Andrew J. Lederer: My Brand New Life
River Lost 150 Pounds: 'There Is Hope. Grab Onto It'
Chronic Cough? Get more iron
Posted on Oct 31st 2007 9:14AM by Martha EdwardsFiled Under: Diet & Weight Loss, Nutrition & Supplements
A chronic cough is something that's plagued me at various points in my life. Dry and hacking, it's a nuisance to have, and its sometimes ominous presence is something that's always puzzled me because I don't get sick often and I don't smoke.
But according to recent reports, diet might be the reason behind that dry hacking cough -- those with a chronic cough might not be getting enough iron. This may also explain why women tend to develop chronic coughs more often than men. Women with iron deficiencies were also more likely to have swollen vocal chords and were also more likely to choke easily. It all comes down to the immune system -- iron helps you produce certain proteins in the immune system that help regulate inflammation in your tissue.
For me, this makes a lot of sense -- I've had troubles with iron deficiency before. But whether you have a chronic cough or not, it seems the adequate levels of iron are important for regular immune system functioning.
But according to recent reports, diet might be the reason behind that dry hacking cough -- those with a chronic cough might not be getting enough iron. This may also explain why women tend to develop chronic coughs more often than men. Women with iron deficiencies were also more likely to have swollen vocal chords and were also more likely to choke easily. It all comes down to the immune system -- iron helps you produce certain proteins in the immune system that help regulate inflammation in your tissue.
For me, this makes a lot of sense -- I've had troubles with iron deficiency before. But whether you have a chronic cough or not, it seems the adequate levels of iron are important for regular immune system functioning.
