Top 3 Lung Detox Supplements: Why (and How) You Should Cleanse Your Lungs| From a BSc in Respiratory Care Expert

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Are lung detox supplements a real thing?

We take supplements for cardiac health, digestive health, but what about supplements for our lung health? As it turns out, there are vitamins and minerals scientifically proven to support lung health.

Let’s take a deep breath and acknowledge the forgotten heroes: our lungs. Every sigh, every laugh, and every breath let us know that our lungs are working every day to keep us alive. They have the important job of bringing oxygen to our bloodstream.

Since COVID and other respiratory illnesses like pneumonia, and RSV are still going around, there has been a growing interest in lung health.

After recovering from a respiratory illness, you might notice more secretions than usual, shortness of breath, or feel a bit more tired. The good thing is the lungs naturally cleans themselves, but they can certainly benefit from an extra boost. And that’s where supplements come in.

Our lung health is important in allowing us to perform optimally and “cleaning the lungs” may look different for everyone, for some, it may be hydrating more, quitting smoking, lung drainage techniques, diet changes, etc. Before starting any regime, checking with your doctor to ensure there is no underlying lung issue is a great starting point.

What is “Lung Detox”?

Lung Detox is not a medical term but is a catchphrase to describe 1) clearing mucous or secretions from the lungs, 2) creating an environment that decreases or eradicate pollutants or harmful chemicals and 3) strengthening the function of the lungs.

In respiratory therapy school, the term “lung detox” was never used, instead “respiratory hygiene” and “pulmonary rehabilitation” were used. These are fancy medical terms used to describe techniques and therapies to get secretions up and out so that people can breathe more easily. This is where cleansing the lungs comes in.

The principle of detoxifying the lungs was targeted to people living with chronic lung diseases like asthma, COPD, cystic fibrosis, etc. However, detox techniques that promote good respiratory health function are inclusive to everyone. A holistic licensed doctor may be able to help guide you further, depending on your insurance.

To Cleanse the Lungs or Not? That is the Question

Generally, when people talk about “cleansing the lungs” they are referring to creating an environment (both external and internal) that allows the lungs to function at its peak. This incorporates many modalities that borrow from traditional and alternative medicine.

 There is no magic way to “cleanse the lungs,” optimal lung health involves lifestyle changes such as smoking cessation, exercise, and eating certain foods, postural techniques that drains secretions from the lungs and even supplementation known to support lung health.

So, what exactly do you need to “cleanse your lungs?”

Cleansing the Lungs, and Should You Consider Doing It?

According to an American Lung Association study, every 1 in 3 Americans are exposed to unhealthy levels of air pollution.¹ The health impacts of air pollution can lead to chronic illnesses, like asthma and COPD that greatly diminish the function of the lungs and can negatively affect heart health.

The term “cleansing the lungs” comes from the idea that there are always pollutants like allergens, viruses, or inconspicuous chemicals in the air that we breathe in. To “cleanse the lungs” in layman’s terms means to enhance respiratory function, improve your lung health, and boost your overall well-being.

Vitamins, minerals (such as iron, magnesium, zinc, selenium), and omega-3 fatty acids play a crucial role in supporting lung health.

From research we know that allergens and harmful chemical cause an inflammatory response that interferes with the natural environment within the lung².

Sometimes, the inflammatory response is so severe, that it changes the gene expression of the lungs and cause a chronic inflammation. Chronic inflammation within lungs can cause structural changes of the of the lungs, scarring, diminished lung function, increase lung cancer risks and increase the production of secretions (or phlegm).

How Should You Clean Your Lungs?

The first time I heard of the term “lung detox” I rolled my eyes. I knew there were no quick fixes when it comes to repairing the damaged tissue of the lungs, and the concept of “lung detox” did not fulfill the need of my analytical mind.

However, my mind was open to holistic lung health techniques during the time I worked at a pulmonary lab- a rehab for patients with chronic breathing problems. One of my patients taught me something about one of the hardest-working organs in the body.

The lung is forgiving and can heal if given the proper nutrients, clean air, and a good internal environment to thrive. It can also benefit from ancient techniques that use gravity to drain secretions and manipulate airflow dynamics within the lungs.

