Lung function deteriorates for all of us as we age

C-ing Stars

It’s probably something you think wouldn’t really affect you if you don’t smoke, and would affect you even less if you exercise and live somewhere with pretty clean air. But the truth is that lung function deteriorates for all of us as we age.

That’s the bad news. The good news is that there is something you can do about it.

Put to the test, twice

Based on previous studies that indicated a correlation between high lung function levels and a diet rich in various antioxidant vitamins, researchers at the University of Nottingham, UK, set out to investigate the relationship between lung function and the intake of magnesium, and vitamins C, E and A.

Their study began in 1991 when more than 2,500 subjects were surveyed to assess the relationship between diet, asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Nine years later the same subjects were asked to join in a follow-up survey, and approximately one half of the original group participated. As in the first phase, each subject completed a food frequency questionnaire as well as a questionnaire regarding respiratory symptoms, smoking, and other variables. Each subject also had breathing levels tested in each phase.

After adjusting for smoking, the researchers were able to deliver two important conclusions: subjects who consumed higher amounts of vitamin C had better lung function than those with lower levels of vitamin C intake; and higher amounts of vitamin C and magnesium intake are associated with significantly improved lung function in the cases of those suffering from asthma or COPD.

Can you significantly help your lungs stay healthy over the decades with a diet high in vitamin C and/or vitamin C supplements? This study says “absolutely.” And while the researchers don’t make any specific recommendations about how much vitamin C you should be getting, the study indicates that the average participant in the survey was not using mega-doses.

The high C buffet

HSI Panelist Dr. Marty Milner, N.D., provided insights into some of the details of this study. As most of you know, Dr. Milner is a pioneer of test-guided nutrition and has developed breakthrough treatments for “incurable” conditions like arthritis, thyroid disease, cancer, and heart disease.

And after talking with him, I would offer that there are some great ways to increase vitamin C through your diet, including: yellow or green kiwifruit, mango, tropical guava or papaya, fresh persimmon, blackcurrant, or even just a glass of fresh O.J. and a bowl of grapefruit sections. These are the stars that really deliver the vitamin C that we now know can help you preserve healthier lung function for years to come.

Source:
“Prospective Study of Diet and Decline in Lung Function in a General Population”
American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, 2002;165:1299-1303

Copyright 1997-2002 by Institute of Health Sciences, L.L.C.