused by bacteria. Correct nutrition was and is of primary importance since contagious diseases depend on weak immune systems for their transmission.
Our program
Our personalized nutrition plan takes into account your present state of health, your history of ailments, hereditary factors, natural traits and bodily demands. Its aim is to protect the lungs and bronchi from free radical damage, repair the damaged tissues, reduce inflammation, enhance oxygen utilization and strengthen the immune system. |