Richard Simmons is deeply saddened.
Posted on 10/27/2003 9:15:12 PM PST by Recourse
A DROP OF RED HELPS BEAT FAGS Oct 28 2003
Wine `cure' for lung disease
By Lorraine Davidson
RED wine could hold the key to protecting smokers against a terminal lung disease.
A compound in the wine, resveratrol, which comes from the skin of grapes, is already linked with protection against heart disease.
Now scientists have found that it can help halt the march of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.
COPD, which is linked to emphysema, is the fourth-biggest killer in the western world and the only one which is on the increase.
It is expected to become the thirdbiggest killer within two decades. Victims often suffer a lingering death as it inflames the lungs, which deteriorate until breathing is impossible.
But tests both on patients with the disease and smokers who have not yet contracted it showed that resveratrol inhibited the danger chemicals that cause lung inflammation.
In those who already had the disease, the compound wiped out 94 per cent of the chemicals. In smokers, it eliminated 88 per cent.
Scientists at Imperial College, London, told the specialist journal Thorax they believe it is a major breakthrough in developing a treatment.
Dr Louise Donnelly, who led the research, said: ``Weare not curing the disease but treating it.
``It is the fourth-biggest killer in the world and by 2020 will be the thirdbiggest. Our aim is to prevent that.''
However, she added that the research does not mean smokers can simply go on a daily red wine binge to combat COPD.
Gallons of booze would be needed to get a high enough dose of resveratrol.
Dr John Harvey, chairman of the Communications Committee of the British Thoracic Society, said: ``Red wine hasalready been linked with protection against heart disease and more research is needed to assess its role in alleviating symptoms of chronic lung disease.
``It seems drinking red wine in moderation as part of ahealthy diet canreduce lung inflammation.
``There is also growing evidence that good nutrition and exercise within a pulmonary rehabilitation programme can improve the quality of life of people with chronic lung disease and reduce life-threatening attacks ``However, the most important way to actually stop lung damage occurring in the first place is to give up smoking
Richard Simmons is deeply saddened.
No, don't thank me...
A terrible burden, which you shouldn't bear alone.
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