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Supplements That Support the Respiratory System

Respiratory health can have a significant impact on your quality of life. If you’re active or somewhat athletic, good respiratory health is vital to achieving peak performance as well as optimal recovery. Even if your exercise levels are more moderate, the impaired respiratory function can leave you feeling fatigued, irritable, and less mentally agile than you could be. Both those in good health and those with particular lung conditions may benefit from supplements that support respiratory function.

Lung health supplements

Various supplements have been shown to support lung function. Anti-inflammatory herbs like devil’s claw, turmeric, and ginger have been noted to improve some individuals’ lung function, while others may benefit from vitamins for lungs such as B6. However, some of the most promising supplements for respiratory health include the amino acid N-Acetyl Cysteine (NAC), the antioxidant Quercetin, and even Elderberry extract seems to give positive benefits for respiratory health.

NAC benefits

NAC has numerous benefits throughout the whole body. Once ingested, it is converted into L-Glutathione — sometimes called the body’s “master antioxidant.”

NAC supports liver function and detoxification, improves cardiac health, and has been shown to have a mood-stabilizing effect in some subjects. NAC has produced promising results in some studies on respiratory function. In COPD subjects, both oral and inhaled NAC have been demonstrated to deliver improvements in their condition. Researchers hoped to see a reduction in the mucus obstructing COPD patients’ lungs and less inflammation and better respiration. This was borne out in a 2012 study. NAC is still seen as potentially useful for people with breathing difficulties. There’s promising evidence supporting NAC for upper respiratory infections. Many people report better lung function when taking it, especially athletes who take their respiratory rate to levels of higher intensity. It’s widely regarded as one of the best supplements for respiratory health in general.

Quercetin

Quercetin is a powerful antioxidant that acts like a concentrated form of vitamin C. It’s very abundant in nature, found in a range of plants. These include many of the fruits, vegetables, and grains we eat every day. Their red and purple coloration can identify quercetin-rich foods, but it is present in many foods in lower concentrations. You can find quercetin in everything from citrus fruit to broccoli. To get the full health-giving benefits of this antioxidant, though, it may be useful to take it in concentrated form as a supplement which also enhances bioavailability of any nutrients that are taken along with it.

Quercetin benefits

Quercetin has multiple health benefits. As with any antioxidant, it helps to mop up free radicals and prevent oxidative damage to the cells. Many people also use quercetin to boost their immune systems, fight inflammatory conditions, reduce allergies, and improve their athletic performance.

NAC and Quercetin

Taken together, these two powerful supplements work in synergy to support respiratory health and improve the function of many of your body’s systems. Body Kitchen’s Mega NAC + Quercetin is specially formulated for maximum performance. It delivers a full 600mg of NAC, along with 600mcg of quercetin for an additional boost. Mega NAC + Quercetin also incorporates Body Kitchen’s patented Black Pepper extract, increasing absorption, so you get the other ingredients’ full benefit. These clinically effective doses help detoxify your system, neutralize free radicals, and breathe more easily.

If you’re serious about improving your upper respiratory health, we recommend combining NAC + Quercetin with Nordic-Elder Shield. The NAC supplement will aid in cleaning the internal house while the elderberry supplement will stand guard so your immune system can do its function of preventing unwanted invaders to downgrade respiratory functions.

How to improve lung health

As well as taking a supplement such as Body Kitchen’s Mega NAC + Quercetin, there are other ways you can support respiratory health. Make sure that your exercise regime includes moderate cardio — even a brisk half-hour walk every day can work wonders. Drink plenty of fluids throughout the day and be sure to eat a healthy and balanced diet.