Last updated: 2-6-2026] | Written by Dr. Chris Jackson, PharmD
The question I get asked most often isn't about dosages or ingredient sourcing. It's simpler than that: "Why lungs?"
I understand the curiosity. After all, the supplement market is flooded with products targeting weight loss, energy, and skin health. But for me, respiratory wellness was never just a business opportunity, it was personal.
Why Lungs? The Answer Is Personal
The question I get asked most often isn’t about dosages or ingredient sourcing.
It’s simpler than that:
“Why lungs?”
And the honest answer is this:
Lung disease shaped my family long before it shaped my career.
Growing up, respiratory illness wasn’t an abstract concept—it was something I heard, saw, and lived with. My grandmother, whom everyone called Shuggie, struggled to breathe for years. The wheezing. The coughing fits. The fear in her eyes when her lungs wouldn’t cooperate. Two of my aunts followed the same path, both suffering from smoking-related respiratory disease.
And my own dad.
That experience never left me. It became the backdrop of everything that came later.
From Family Loss to the Battlefield
Before I ever became a pharmacist, I served as a U.S. Army Combat Medic and infantryman, including two tours in Iraq. War teaches you a lot, but one lesson is universal: when breathing fails, everything fails.
In dusty, smoke-filled environments, I saw how fast respiratory distress could take even the strongest soldier out of the fight. Lungs don’t get much grace under stress.
But even then, the faces I saw struggling to breathe overseas reminded me of the faces I’d seen growing up—my family members back home.
Pharmacy School Didn’t Answer the Question I Needed Answered
After the military, I earned my Doctor of Pharmacy degree believing I’d finally find better solutions for people like my grandmother and aunts.
Instead, I found a gap.
Patients came to the pharmacy counter every day with the same complaints:
- persistent coughing
- thick mucus they couldn’t clear
- chest heaviness, especially in the morning
Many were former smokers trying to undo decades of damage. Others had occupational exposure—construction dust, welding fumes, chemicals. The options were bleak:
- harsh expectorants that upset their stomach
- decongestants that spiked blood pressure
- or “just wait it out”
I’d seen too much suffering to accept that those were the only answers.
The Science That Changed Everything
My pharmacy training taught me to trust the research. So when I started exploring natural compounds for respiratory support, I approached it the same way I'd evaluate any medication—with healthy skepticism and a demand for evidence.
What I found surprised me.
Mullein leaf, a plant that grows wild across North America, has been used for centuries to support respiratory health. But it wasn't just folk medicine. Modern research shows that mullein contains compounds called saponins that may help support natural mucus clearance. Traditional herbalists weren't wrong—they just didn't have the scientific vocabulary to explain why it worked.
Then there was N-Acetyl L-Cysteine, or NAC. This amino acid derivative is actually used in hospital settings to support respiratory function. Studies suggest NAC may help maintain the body's natural mucus viscosity—essentially keeping mucus thin enough to clear naturally.
Maritime pine bark extract caught my attention for its antioxidant properties. Our lungs are constantly exposed to environmental stressors—pollution, smoke, allergens. Antioxidants help support our body's natural defense against these daily assaults.
I spent months researching optimal combinations and dosages. I consulted with colleagues. I reviewed clinical literature until my eyes blurred. The result was a formula I was finally proud to put my name on.
Why Doctor-Formulated Matters
Here's something most people don't realize: the supplement industry has a trust problem.
According to research from the National Institutes of Health, supplement quality varies wildly between manufacturers. Some products don't contain what their labels claim. Others are contaminated with heavy metals or unlisted ingredients. A 2024 investigation by the FDA found that many supplements failed to meet their own label claims.
This is why I made third-party testing non-negotiable for BetterLungs. Every batch is tested by Eurofins Scientific, one of the largest testing laboratories in the world. When you see "third-party tested" on our label, it's not marketing fluff—it's accountability.
We manufacture in a GMP-certified facility right here in the USA. That means we follow the same quality standards required of pharmaceutical companies. Is it more expensive? Absolutely. Is it worth it? I wouldn't do it any other way.
Your Feedback Keeps Me Going
Launching BetterLungs felt like a leap of faith. Would people trust a new brand with their respiratory health?
The answer came faster than I expected. Within our first year, we had customers reaching out with stories that reinforced why I started this journey. Former smokers who felt like they could finally take a full breath. Construction workers who noticed a difference in their morning routine. Grandparents who could keep up with their grandkids again.
When we conducted a 60-day clinical trial through Citruslabs, the results validated what our customers had been telling us. Among participants using our Mullein + Chlorophyll formula, 81% reported less frequent coughing, 77% experienced clearer airways, and 73% found mucus clearance easier. Those numbers represent real people breathing easier—and that's what this has always been about.
Today, over 836,000 customers have tried BetterLungs. You can find us on shelves at CVS, Walgreens, and GNC. We offer a 365-day money-back guarantee because I genuinely believe in what we've created.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Dr. Chris Jackson choose these specific ingredients for BetterLungs?
Each ingredient in BetterLungs was selected based on scientific research supporting respiratory wellness. NAC is backed by clinical studies for mucus support, mullein has centuries of traditional use now validated by modern research, and maritime pine bark provides powerful antioxidant protection. The combination was designed to address multiple aspects of respiratory health simultaneously.
How is BetterLungs different from other lung supplements?
BetterLungs is doctor-formulated by a PharmD with real clinical experience, third-party tested by Eurofins Scientific, and manufactured in a GMP-certified USA facility. Unlike many competitors, we publish our clinical trial results and back every purchase with a 365-day money-back guarantee.
Is BetterLungs safe to take with other medications?
As a pharmacist, I always recommend consulting with your healthcare provider before starting any new supplement, especially if you take prescription medications. While our ingredients have strong safety profiles, individual interactions vary.
How long before I notice results with BetterLungs?
Most customers report noticing changes within two to four weeks of consistent use. In our clinical trial, significant improvements were observed at the 60-day mark. Respiratory wellness is a journey, not an overnight fix.
These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Always consult your healthcare provider before starting any new supplement.