Reader’s Tips On Asthma
I was diagnosed with Mild Asthma five years ago. I was offered medication by my doctor, which was expensive. I went to my public library and read a number of books on the subject and nutrition generally. I decided that I would try to find a solution or a regime that would allow me stop taking or using the medication:
Dietary changes — I gave up all dairy products, milk, cheese, butter, cream, yogurt and all associated products made from or with dairy products e.g. ice cream as they cause or increase mucus making in the body making breathing more difficult and causing and prolonging a cough. I also gave up eating potatoes in any shape or form, bread or wheat products, oatmeal and all pre-prepared food. I substituted with rice milk and brown basmati rice (full grain). I later changed to soya milk (less expensive).
Seeds — I blend 4 types of seeds (sesame, pumpkin, sunflower and linseed a.k.a flax seeds) in a blender and take one dessertspoonful every morning; the measure for each is a matter of trial and error.
Protein — I derive my protein from eating fish mainly oily fish e.g. salmon, tuna, mackerel, sardines I also eat chicken but only eat red meat about once a week.
Vegetables — I eat lots of vegetables cooked and raw; e.g. carrots, broccoli, turnips, parsnips, onions, cauliflowers and lettuce.
Fruit — I eat fruits but not as much as I should.
Supplements — I take daily 2 grams of vitamin C in capsule form, 1 dessertspoonful of liquid cod liver oil daily and 2 odourless garlic capsules daily.
Since changing my eating habits my health has improved significantly. My asthma no longer bothers me and it is about 2 years since I used the inhaler.
During this time I noticed that when I walked for twenty minutes or more at a fast pace my breathing would become tight but this has been lessening as time goes by.
On my regular 2 yearly visit to my optician for an eye check I was prescribed lesser strength lens than I previously had. No doubt due to the regular but controlled dose of vitamin A (cod liver oil).
I have not had a cold or flu in 2 years. I am 68 years of age and I have never smoked or used alcohol. I exercise frequently using light weights at home and by walking about 2-3 miles a day at an aerobic pace. I sleep about 6-7 hours a night. I resist naps during the day.
I figure we should know how our own bodies work and function. Health cannot be taken for granted but must be protected. Many diseases occur because of neglect or abuse. Health is our most treasured possession. I may not add years to my life but I may add life to my years: so far so good.
Eating healthy foods is a good thing and has its benefits but I found it very important to know what you are doing and the dangers of overeating some minerals and vitamins which can actually be dangerous and toxic if eaten to excess. Basically read about and around the subject of nutrition and know the dangers.
…Liam Healy via email, Sept 2005
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