posted February 17, 2018 12:11 PM            

I am a singer who has just been diagnosed and I am very scared of permanent damage to my lung capacity, which is already reduced.

Basically, I need to reduce the inflammation in my lungs. It is suspected that I have some systemic autoimmune or inflammatory disease, but my doctors have not yet found the root of the issue.

posted February 17, 2018 01:59 PM            

Sad to hear you're having breathing problems.

I grew up within a household where several family members had severe life-threatening asthma conditions. My mother was often disabled with it, even having to spend weeks in the hospital to get it under control.

As natural treatment for attacks, I recall my little brother being given some VERY strong HOT black coffee. The caffeine would help to calm the bronchial trachea spasms? Caffeine.

Not sure if this next suggestion really works for it? ... There's a folk-remedy of massaging the feet, the soles and arches, with Mentholated petroleum jelly (e.g. Vicks VapoRub), as a help for coughs and breathing. Applied to the FEET (not chest).
(Apply the power of prayer too, as you massage?)

I think there are certain teas and poultices that can help, but, that's outside of my area of knowledge. (It was a weed/herb with very furry leaves, pale blue-green color.)

I had a grand-uncle who was a shaman on an indian reservation, way way up north from where we lived. He would come visit.

I remember he had made my mother a special spray for her throat. Years and years have passed by, but, I recalled the 'taste'. I think it had the herb oregano as part of the natural formula he used.

Have you looked at homeopathic 'cell salts' for remedies?
(just suggestion, I don't know)

Singing lessons are GREAT for learning breathing and breath-control. When you have practiced several years, you develop and expand larger capacity in your lungs.

If you have ever noticed the barrel look of the chest of male opera singers? ... then, you know what I'm talking about.

You say you are a singer. If you haven't considered taking "lessons" before?, it would be a GREAT adjunct to your career AND your lung capacity.

Asthma ... is a bronchial problem.
COPD ... is a different story. Lungs.

Be careful about taking certain COPD lung-medications premature to a full and accurate diagnosis. They have permanent side-effects (like permanent unreversable damage to your cortisol producing part of your kidney/adrenal-glands/ etc... ?? if I remember that well.)

They used to give my mother treatments with Prednisone (cortisones). That's very aggravating to your nerve-system. Like sitting on a highly-charged powderkeg for her. Also swells up your face, and other parts. Put her nerves on CONSTANT edge of anger.

I hope your tests will find the CORRECT diagnosis for you.

Waiting on it can be very scary.

Scientists are working hard on finding answers to the problem of auto-immune disorders.

I hope that your country has the Innovations set into place, soon.

Oh! One other thing..... Some people say that asthma and lung problems, are a signal from the body that it is "holding Grief in/on the chest".

You might want to explore that for yourself-- journaling, art work, whatever you use.

posted February 18, 2018 01:58 PM            

Mirage, yes, I had singing lessons when I first started singing. It isn't technique that is the problem, it is my 'hardware' so to speak. Basically, my biology has changed and I have inflammation throughout my system, so I need to reduce it. Your answers are always so thorough, I appreciate your time!
Grief in the chest area, I guess it is always possible, sad things happen in life. Although, my breathing difficulties flared up at the same time as various other physical issues. My doctor thinks it is likely that one condition is causing it all (joint pain, scleritis, abdominal pain, fatigue, etc).

Randall, thanks for your suggestion. I done a little research and I ordered a supplement which is bromelain, turmeric and ginger. The reviews from those with inflammatory conditions were positive, so here's hoping I will also be one of them!

posted February 21, 2018 08:07 PM            

quote:

---

Originally posted by anonymidarkness:
I used to suffer from bouts of asthma too on a yearly basis until around 4 years ago. Then I started practicing Yoga and it seems to have cured it totally. Yoga is not the right option for now though, something has to be done about the inflammation first. Best wishes Voix, get well soon.

---

posted February 24, 2018 04:33 PM            

thank you for sharing this. I used to do yoga and enjoyed it very much, it makes sense that it would assist breathing as you breathe in and out of poses.

I think I will have to just suffer it for now as I have to get more tests done. If I reduce my inflammation now then I may never actually know what is wrong as it won't show in the tests.

So, just need to grip my seat a little longer until I hopefully get a diagnosis.

posted February 28, 2018 09:52 AM            

How natural do you want to go?

Licorice comes into mind with your condition. It helps with respiratory ailments.

If you go to Chinese medical shop, they most probably offer you dried lizard or dried bat to make soup. TCM say they cure asthma and eczema (The theory says that lung meridian rules our respiratory system and also our skin.)

I would second Mirage on the underlying thought. EFT, self hypnosis, or simple affirmation. They would help you switch your vibration to health.

