Trying to improve my fev1

[christina1947]

Hi has anyone managed to improve their fev1 with change of life style exercise healthy eating vitamins etc.

[corriena]

No but i changed my life with them 🙂 so totaly worth the effort

[hypercat54]

You can't repair any damage done to your lungs but you can improve the rate at which your body uses oxygen by exercise and leading a healthy lifestyle. This could show in an improved FEV1 x

[Hidden]

Yes - I increased my fev1 and fvc year on year with increasing levels of exercise - mostly walking and swimming - and I believe many others have around the world too. It does take a lot of work eg. exercise 6 days a week. My breathing is better, I do still get sob but not as much as 11 years ago. I still need oxygen 24/7 - 2LPM for sleep and up to 6LPM in the daytime depending on what I am doing. I think the increase in my fvc was more important than the increase in fev1. Anyhow - just go for it - you have nothing to lose and there's still no treatment for COPD as good as serious exercise.

[casey16gatsby in reply to Hidden]

Great question and answer. I'm curious vansmith -- what is your

FEV 1?

Thanks.

[Hidden in reply to casey16gatsby]

Detailed answer here - way down in the responses - I did 3 responses, the 2nd includes details of fev1 & links : healthunlocked.com/blf/post...

[christina1947 in reply to casey16gatsby]

Hi my fev1 is 69% I was told to change my lifestyle build up my fitness level and go have another test in 6 months I a 70 and doing my very best xx

[2greys]

Yes it is possible as @vansmith has said, it is rigorous exercise that is the key (deliberately getting breathless), you can train your muscles to operate at lower oxygen levels.

[SecondLife]

my hubby certainly has, 9 years ago they were talking about the only options were to put him on the lung transplant list, we went home thought about everything and made the decision to move to a cleaner air environment, from there he went on a pulmonary rehab course and we have continued this daily and worked out the best food for us. All of this has resulted in him being stable for the last 3 years with a slightly improved FEV1

[donut43]

As 2 greys says exercise until breathless deep breathing and a heathy diet and lifestyle. Lots of info on this site foe help with breathing exercise. RESP team are a great help.

Dan

[Badbessie]

Yes it is possible. Exercise is the key. However before starting an exercise program get checked over first by GP.

[Jollj]

Hi,from being a couch potato with moderate COPD i have listened to people in this forum and for six weeks have been swimming 3 times per week,totally changed my diet with the help of a my fitness pal app on my phone and I have lost 17 pounds in weight and now do around 30 lengths per session,I cannot walk very far due to osteoarthritis in my knees but the swimming is helping,I hope my FEV is ok on my next visit as I was borderline mild/moderate on my last visit.

[Bliss2]

Christina 1947 you can by exercise I like to go to the gym 2 to 3 times a week four years ago my Fev 1 was 60% it’s now 74% it don’t have to be hard going at the gym and you do also get a personal trainer to help you give it ago oh by the way the gym I go to is a Council one good luck xx

[garibaldon]

Hi Christina, excercise seems to be the only solution.. I use the gym twice a week . Sure , it’s tough at first but keep it up and it’s will open your airways.

Swimming is The optimum exercise, unfortunately I can’t tolerate the chlorine in the water. My surgery gave me a peak flow meter and I do a

before and after gym visit tests I manage an increment of 25 point after a gym visit. Good luck, I hope you find the best regime and improve

[Beth1949]

Yes, I have improved my FEV1 over the past three years. I'm not sure why.

I retired from a stressful job (I job I loved) 3 1/2 years ago. There were times that I put my job before my health.

2 1/2 years ago, I had a stem cell treatment done at a research facility, to help repair lung damage.

Also, 2 years ago, we moved to an area of the country that has less air pollution (moved to be closer to family and grandkids).

I take my meds and also Turmeric and try to eat healthy.

As stated before, exercise and/or stay as active as you can.

[Hacienda]

Yes, I agree with Most, Exercise is Vital. Tomorrow I go for my Lung capacity Test since the valves where inserted last Month.. I am Exercising with more Vigor, have always taken Vitamins, Food Portions and the (Odd Treats) are important, so I hope my FEV has Increased from 30%. I have not been swimming, but, will ask My Consultant if it is ok to do so. can't risk Infections while I wait Lung Transplant, Hope your well Christina, and you take all these Comments as the Best advise ever. Love n Hugs XXXX

[casey16gatsby]

Thanks vansmith --I really appreciate your sharing -- and found it valuable.

All the Best -- to my Health Unlocked -- COPD friends -- this is a great forum!

[christina1947]

I just love the way people on this forum much worse off health wise than me are so encouraging and caring x