Fiber And Lung Function

[Guest guest]

Although PF was not mentioned directly, it may have relevance. Also keep in mind

that nutritional studies are among the hardest to design. But what do we have to

loose. This comes from a Hopkins news letter I have subscribed to.

Jerry/Mississippi/54/IPF/dx April 05

Flag this messageLung Disorders: Is Fiber Good For Your Lungs? Stay

TunedThursday, September 17, 2009 10:02 AMFrom: " s Hopkins Health Alerts "

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jerryb888@... Hopkins Health Alerts:

Lung Disorders

Is Fiber Good For Your Lungs? Stay Tuned

A reader asks: I heard recently that eating more fiber is good for the lungs. Is

that just marketing hype? Here's the answer ...

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Is Fiber Good For Your Lungs? Stay Tuned

Q. I heard recently that eating more fiber is good for the lungs. Is that just

marketing hype?

A. It may not be. A recent study of almost 12,000 middle-aged adults suggests

that eating more fiber is associated with a slower rate of lung function

decline. The study, reported in the American Journal of Epidemiology, found that

those with the highest daily fiber intake (27 g per day) had better lung

function and were less likely to have COPD than those who had the lowest fiber

intake (9.5 g on average). Significant lung benefits were associated with

consumption of fiber in cereal and, to a lesser degree, fruit, but not

vegetables.

The benefits may be due to fiber's antioxidant properties. Although most studies

of nutrition and lungs have focused on antioxidant vitamins, this is the first

major study to suggest that eating more fiber may protect your lungs.

There are many other reasons to increase your fiber intake. Fiber appears to

reduce the risk of developing a variety of health conditions, such as heart

disease, diabetes, diverticular disease, and constipation. The easiest way to

boost your fiber intake is to eat bran cereal: One half cup of 100% bran

ready-to-eat cereal can provide as much as 10 g of fiber. Add some fruit to

increase your fiber count: One half cup of raspberries has 4.6 g and a medium

banana has 3 g. If you are not used to eating fiber, increase your consumption

gradually to reduce the risk of gastrointestinal side effects.

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