Alternative Techniques Used to “Clean the Lungs”

There are methods used in medicine to loosen secretions and help get rid of them. Here are 3 ways to do that:

Huff Coughing

This is a technique that manipulates airflow and pressure changes within the lungs. To work effectively, you should say ” huff” several times and in short bursts. The breath needed to make the “huff” sound must come from the diaphragm, not the throat.

The diaphragm’s engagement is important because the exhalation must be forceful. These are the same muscles used in a forceful sneeze or cough. Essentially, you would be tricking the body to keep the airways open, loosening secretions by the rapid air movement (from the “huffing”) and engaging the cilia. Cilia are the tiny hair-like structures that sweep secretions up, to be removed.

Controlled Breathing

The intentional and controlled movement of air during breathing exercises helps to get rid of mucus or phlegm. This is especially important for individuals with respiratory conditions that cause the mucus to become thick and difficult to move, such as chronic bronchitis or cystic fibrosis.

Deep and controlled breathing increases oxygen intake and supports overall respiratory function. There are many breathing techniques that bring more air into the lungs like ” box breathing.” Adequate air in the lungs is crucial in maintaining the health of lung tissues and optimizing the body’s ability to clear secretions.

Cupping

This technique involves placing the hand in a “scoop formation” or suction cups in a rhythmic motion on the upper back and chest (never on the spine). This technique may potentially help “loosen” thick secretions. This “cupping” method can also be enhanced when a person is placed in different postures to target specific areas of the lungs- this should be done under the guidance of a trained respiratory therapist or pulmonologist.

Lung Health Action Plan & “Lung Detox” Supplements

My patient was on a “lung detox” health journey when I started working with him. He gave up smoking, started breathing techniques, and gradually started taking supplements. His lung function improved with continued maintenance.

The skeptic in me was humbled. All modalities working together may have improved his pulmonary function test results.

Though certain vitamin supplements may support respiratory health, supplements are not a quick fix and cannot be a substitute for pulmonary rehabilitation, diet changes, breathing practices and exercise.

Improving respiratory health will take time and consistency, but the benefits of good lung health are tremendous.

Which Supplements are Best for Lung Health & Support?

Generally, research points to the benefits of vitamins A, C, D, E, magnesium, and omega 3 Fatty acid in maintaining lung health.³ However, not all supplements are created equal. Cheap supplements often have fillers and low-quality ingredients.

When purchasing a supplement for maintaining your respiratory health, ensure that at minimum there is Vitamin C, Vitamin D, magnesium and anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties included.

Research shows that people who are vitamin D deficient have a higher chance of getting respiratory illnesses, like the flu and Covid⁴. Second, magnesium plays a vital role in supporting the smooth muscle of the bronchioles. When magnesium is low, the muscles don’t fully relax- this causes constriction and can exacerbate asthma attacks in people living with asthma.

Our Picks: Top 3 Lung Detox Supplements for Optimal Health

If you are looking for a natural or vegan remedy, we have compiled a short list for you. Individual results may vary. Here goes:

1. Lung Support by Vitapost

There are several ingredients with potential benefits for lung health found in this supplement. They include vitamin C, vitamin K2, cordyceps mushrooms, and antioxidants.

Cordyceps mushroom naturally contains magnesium, vitamin B1, B2 and B3, vitamin E, essential fatty acids and more. Stinging nettle, butterbur, and feverfew all have anti-inflammatory properties. Infact, stinging nettle has several nutritional and pharmacological benefits ⁵.

Lung support supplement is vegan-friendly and easy to digest. Vitamin K2 is an unexpected but pleasant surprise in a lung health supplement. Vitamin K2 helps to promote strong bones and heart health. Overall, this is more than a supplement for maintaining respiratory health but can also be a great supplement for boosting overall well-being.

Pros	Cons
Contains high-quality cordyceps mushrooms	May have a compounding effect if you already take supplements for heart health. Cordyceps mushroom naturally contains Coenzyme Q10.
Affordable
Easy to digest, and plant based
Contains vitamin A, B, C, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory properties that are science based to maintain lung health

2. Herbamama Mullein Leaf Capsules

Mullein Leaf Capsules are dietary supplements that are made from concentrated mullein leaf extract. Mullein leaf extract has been known for potential respiratory and immune system support in alternative medicine; it has because of its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties⁶ . It naturally contains Vitamin A, Vitamin C, Vitamin K and magnesium. Mullein leaf has been known to treat coughs colds, and hoarseness and is used as an expectorant in traditional or folk medicine.

