Asthma

What Is It?

Asthma is an allergic breathing disorder characterized by difficult breathing because of an inflammation of the bronchial airways, excessive excretion of thick mucus, choking, and wheezing. It can be a very serious condition that may require emergency measures. It affects approximately 3% of the entire United States population, and is most commonly found in children, with boys being affected at a 2:1 ratio to girls. Asthma is on the rise in the United States, largely among children, perhaps due to more air and water pollution, the use of pesticides and chemical fertilizers, early weaning and early introduction of solid foods to infants, food additives, and genetically modified food.

There are basically 2 types of asthma – extrinsic and intrinsic.

• Extrinsic is brought on by a reaction of the immune system to some antigen perceived as an enemy by the body (allergy) (Pollens, animal dander, dust, molds, smoke etc.)
• Intrinsic is a reaction to things like cold air, exercise, infection and even emotional upset.

Dietary Considerations

• Food allergies play a large role in asthma. The most common food allergies are wheat, dairy, corn, sugar, food additives and chemically sprayed produce. During an attack only fresh foods should be eaten and include plenty of water. Fresh vegetables and fruits contain minerals and antioxidants that provide important defense mechanisms.
• Avoid dairy products, as they create mucus. Also avoid sugar, foods with sulfites, preservatives or MSG, high-gluten refined bread, oily or fried foods, refined and processed foods, soft drinks and caffeine.
• Avoid hydrogenated oils, safflower, sunflower, corn oils, food additives and alcohol.
• Try to eat a largely vegetarian diet, with fish two or three times a week. Fish contains essential fatty acids that reduce inflammation and improves respiratory function as well as the responsiveness of the airways to allergens.
• Reduce starchy food and salt. Asthma is common when salt intake is high.

Lifestyle Modifications

• Try to stay away from cortisone compounds and over-the-counter drugs that can drive congestion deeper into the body.
• Avoid tobacco smoke and anything else you know you are allergic to.
• Keep indoor plants in your home as natural air filters.
• Use fragrance-free soaps and laundry detergent.
• Keep house temperature at 70 degrees or less and humidity at 55% or less, if possible. Keep air moving through the house and vacuum often.
• If you respond to emotional crises with asthma attacks, seek counseling.
• Consider an elimination diet to identify food allergens.
• Check for Candida overgrowth. If necessary, go on a Candida diet for 3 months.

Supplementation

• EPA-DHA – 500-2,000 mg
• Take a good high-potency B vitamin formula daily. Especially important is Vitamin B12 (1,000 mcg daily)* and B6 (50 mg daily)*
• Take a good antioxidant supplement and 1-5 grams of Vitamin C* daily
• Vitamin E 400-800 IU with Selenium 400mcg daily
• Take 400-600 mg of magnesium* daily. (For an acute attack, intravenous magnesium can halt the attack)
• If the adrenal glands are stressed or weak, take a raw glandular until normalized. (It is best to see a trained practitioner for this.)
• Taking Reishi mushrooms, either in capsules or drops, can ease stress.
• Acidophilus and Bifido bacteria – 2 capsules or Tablespoons of each daily
• Taurine – 1-3 grams
• NAC – 1-2 grams

*Adult dosage

Any person who is under a physician’s care for asthma should consult with his/her physician before starting a supplement program.

Please remember that an acute asthma attack can be a medical emergency, and the person may need to be referred to an emergency room immediately.

The nutritional suggestions in this material are not offered to treat, mitigate or cure disease, and should not be used as a substitute for sound medical advice. This information is designed to be used in conjunction with the services of a trained, licensed healthcare practitioner.