RESPIRATORY - POSSIBLE SOLUTION IDEAS
Updated: Oct 20
There are many natural ways to support our respiratory health. Since this topic has come up so many times within the groups, we gathered our best information to help.
Short on time or energy? A quick-view graphic with the key points is at the bottom of this post.
Where I have a recommended product, the link to buy it is right under each idea.
Buy products on Fullscript for a 25% discount
BREATHING ISSUES AND LYME
-Breathing problems can be part of Lyme and co-infections. LymeDisease.org lists shortness of breath, often called "air hunger," as a Babesia symptom.
-A 2025 study of hospitalized Babesia patients found breathing symptoms like cough and shortness of breath in 42% of them.
-Trouble breathing, chest pain or lips turning blue? Get medical help right away.
Learn more in my Air Hunger post:
1. NAC (TOP MENTION)
-My doctor has had me use DaVinci Labs NAC 500 mg, but he lets me rotate brands. All top brands carry NAC at 25% off on Fullscript.
-Research on NAC for the lungs is mixed. A 2019 Cochrane review found mucus-thinning supplements like NAC may slightly lower flare-ups in chronic bronchitis and COPD, while a 2023 review of 9 trials found NAC didn't lower COPD flare-ups.
NAC EDUCATION:
Buy here (DaVinci Labs N-Acetyl Cysteine 500 mg):
2. GLUTATHIONE
-My top picks are usually Quicksilver Liposomal Glutathione and Tri-Fortify.
-Lately, for ease, I rotate with Designs for Health S-Acetyl Glutathione Synergy, which has glutathione and NAC together (200 mg glutathione and 1 g NAC per 2 capsules).
-A 2019 Cochrane review found inhaled glutathione probably improved lung function at 3 months in people with cystic fibrosis, though it didn't change flare-ups at 6 months.
GLUTATHIONE EDUCATION:
GLUTATHIONE ALTERNATIVES:
Want other quality brands? See my brands post:
Buy here (Researched Nutritionals Tri-Fortify Liposomal Glutathione):
Buy here (Quicksilver Scientific Liposomal Glutathione, Glutathione+ Cacao Mint):
Buy here (Designs for Health S-Acetyl Glutathione Synergy):
3. VITAMIN C
-I have used many forms and brands of vitamin C. I now only use Allergy Research Group Magnesium Ascorbate. It's a buffered, non-acidic form that's gentle on the stomach and a top recommendation if you have histamine issues (which I do).
-The NIH says regular vitamin C may modestly shorten colds and ease symptoms, but for most people it doesn't lower the chance of catching one. The upper limit for adults is 2,000 mg a day, and high doses can upset your stomach.
VITAMIN C EDUCATION:
VITAMIN C FOR MCAS AND HISTAMINE ISSUES:
Buy here (Allergy Research Group Magnesium Ascorbate):
4. ZINC
-My doctor has had me use Pure Encapsulations Zinc 15 and Zinc 30, and Xymogen Zinc Glycinate, at different times. When I take Zinc 30, he has me take it every other day.
-A 2021 review of 28 trials found zinc may help prevent respiratory infections and shorten symptoms by about 2 days, though the authors noted the evidence quality was limited.
-Be careful with high doses. The NIH says the upper limit for adults is 40 mg a day, and 50 mg or more for weeks can lower your copper.
ZINC EDUCATION:
Buy here (Pure Encapsulations Zinc 15):
Or Pure Encapsulations Zinc 30:
Or Xymogen Zinc Glycinate:
5. BROMELAIN
-I use bromelain in different formulas I take.
-A small 2023 study found a supplement with bromelain (plus black currant, boswellia and vitamin D) helped calm nose inflammation in chronic sinusitis. The NIH says there isn't enough high-quality research yet to recommend bromelain for sinusitis.
-Bromelain may interact with some blood thinners, antibiotics and seizure medicines, and it can cause allergic reactions in some people.
BROMELAIN EDUCATION:
Buy here (Pure Encapsulations Bromelain 2400):
6. COD LIVER OIL (INCREASES VITAMIN D NATURALLY)
-Rosita is the brand I see recommended most.
-To be honest, a large 2022 trial in The BMJ found cod liver oil taken in winter did not lower the risk of COVID-19 or other respiratory infections.
-Cod liver oil also has vitamin A. The NIH upper limit for adults is 3,000 mcg a day, and anyone who is or might be pregnant or is breastfeeding should avoid high doses.
COD LIVER OIL EDUCATION:
Buy here (Rosita Extra Virgin Cod Liver Oil, liquid):
Or softgels:
7. SULFORAPHANE
-Research on sulforaphane for the lungs is mostly lab and animal studies so far. A small human trial in COPD didn't show the effect researchers hoped for (Frontiers in Physiology, 2021 review).
SULFORAPHANE EDUCATION:
SULFORAPHANE PART 2:
Buy here (Designs for Health BroccoProtect):
Prefer a liquid or have gut issues? Consider DaVinci Labs Liposomal Sulforaphane:
RELATED POSTS
Air Hunger
Breathing Exercises
Immune System Solutions
Babesia (Natural Solutions)
Babesia Most Common Symptoms
Brands Often Recommended by Lyme Literate Doctors
Fullscript and Catalog Search
SOURCES
LymeDisease.org - Babesiosis: A Lyme Disease Co-infection (May 2022)
Pathogens - Pulmonary Manifestations of Babesiosis (April 2025)
Therapeutic Advances in Respiratory Disease - N-acetylcysteine in COPD: a meta-analysis (March 2023)
Cochrane - Mucolytic agents for chronic bronchitis or COPD (2019) - older source, still worth reading
Cochrane - Antioxidant supplementation for lung disease in cystic fibrosis (2019) - older source, still worth reading
NIH Office of Dietary Supplements - Vitamin C Fact Sheet (July 2025)
BMJ Open - Zinc for acute viral respiratory tract infections (November 2021)
NIH Office of Dietary Supplements - Zinc Fact Sheet (January 2026)
Journal of Clinical Medicine - Supplement with Bromelain in Chronic Sinusitis (April 2023)
NIH NCCIH - Bromelain (November 2024)
Nutrients - Therapeutic Potential of Bromelain (June 2024)
The BMJ - Cod liver oil and COVID-19 and other respiratory infections (September 2022)
NIH Office of Dietary Supplements - Vitamin A Fact Sheet (March 2025)
Frontiers in Physiology - Role of Nrf2 in Pulmonary Disease/Asthma (September 2021)
Disclaimer: Rise Above Lyme makes no claims about any possible benefit of using any product mentioned within this site. Always consult with your doctor before adding anything. The information shared is based on personal experience, years of accumulated researched resources from Lyme Literate doctors and polls conducted within Lyme groups from actual patient experience using these solution ideas.
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