Alternative therapy for Asthma

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Asthma is an inflammatory respiratory condition that causes difficulty in breathing.  The bronchial tubes become inflamed and the surrounding muscles tighten and mucus is produced, both of which further narrow the airways. 

Common causes of Asthma are allergens, such as pollen, dust and other pollution including cigarette smoke, fur or dandruff; food allergies or intolerances such as aspirin, food additives, eggs, shellfish, nuts, and peanuts; foods that are associated with delayed allergic reactions include milk, chocolate, wheat and citrus; food coloring and additives - Tartrazine (FD&C yellow dye # 5) benzoates, sulphur dioxide, and sulfites as well as yeast or molds on foods.

MEDICINAL FOODS FOR ASTHMA

Diet has an important role in the prevention and management of asthma therefore it is important to avoid foods such as wheat, yeast, foods containing molds such as blue-veined cheese, nuts, fish, eggs, coffee, chocolate, tea, and cow’s milk products are though to be detrimental, although goat’s milk and yoghurt and cheese made from them have been considered to be of benefit.  Paradoxically, lemons are of great benefit whilst other citrus fruits may cause problems.

Certain food additives can also trigger an asthma attack; therefore it is wise to avoid all benzoates, sulfites, gallates and especially yellow food colorings. In addition, BHA and BHT, should also be avoided. Also avoid sugar and to eat a diet low in animal fats. 

 A beneficial diet should be a whole-food diet full of fruits and vegetables, grains, lean proteins and without unnecessary saturated fat or sugar. Eat plenty of foods rich in magnesium, which is a natural bronchodilator that can help to prevent spasms of the bronchial passages. Studies have shown that magnesium levels are often low in asthmatics. Good food sources of magnesium include nuts and seeds, green leafy vegetables, whole-grains and unsulphured dried fruit. .  High consumption of apples may protect against asthma.

Incorporating fish into your diet has a beneficial effect if you suffer from asthma. Mackerel, salmon, fresh tuna, sardines and herring are marvelous sources of omega-3 essential fatty acids, which suppress the formation of leukotrienes that can cause the bronchial tubes to constrict. 

Asthmatics should drink plenty of water and diluted fruit juices as these help to thin mucus secretions. Cooking with plenty of warming spices is also beneficial for the lungs such as ginger; chili and cinnamon have antiseptic and expectorant properties and can help relieve the symptoms of asthma.  Onions are believed to have anti-asthmatic properties and it is suggested that you eat at least one cooked onion each day.

Because of the food allergies that can exacerbate their symptoms, you can perform an effective do-it-yourself test that will help you identify food sources of allergies. The Pulse Test was developed by immunologist Dr Arthur Coca who states in his book the necessary steps to provide proof that certain foods are actually the cause of allergies.   The steps are easy:  Determine your average pulse rate for one minute.  Check your pulse rate again after eating and digesting a suspected allergic food.  If your pulse rises 20 plus beats higher than your average, you are probably allergic to the food.  By simply avoiding that food you could relieve many of the symptoms associated with allergies.  

ESSENTIAL NUTRIENTS FOR ASTHMA

Asthmatics also tend to be low in B-vitamins.  Vitamin B6, has been shown to reduce asthma attacks and B12 therapy is especially effective in sulfite sensitive patients as B12 will bind to the sulfites and therefore block its effect.  Foods rich in B-vitamins include whole-grains, and green leafy vegetables.

Both treated and untreated asthmatics have lower levels of ascorbic acid in their serum and white blood cells. Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant and a mild antihistamine that boosts your health by battling the harmful free radicals in the body that can cause disease, especially in relation to asthma, as it can help to strengthen the lungs and mucous membranes. Vitamin C is found in a wide range of fruits and vegetables, especially guava, kiwi fruit, citrus fruits, blackcurrants and peppers.

Magnesium is thought to dilate the bronchial tubes, relaxing bronchial muscles, preventing a spasm and it also works to encourage a normal response to allergens.

