This oxidant to antioxidant imbalance can lead to lung injury due to direct, unprotected oxidative damage to the surface cells of the lung. Lung connective tissue is also damaged. These studies show an impressive imbalance in the level of free radicals to the level of antioxidants in patients with emphysema or chronic obstructive lung disease. This is especially apparent in acute flare-ups. These findings strongly suggest we should perform intervention trials with supplemental antioxidants to enhance our antioxidant defenses in chronic obstructive lung disease.
Balance is the key.
If we are going to be out of balance, we need to have greater amount of antioxidants than oxidants. Patients who have emphysema need to be taking optimal levels of all the antioxidants via supplementation. I have had significant results in my patients who start the aggressive nutritional supplement program that I have been recommending. Obviously, it is better to start this program in the early stages of your disease. If you are a smoker, I strongly urge you to do whatever it takes to stop.