- VITAMIN A, C and BETA CAROTENE
These powerful antioxidants guard against free radical damage and bulid up the immune system.
Most fruits and vegetables are rich in these antioxidants.
Suggested supplement dosage : 5000 IU of vitamin A, 3000 mg of vitamin C and 25,000 IU of beta carotene.
- VITAMIN B3 – NIACIN
It can reduce wheezing.
Suggested supplement dosage : 100 mg.
- Vitamin B6 – PYRIDOXINE
Commonly found to be lacking in asthmatics. Asthma medication depletes the body’s supply of this vitamin.
Vitamin B6 helps the body use magnesium.
Suggested supplement dosage : 50 mg daily.
- VITAMIN B12 – COBALAMIN
A high amount of 1500 mcg of vitamin B12 was found to reduce sensitivity to sulfites.
Source: Anibarro B et al “Asthma with sulfite intolerance in children: A blocking study with cyanocobalamin” Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology (1992) 90:103-109
It is advisable to take a B complex while taking any of the B vitamins. This is to avoid vitamin B6-induced deficiencies.
- VITAMIN E
An indispensible fat-soluble antioxidant that reduces free-radical damage and helps bring IgE levels down.
Researchers who looked at a random serum sample of 2,633 adults found that those whose diets were high in vitamin E had the lowest levels of IgE and a lower incidence of allergic reaction.
Source: A. Fogarty et al “Dietary vitamin E, IgE concentrations, and atopy” The Lancet (2000) 356:1573-1574
Suggested supplement dosage : 400 IU daily of a natural Vitamin E (d-alpha tocopherol) supplement.
- QUERCETIN
This antioxidant helps protect lung tissue from damage and it inhibits the release of histamine.
Suggested supplement dosage : 300 mg 3 times daily or 500 mg for maintenance.
- MAGNESIUM
Improves lung function, relaxes mucus and opens up bronchial tubes. Asthmatics are found to be deficient in this mineral.
Suggested supplement dosage : 400mg daily for adults.
Note : reduce dosage when stools are loose.
- SELENIUM
Another mineral that may be found lacking in asthma suffers.
Selenium is an antioxidant that activates another antioxidant called glutathione in the body. Glutathione is believed to protect against oxidative stress in the air passages.
Suggested supplement dosage : 100 mcg daily for adults.
Source: Stone J, et al “Reduced selenium status of patients with asthma” Clinical Science (1989) 77:495-500; Shaheen SO et al “Dietary antioxidants and asthma in adults” American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine (2001) 164:1823-1828
- NONI
A natural tropical fruit found to contain over 150 nutraceuticals which include 20 amino acids, 9 of which are essential because they are not produced in the body, vitamin A, all the B vitamins, vitamin C, vitamin E, beta carotene, ursolic acid, linoleic acid, proxeronine (bromelain), scopoletin, pectin, phytosterols, calcium, magnesium and zinc.
Noni’s important healing properties help reduce the severity of asthmatic symptoms by boosting the immune system while strengthening the celluar structure of the broncial tubes.
Noni also contains scopoletin, which belongs to a group of compounds called coumarins. Scopoletin has strong anti-inflammatory influence that has proven useful in the treatment of asthma and bronchial diseases.
Noni has high levels of bromelain which is also known as proxeronine. This substance has potent anti-inflammatory properties.
Surely, it must be the whole noni makeup, the combination of all the nutrients found in this fruit that makes it unique and more importantly effective against many health challenges.
The author of ’76 Ways to Use Noni Fruit Juice’ (Direct Source, 2001) recommends taking 6 ounces of noni juice for the first 3 days and thereafter 3 ounces daily. When symptoms improve, stop taking noni for a few days before resuming to 3 ounce per day. In addition the use of a noni poultice allows noni’s healing compounds to move deeply into the affected organ.
Source: “Tahitian Noni Juice : How Much, How Often, For What” Neil Solomon (Direct Source, 2002); Erazo S et al “Phytochemical and biological study of radal Lomatia hirsuta” Journal Ethnopharmacol (Jul 1997) 57(2):81-83
- PYCNOGENOL
A clinical study published in the Journal of Medicinal Food (vol. 4, 2001, 201-210)
found pycnogenol, an extract from the French maritime pine tree to improve breathing ability in asthma patients. Pycnogenol is an antioxidant and as anti-inflammatory properties.
- N-ACETYLCYSTEINE (NAC)
A powerful antioxidant known to break up mucus.
Food sources : avocados, eggs, granola, oats, wheat germ.
Suggested supplement dosage : 500 mg twice daily for a month or when there is a mucus build-up. Consult a physician before taking the supplement.
- HERBS
[1] Ginkgo helps to support healthy blood circulation by inhibiting the effects of a blood clotting substance called platelet activating factor (PAF). The body requires PAF for a certain functions, but excess PAF has been linked to asthma, allergies, inflammatory conditions and heart diseases.
Suggested supplement dosage : 40 mg 3 times daily. Take for 2 weeks and rest for a week, then repeat this cycle.
[2] