Natural Remedies for Asthma

Asthma: A Brief Introduction

Natural Remedies for Asthma are fast becoming a popular alternative to conventional medications. Most conventional drugs offer only temporary relief, with unpleasant side effects whereas natural remedies for asthma not only relieve symptoms but strengthen the lungs and immune system.

Asthma, affecting nearly 20 million Americans, is a common respiratory disease in which the airways to the lungs accumulate excess mucus, due to allergic triggers, develop inflammation and eventually the bronchial tubes tighten up making breathing difficult or even impossible.

Do You Suffer from asthma? The dramatic increase in asthma cases can be attributed to dietary influences, such as food allergies, sensitivities, nutrient deficiencies and poor quality foods that harm the immune system.

Dr. Alan R. Gaby, M.D. a nutritional medicine specialist and author of The Patient's Book of Natural Healing says, "the first step is to rule out food allergies, which are a major contributing factor for more than a third of asthmatic adults."

Avoid Asthma Triggers...

• Fried or processed foods high in pro-inflammatory omega-6 fatty acids and trans fats.
• Poor quality supplements and medications that contain food coloring and additives, such as, yellow dye #5.
• Sugar and refined carbohydrates that increase inflammatory compounds in the body.
• A high salt diet which can inhibit lung function.
• Dairy foods form mucous in the respiratory system.
• Wheat products are a common food allergen.
• Excess tryptophan consumption can stress lung function, such as, turkey, chicken, dairy products and seafood.

5 Foods to Reduce Your Risk for Asthma Salmon The omega-3 fatty acids are well known to reduce the body's production of inflammatory compounds. Other sources of omega-3's are flax seeds, walnuts and canola oil. Eat 2 to 4 ounces of cooked salmon, 2 to 3 times per week. Spinach is a great source of magnesium, which may improve the symptoms of asthma. In addition, spinach is high in B vitamins that help people with stress-related asthma. Other sources of magnesium are almonds, sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds, tofu and beans. Red Peppers are rich in vitamin C, which helps reduce inflammation in the body by acting like an antihistamine. Other sources of vitamin C are, peaches, papayas, strawberries, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, oranges and grapefruit. Onions are high in quercetin (a type of flavonoid) that have anti-inflammatory and anti-allergic properties. and anti-asthmatic. Onions contain prostaglandins that relax the bronchial pathways. Chickpeas are rich in B6, which may decrease wheezing and asthma symptoms, especially in children. It makes a lot of sense to get enough of this stress relieving nutrient. Other sources of B6 are, barley, brown rice, sweet potatoes, sunflower seeds and peas.

Homeopathy

A homeopathic doctor is going to look deeper into when and where you get asthma attacks. You will be asked many questions, such as, “do you feel a restriction or a burning feeling?” or “Is this feeling more on your right or left side?”

After a comprehensive health history is completed, homeopathic doctors will provide you a natural remedy that best suits your needs.

Acupuncture and Biofeedback

Chronic stress weakens the immune system and its ability to resist asthma attacks. Studies have shown that biofeedback can improve lung function and reduce your need for medication.

Yoga and Meditation

Natural Remedies for Asthma
At Home

Be sure to seek the advice of a trusted, health care provider. This information is designed to provide some healthy suggestions. I encourage you to further investigate these natural remedies, choose options that best suit your needs and review progress with your doctor.