 Vitamin A (as beta-carotene) works with Vitamin E to guard against air pollution.

Vitamin E is a powerful antioxidant that helps protect lungs from air pollution.

Selenium protects against free radicals damage brought on my environmental toxins.

Omega Fatty Acids - One of the primary inflammation-causing fats in our diets is believed to be arachidonic acid which is found in certain foods, such as egg yolks, shellfish, and meat. Arachidonic acid can also be produced in our bodies and you can reduce these levels by increasing intake of beneficial fats such as EPA (eicosapentanoic acid) from fish oil, and GLA (gamma-linolenic acid) from borage, black currant oil or evening primrose oil.

HERBAL REMEDIES FOR ASTHMA:

Garlic - Garlic and onions, these allium family members have long been used to treat bronchitis, allergies and asthma. The ingredients responsible include mustard oils and quercetin.

Ginkgo Biloba - Allergies and asthma also improve with ginkgo. The herb contains a dozen different anti-inflammatory chemicals and seven natural antihistamines.

Lobelia - Native Americans smoked the leaves of lobelia, known to colonists as Indian tobacco, to ease asthma.

Chamomile - is used as an antihistamine.

Elderberry - relieves nasal congestion. The flowers contain ursolic acid, which has an anti-inflammatory action.

Ginger  - reduces allergic reaction.

Licorice Root - possesses allergies-calming properties, and is used to reduce inflammation and restore normal breathing. Moreover, licorice acts against side effects of cortisone, the widely prescribed medicine for asthma.

ALJ - is an herbal blend that nourishes the immune and respiratory system.

Breathe EZ - is a concentrated Chinese formula for a stressed "metal: constitution which removes toxins from the entire respiratory tract, especially the lungs.

Bronchial Formula  - is an Ayurvedic blend that nourishes the lungs and bronchi.

HOMEOPATHIC REMEDIES for Asthma controls symptoms of asthma and bronchitis including difficulty in breathing, shortness of breath, tightness of chest, wheezing or coughing.

ESSENTIAL OILS:  Pure essential oils can reduce inflammation and incidents of asthma attacks. Helpful, are essential oils of bergamot, chamomile, clary sage, eucalyptus, lavender, pine and rose are all beneficial for asthma problems. These oils can ease pain, discomfort and inflammation and increase mucus flow.

Clary Sage: contains several estrogen-like oils that, when blended together, work for this condition. Blend these oils together for a massage oil or add them to bath water.

Bergamot with Chamomile and Lavender are anti-inflammatory essential oils and will help to ease symptoms. Blend these oils in a carrier oil and massage into the chest.

Rose Bulgaria: is antispasmodic oil and can be used in steam inhalation to calm attacks due to stress.

Pine Needle in the bath or in steam inhalation or in a diffuser will help reduce the incidence of attacks.

Breathe Free is a blend of pure essential oils that can be applied to forehead and behind ears and neck.

HOME REMEDIES FOR ASTHMA

Garlic Remedy for Asthma

3 heads garlic

600 ml (1 pint) water

300 ml (1/2 pint) cider vinegar

50g (20z) honey or raw sugar

Peel the garlic cloves and simmer them gently in the water for 20 minutes. Remove, drain and place in a jar. Add the vinegar and honey or sugar to the garlicky water and boil until syrupy. Discharge over the garlic in the jar and leave to cool before closing. Take one clove with the syrup every day.

For Immediate Relief

Massage the spine with both hands working from the bottom upwards. This relieves stress and the uncomfortable ache in back and shoulders caused by fighting for breath. There is a small area in the hollow of the throat which, if massaged with the little finger, in a gentle circular movement without pressure, which can bring relief.

 Inhalants - the best inhalant that I know of is Tea Tree Oil.

Lemon juice - Take 1 tablespoon of hot lemon juice, with or without honey, every 15 minutes.

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