Pros	Cons
Reduces congestion and coughing	May experience nausea when taken on an empty stomach
Taste is not offending, almost flavorless	Increased drowsiness after taking, not recommended taking if operating machinery
Potent	May lower blood pressure with long term use
Sleep aid

3. Dr.Tobia’s Lung Health

Dr. Tobias Lung Health supplement is a popular herbal supplement on Amazon. It is marketed as a supplement for immune support and lung health. It has a blend of essential ingredients such as Vitamin C, Menaquinone, Butterbur, Quercetin, Cordyceps extract, and Bromelain.

Butterbur and Bromelain have anti-inflammatory properties and have been used in alternative medicine to support respiratory health. Quercetin and Vitamin C have potent antioxidant properties that also support lung health, while Menaquinone contains vitamin K that supports blood vessels and cardiac health.

This unique combination works harmoniously to nurture overall health and boosts immune function and is recommended to be taken once a day.

Pros	Cons
Non-GMO, natural ingredients and unflavored	Butterbur is in the sunflower family and may be an allergen for some
Some users reported ease of breathing and thinning of secretions	Takes 3-6 weeks to feel potential changes or improvements in lung health
Convenient, designed for daily use with one capsule	The vitamin K in Menaquinone may reduce the effectiveness of heart medications like Warfarin (used to prevent clotting) and may increase the effect of antiplatelets (like aspirin and clopidogrel/Plavix)
Has high manufacturing standards

Overall, we would recommend Lung Support from Vitapost to anyone who is serious about taking care of their lung health. This supplement has all the evidenced -based ingredient like Vitamin C, antioxidants, and anti-inflammatory properties. Cordyceps mushrooms have been studied and proven to have anti-cancer properties, boost energy, and a chuck full of benefits for overall health and immunity boost. This goes beyond a regular respiratory supplement and makes it our top pick.

Considerations of Side Effects Lung Health Supplements and Therapies

Lung health supplements and therapies requires an individual approach- it is not a one-size fi all strategy. Supplementation for lung health will vary based on many factors like your age, lifestyle, diet, existing health conditions or sensitivities.

While taking supplements can complement a healthy lifestyle, it is not a substitute for deep breathing exercises and a balanced diet. If you choose to take supplements to support lung health, vitamins D, C and omega-3 fatty acids, along with antioxidants (selenium, beta-carotene and vitamin A) are particularly important for lung health.

Potential Risks: Drug Interactions & Safety

When taking supplements, it is important to consider the risks and rewards. Some supplements may interfere with prescribed medications, for example vitamin A can counteract the effect of blood thinners like Warfarin (coumadin). The general rule of thumb is to avoid mega doses and take supplements within the recommended dosage limits.

Before taking any supplement, be a curious consumer and check the quality and safety of the supplement. Choose to buy from brand that adhere to safety standards and produced in an FDA approved facility.

In closing, it is important to remember that individual responses to supplements and therapies vary, and what works for one person may not work the same way for another.

It is always best to work with healthcare professionals to develop a personalized and evidence-based approach when using supplements for lung health.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do Lung Supplements Work?

There are scientific-based studies of the benefit of Vitamin A, C, D, E, and omega-3 fatty acids on lung health. Therefore, at a minimum, any supplement you plan to invest in should have these, if maintaining your respiratory health is the goal. You should consult with a licensed healthcare professional about their individual situation before starting new health programs or regime.

I have lung damage from smoking, will supplements help me?

Smoking causes damage to the lung tissue, and unfortunately, long-term smoking can be difficult to repair. Lung damage from smoke cannot be reversed with supplements. The lungs take time to heal. Healing the lungs includes several changes- such as smoking cessation, working on a treatment plan with your pulmonologist, and maintaining your respiratory health through diets, exercise and overall-wellbeing. Some supplements might offer supportive benefits for lung health.

_{Disclaimer: Before starting any supplement regimen, individuals must check with their healthcare provider for medical advice. The content on this site is for informational and educational purposes only and is not a replacement for medical advice.}

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