What is it?

Bronchitis is inflammation of the breathing passages and the minute air sacs (bronchioles) within the lungs.

It may be acute or chronic. In the acute type, there may be flu‑like symptoms and a slight fever, together with a cough that may either be dry or produce sputum.

In the chronic type, as well as a cough there may be wheezing, difficulty in breathing and periodic recurrence of chest infections. Asthmatic symptoms may occur.

Discussion

Bronchitis is, in most instances, preceded by a viral infection of some sort, in which the symptoms may be as little as a sore throat. The infection may travel down into the lungs, and the symptoms increase. If the immune system is weakened, or if there are adverse contributory factors, then the bronchitis may become longer‑lasting. Some examples of adverse factors are:

¨      A diet high in mucus‑forming foods such as dairy products.

¨      Too much sugar, refined carbohydrates and junk foods in the diet. Sugar is a major unrecognised killer of the 20th century. It has adverse effects on the body in various ways. One effect of white sugar (sucrose) is to deplete the B vitamins and zinc, which are both needed by the immune system. These nutrients are needed for the processing of all carbohydrates. In their unrefined form, carbohydrates usually carry these nutrients, but in the manufacture of white sugar, all nutrients are removed. Ingestion of white sugar therefore uses bodily reserves of these nutrients. Another effect is a reduction (which can be measured) in white blood cell activity for a number of hours after each ingestion of sugar.

¨      Catarrh or infections in the sinuses or teeth, acting as a reservoir of infection.

¨      Buildup of toxins due to constipation or poor liver function; these produce inflammation in the lungs.

¨      Inhaled toxins such as solvents or other air pollutants.

¨      Allergies, producing a tendency to asthma.

¨      Insufficient exercise, leading to insufficient lung activity

Note: Intestinal Condition

Poor condition of the intestines can have a powerful pre‑disposing effect towards bronchitis. This can happen in two ways. Firstly, if the intestinal walls are excessively permeable (leaky gut syndrome), then various toxins can enter the bloodstream and interfere with the integrity of the lung surfaces. Secondly, if the intestines are infected with fungi and other parasites, the immune system is put under strain, and is less able to resist infection in the lungs.

Treatment

Diet

Change to a diet low in refined carbohydrates and mucus‑forming foods such as milk, and high in foods which aid elimination. This means plenty of fruit and vegetables and avoidance of junk foods, sweets, biscuits, cakes and fizzy drinks.

Nutritional Supplements

These are needed for two purposes:

A.     To strengthen the immune system.

B.     To rebuild the surface tissue of the breathing passages, and make them more elastic.

Many nutrients will perform both functions.

Vitamin A and Zinc

These are the two main micronutrients for skin conditions, and are also extremely important to the immune system.

B Complex vitamins

Help skin condition and are also of some importance to the immune system.

Vitamin C

Probably the most important vitamin for the immune system, particularly against viruses, and the main vitamin involved in collagen formation.

L‑Glutamine

This amino acid has only recently been recognised as immensely important to the immune system. It is in fact the main fuel for the immune system, and a deficiency can cause a greatly increased tendency to infections. It is also a major constituent of tissues, particularly muscles and intestinal surfaces.

Glucosamine Sulphate

The importance of this is less obvious. Its major function is as the major building block for cartilage and connective tissues. It is well‑known for the rebuilding of cartilage in joints damaged by arthritis and sports injuries, but it is also a major constituent of the surface membranes of the intestines, as is L‑glutamine. The two substances help to repair "leaky" gut walls, and reduce the amount of toxins getting into the bloodstream and thence to the lungs.In addition, glucosamine helps to repair damaged lung tissue, and has been shown to help lung conditions.

Supplement Dosages

¨      Vitamin A; 10,000iu per day.

¨      B Complex; 50‑75mg of each per day.

The above can be obtained from a good multivitamin.

¨      Zinc (as chelate or picolinate); 15‑45mg per day.

¨      Vitamin C; 1000mg 2‑3 times per day.

¨      L‑Glutamine; 2x1000mg twice per day ‑ mid‑morning and mid‑afternoon.

¨      Glucosamine Sulphate; 1000mg 2‑3 times per day.

The above nutritional supplements are an aid to building the body's defences against the factors causing bronchitis. Certain herbal supplements can help the body's fight more directly in the short term.

Herbal Supplements

¨      Cats Claw; A very versatile herb. Has direct effects against many viruses, also against many bacteria, fungi and internal parasites. It is also anti‑allergic.

¨      Mullein; a strong anti‑spasmodic. Useful in all types of cough.

¨      Coltsfoot; expectorant, anti‑catarrhal and soothing.

¨      Hyssop; anti‑spasmodic.

¨      Goldenseal root; stimulates the respiratory and circulatory systems.

¨      Elecampane root; helps bring up mucus.

To buy any of these products, click this link: www.NationalNutrition.co.uk