Blessings!

posted March 11, 2018 06:36 PM            

thank you for your kind post. Unfortunately, I'll just have to go with the medications at present, my condition was too severe and there was not enough time to explore. However, I have used EFT in the past for emotional issues and it was very effective.
I saw thew videos where it was used for physical ailments also and it helped people recover.

I would not be able to do EFT when my inflammation is highest as my whole head (inside and outside) is agony, particularly around the temples and eyes which are two of the tapping points, but I intend to try this as soon as soon as the pain is under control.

posted March 11, 2018 06:42 PM            

thank you for checking in on me.

Well, I have reached the end of one of the worst weeks I have had with Scleritis yet. The doctor said that Scleritis itself is an autoimmune condition, and I already have another (Raynaud's Phenomenon), so they are hellbent that there will be a systemic autoimmune condition triggering both. So we are still searching. Various referrals have been made to specialists and in the meantime, I am trying to manage the pain and inflammation with very strong painkillers and high dose of steroids. So far, it does seem to be calming the flare-up down.

As I said above, I intend to practice EFT for this problem, as soon as my pain is gone.

I just want to say thanks to everyone again who has responded with support and helpful suggestions. This is quite a lonely road, the doctors said this condition is rare and they do not see many people with it. In half presenting cases, no systemic cause is found and they cannot cure it, only put it into remission over and over again, as it commonly returns over periods of years. But we will see.

posted March 12, 2018 10:27 PM            

I came across information on a natural anti-inflammatory and thought of you immediately.

I'm glad the doctors narrowed down what your problem could be, and that you experience some relief. TG

Thanks for your updates.
Thinking of you.

- http://www.healthambition.com/health-benefits-black-cherry-juice/

QUOTE

What Are the Health Benefits of Black Cherry Juice?
by Helen Sanders

8 Health Benefits of Black Cherry Juice
While research isn’t extensive when it comes to black cherry juice benefits, some of their main ingredients are said to help with a variety of health issues.
This is mainly due to an important antioxidant family called “anthocyanins”.
Anthocyanins are plant pigments that have highly powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory characteristics.
Cherries are a great source of anthocyanins.

Not only do black cherries contain important antioxidants, they’re also packed with vitamins and minerals that are integral to good health.
On the nutrition label of black cherry juice drinks you’ll see that it contains protein, calcium, iron and potassium; all amazing and necessary ingredients for a happy, healthy life.

Vitamins, minerals and antioxidants are great, but I want to get down to the nitty gritty about what truly makes black cherry juice a great addition to your diet.
. . .

1. Reduces Pain Symptoms from Arthritis and Gout
When scouring the internet, it suddenly seemed like common knowledge that black cherries have the power to reduce inflammation.
This is very important if you suffer from arthritis or gout.
Inflammation is the main cause of these conditions and by reducing the inflammation in your body, you can often ease your symptoms.

Gout, in particular, is a type of arthritis that is caused by buildup of uric acid in the body.
This causes your joints to become inflamed.

The University of Maryland Medical Centerfound that gout attacks can be reduced within two weeks by drinking 8 to 16 ounces of cherry juice a day.
Isn’t that truly incredible?
I love hearing about natural “painkillers” like this.

It doesn’t stop there.
The Arthritis Foundation mentions a study carried out by Boston University Medical Center.
It was found that “eating at least 10 cherries a day protected people with existing gout from recurrent attacks.”
One of the co-authors on the study states that “Cherry intake was associated with a 50 percent lower risk of gout flares over a 48-hour period.”

As mentioned, these effects are most likely linked to the anthocyanins in cherries.
You can find this antioxidant in red and purple fruits like blueberries and raspberries.

However cherries, especially tart cherries, have higher levels, making it a great treatment for gout.
If you want to see the benefits for yourself, you can find plenty of reviews on black cherry juice for gout relief on YouTube.

2. Decreases Exercise-Induced Muscle Soreness
Since anthocyanins help reduce inflammation, this means they can also help reduce muscle soreness after workouts.
This Huffington Post article states that research has proven that “drinking cherry juice helped reduce muscle soreness and damage after exercise.”

Several studies have been done in this area.
The health experts over at Greatist state that one study found “cherry supplements
(1 pill had the anti-inflammatory content of about 100 cherries)
reduced muscle soreness by 24% two days after a strenuous resistance workout.”

Another study found that drinking tart cherry juice 7 days prior to and during a strenuous running event can help reduce post-run muscle pains and strains.
...

3. Eliminates Migraines
Black cherry juice is also known to help eliminate migraines.
Migraines may be triggered by inflammation.
As we already learned, black cherry juice is a great way to help reduce inflammation.

