Question: Do you have any recommendations for cleansing the lungs of a new nonsmoker, as well as anything else that may be beneficial to my health after smoking for many years?

Dr. Blaylock's Answer:

I congratulate you on giving up smoking. Smoking not only increases free radical damage to the lungs but also to every tissue in the body, including the brain. The ciliated cells lining the lung passages cannot be restored, but you can preserve the ones that were not destroyed and make them stronger.

One goal is to restore the health of the cells lining your lungs. All antioxidants will help, especially if combined. The most potent are curcumin, hesperidin, quercetin, ellagic acid, catechins, ferulic acid, anthocyanidins, and luteolins. These are found in grape seed extract, white tea, celery, kale, Brussels sprouts, broccoli, oranges, and grapefruits.

Magnesium will reduce the risk of developing asthma or wheezing. The carotenoids in these vegetables and fruits also protect the lungs. Lycopene and alpha-carotene play a major role in preventing lung cancer. You can take a mixed carotenoid supplement that has all of the carotenoids mixed together including alphacarotene.

Vitamin C (buffered) and natural vitamin E also are of help. Drink at least three cups of strong white tea a day.

I have had one person who has a lifetime problem with bronchitis experience dramatic relief by taking 10,000 IU of vitamin D3 a day. Vitamin D3 not only prevents immune overreaction, it stimulates the body to produce a series of antimicrobial proteins that kill bacteria, viruses, and fungi, that can be a real problem for people who have smoked.