Treating Asthma the Natural Way
>> Tuesday, May 31, 2011
Taking a natural, holistic approach to treating asthma has several benefits worthy of consideration. The effects of asthma range from the mildly irritating, shortness of breath and occasional coughing spell to the extreme constriction of air passageways making breathing quite difficult, with worse case scenarios death resulting from an attack.
While there are a number of legitimate and often times, especially in emergent situations, quite effective ways of treating asthma attacks using drug or other pharmaceutical therapies, some patients are on the lookout for a change. These people suffering with regular symptoms hope to find effective solutions to their challenges via more holistic methods.
The following list outlines some of the more interesting and effective natural methods one might attempt in their pursuit of easing or eliminating the effects of asthmatic conditions.
Losing weight has been shown to decrease the affects of those suffering from asthma. Though the entirety of why this may be the case is unknown, some theories postulate that the reduction of weight helps lessen the lungs requirements to introduce enough oxygen for the body as well as generally increasing the volume of air able to make its way through the breathing passageways.
Bromelain is an extract taken from pineapples. It is believed this substance has effective anti-inflammatory properties allowing for ease of breathing in those taking it. Obviously, if one has allergies to pineapples, this option should not be considered.
Boswellia, an herb used in traditional Indian medicines is thought to reduce the incidence of leukotrienes, which when found in the lungs have the result of reducing air passage in and out.
Omega-3 Fatty Acids are one way to fight against inflammation causing fats in many asthma sufferers diets. Shellfish, egg yolks and meat have a substance known as arachidonic acid. While reducing the amount of these foods one eats will decrease the detrimental effects the fat has, the body still produces certain levels of the acid on its own as well. Various components of fish oils and other omega-3 fatty acid supplements will help fight the increasing levels of arachidonic acid naturally occurring in the body.
Buteyko Breathing Techniques are a series of shallow breathing exercises which introduce elevated levels of carbon dioxide to the asthma sufferers blood stream. As the airways become constricted, there is a reduction of oxygen able to make its way through. The carbon dioxide helps to dilate, or open up those airways
Fruits and vegetables, notably apples, tomatoes, carrots and leafy vegetables have been shown in a variety of studies to have positive effects on children and adults suffering from asthma. In fact, one study performed at Cambridge indicates that low consumption of the mineral manganese, Vitamin C and general fruits tended to produce more asthma symptoms in adults.
Though natural remedies may be effective for some, every potential treatment option should still be approached with care. If the patient is currently under a doctor's care, be sure to check in before undertaking a radical departure from the current treatment plan. Always maintain proper levels of prescription inhalers on the chance that something causes symptoms to return.
Good healthy living is a great way to begin to naturally fight ones challenges with asthma. Not only should the benefits to breathing become apparent with many of the above natural options, but good health and longevity are a wonderful side effect as well.
Vera Mosley is a writer for Henry Harlow, an attorney’s office who specializes in disability denial. She is passionate about helping those in need and insuring the rights of others.
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