Lung Health and Exercise

Dear Dr. Meletis,

I am enjoying your web site. I would like to order some products soon. I’m interested in knowing how lung functioning contributes to metabolism and energy production during and after exercise? When people have lung problems is metabolism affected? I’m a fitness trainer and trying to learn more for a certification program I’m working on. Would any of your products support lung functioning? If so, which ones are recommended?

Thank you,

Sincerely,

Ms. S.

Dear Ms. S.,

Yes, proper oxygenation determines the ultimate rate-limiting factor for metabolism. Hence, when doing aerobic and even anaerobic exercise, lung health and the ability to transfer O2 from the air to the hemoglobin is absolutely essential. This is why, for example, individuals with decreased lung function, sleep apnea (desaturation of blood O2 while they sleep) or anemia (inability of red blood cells to carry sufficient oxygen) have a harder time building and sustaining muscle mass, lean body mass and controlling body weight.

Relative to lung health, I like the following items: N-Acetyl Cysteine (NAC), Opti-Mag, LipoCeutical™ Glutathione and EpiCor®. The NAC thins the mucus that naturally protects our airways; glutathione has long been used for airway health; Opti-Mag helps keep smooth muscles relaxed supporting normal bronchial airflow; and EpiCor helps support healthy sIgA levels for immune competence and, as studies suggest, airway health.

If there is anemia, then Iron Complex is a consideration, depending on the cause of the lower than optimal red blood cell count or less optimal size of the RBCs. If there is an inefficiency of cardiac performance depending on the cause, this will also lead to decreased circulatory O2 levels, so cardiac support would be indicated.

Sincerely,

Chris D. Meletis, ND