Today we are aware that several conditions are linked to vitamin deficiencies and allergies- Asthma isn’t the exception. The most recent study conducted in 2009 concluded that most of the children who participated in the study with persistent asthma were deficient or insufficient in Vitamin D.
Another factor is nutrition is Omega 3’s which plays an important role in treating and even reversing asthma. It is important to make sure that children are consuming good sources of Omega 3’s from animal sources such as Salmon, grass-fed beef, eggs and avoid Omega 6’s such as in foods fried in vegetable oils. If you prefer a plant based diet, Butterbur has been used for hundreds of years to treat upper respiratory infections naturally. Her are some good facts about this healing root:
Butterbur:
The efficacy and tolerability of a butterbur root extract (Petadolex) for the treatment of asthma was analyzed in a prospective, non-randomized, open trial. Subjects included 64 adults and 16 children/adolescents treated for two months with the extract, followed by two months during which the intake of the extract was optional. (Find butterbur here
Concomitant asthma medication was permitted. The number, duration, and severity of asthma attacks decreased, while peak flow, forced expiratory volume (FEV1), and all measured symptoms improved during therapy. In addition, more than 40 percent of patients using asthma medications at baseline reduced intake of these medications by the end of the study. This study suggests the Petasites hybridus extract Petadolex is an effective and safe therapy for the treatment of asthma.
Note: Butterbur should not be taken by pregnant or nursing women or for long periods of time. *
What is Asthma
Asthma is a chronic disease affecting the lower respiratory tract in which airways become narrower, making it hard for oxygen to pass through seamlessly. Individuals suffering from allergic asthma can benefit from natural asthma treatments. They usually overreact to allergens, such as pollen, molds, mites, in the air and are vulnerable to respiratory infections.
Commonly characterized by mucus hyper secretion and airway hyperactivity, asthma affects the immune system of the body and causes inflammation in the airways that risks causing:
- tightening of the muscles surrounding the airways, which further causes narrowing of the muscles, making it difficult for oxygen to be exhaled
- swelling of the airway lining
Symptoms of Asthma
An asthma patient develops super-sensitivity to certain allergens, foods or the environment that do not bother others without the condition. Often times, an asthma attack can be brought by a reaction to smoke, exercise, and even cold air, this is where natural asthma remedies can help.
The obstruction of airways can lead to chest pain or shortness of breath. An asthma patient often experiences shortness of breath, coughing, wheezing, and chest tightness or pain. Some other asthma symptoms include:
- Breathing difficulty
- Excessive sweating
- Severe anxiety
- Blue/ purple lips
- Rapid pulse
- Drowsiness
What Causes Asthma
Recent research has linked asthma to a deficiency in Vitamin D levels because Vitamin D can be a very powerful immune modulator (source). Ideally, you want to get your of vitamin D from the best source; the sun. However, supplementation, especially in the winter time, is essential. I supplement vitamin D mainly in the winter months, because of less sun exposure. I prefer this Liquid Vitamin D | 2,000 IU
I truly saw a dramatic change while taking it especially in that my skin tags, started disappearing and dark spots on my face are pretty much gone. Plus, the reviews are great and it has five-star reviews in most if not all retailers sites. When external or internal factors are responsible for causing inflammation, there is swelling of the air passages, which are filled with mucus. This causes the muscles in the breathing passage to further contract, resulting in more narrowing of the airway. This narrowing makes it hard for air to be exhaled from the lungs. If the body shows resistance to exhaling, it often results in typical asthma symptoms.
- Pollen, weeds, pets, molds, cockroaches, dust mites in carpets, bedding, furniture, pet dander
- Chemical fumes, tobacco smoke
- Weather changes, sudden rise or drop in temperature
- Extreme emotional arousal, including fear, anger
- Air pollution
- Family history of asthma
- Certain medications, like anti-inflammatory drugs, aspirin, beta-blockers used for treating heart conditions, high blood pressure, and migraine
- Upper respiratory infection during childhood
- Activities affecting breathing, including laughing, yelling, exercising, crying
These days, even urbanization is being blamed for an increase in the number of asthma cases. At least 5,000 Americans die of asthma every year, and over 17 million are affected with the problem, thanks to our sedentary lifestyle, which has caused an epidemic of obesity. Research even claims a link between obesity and asthma.
I’d love to hear what you think about conventional treatments vs natural remedies for Asthma. What has worked for you?
As always, thanks for reading and visiting.
To your health,
http://www.who.int/respiratory/asthma/causes/en/index.html
http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/health-topics/topics/asthma/
http://www.webmd.com/asthma/guide/allergic-asthma http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15005644
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