Mercola states,
“By helping reduce inflammation in the body, the anthocyanin and bioflavonoids in cherries also help eliminate migraine headaches.

These compounds are known to have similar activity to aspirin and ibuprofen.”

This is another amazing finding for migraine sufferers.

...

4. Improves Sleep Quality
According to Forbes, cherries are one of the few foods that have naturally-occurring melatonin.

Melatonin is the chemical that helps control your body’s internal clock and regulates your sleep patterns.
Researchers recommend eating cherries one hour before bedtime for the best results.

Mercola backs this information by explaining that your body rapidly absorbs melatonin so increasing your intake through cherry consumption can up your levels and therefore improving your sleep quality.

5. Fights Cancer
As we’ve mentioned several times now – cherries are rich in antioxidants.
Do you know something else that antioxidants can do?
They fight cancer!
There are these nasty little things called free radicals that damage the cells of our body.
Most free radical damage is a product of environmental toxins.
Unfortunately free radicals and the damage they cause can increase your risk of cancer.
The way to fight free radicals is with antioxidants!

According to Mercola,
queritrin is a flavonoid that is found in cherries and is said to be an extremely potent anti-cancer agent.
Making cherries a part of your diet means you are sending these cancer-fighters out into your body and decreasing your risk of disease.

Cherries also contain a naturally-occurring plant phenolic called “ellagic acid”.
According to some researchers, this acid might be one of the best ways to prevent cancer.
Cherries also have an ingredient called perillyl alcohol or POH.

This is said to be effective at reducing all type of cancer.
According to Mercola,
“Researchers found that POH stops the growth of cancer cells by depriving them of the proteins they need to grow.
It has worked on every kind of cancer that POH has been tested against.”
...

6. Keeps Hair & Skin Healthy
Since cherries are rich in vitamins, minerals and antioxidants, they’re are also good for your skin and hair.
We often think of nutrition for our internal body only.

What we don’t’ realize is that our skin and hair and outer appearance actually suffer when our diet is lacking too.
Adding foods that are rich in vitamins, minerals and antioxidants will improve the health of your outer body too.

... black cherry juice is rich in iron.
Iron deficiency is suspected to be one of the most common causes of hair loss.
Black cherry fruit extract is often an active ingredient in many hair supplements and vitamins.

7. Helps with Weight Maintenance
... eating cherries can help you stay thin and lose weight.
One cup of cherries contains less than 100 calories and has 3 grams of fiber.
Fiber is integral to helping you feel fuller longer which means fewer cravings and bad choices.
Cherries also contain several B-vitamins which are integral in helping your metabolism convert nutrients into energy.

All these things make it clear that black cherries are a great snack option if you are looking to maintain your weight or lose a few excess pounds.
You could try adding black cherry juice to your morning smoothie to get that added boost of fiber and vitamins to keep you going strong for the rest of the day or just keep a bowl full of cherries in your fridge and pop a few each time you peek in.

8. Lowers Blood Pressure
... cherries can help you naturally lower your blood pressure.
This is because black cherries are an excellent source of potassium.
Potassium helps lower blood pressure by regulating the amount of sodium in your body.
As you might have already guessed, too much sodium can cause high blood pressure.

Making sure you get an adequate amount of potassium in your diet will help prevent full-blown hypertension.
... “one cup of cherries has the same amount of potassium as a banana…”.
So if you are getting sick and tired of bananas for breakfast, try a black cherry juice smoothie instead!

Be aware that cherry juices often come in concentrate form so you’ll want to be sure to mix with an adequate amount of water before consuming.
Another option is to simply take a shot or two of the actual concentrate each day.

The great thing about black cherries is that you can consume them in a wide variety of different ways.
If black cherry juice isn’t your thing you can always just eat them raw, toss them in your morning yogurt, cook them into a pie or cake or juice them.

As a recap, I shared that black cherry juice has several amazing benefits for your health and body.

posted March 31, 2018 06:06 AM            

Randall, thanks for checking in with me. I am sorry I have not been around the forums much recently. I have just been focused on trying to get well. Too many irons in the fire for illness!!!

The latest is that I have been eating a high nutrition, high (around 80%) raw diet. Nothing processed has passed my lips for 2 weeks. I have been feeling increasingly better over the 2 weeks, but it is too early to determine causality, as I am still on steroids.

I finish steroids in 3 weeks. I will have a better idea then how much of an impact my new WOE is having, and whether I need to supplement or not (I have the turmeric and bromelain, but waiting until steroids are finished to test them so I know what is doing what).

I intend to continue to eat this way anyway, as I realised my diet was very low in several key vitamins and minerals, so it just makes sense. I would be very surprised if my WOE was not having any beneficial impact on my inflammation, but it remains to be seen for sure.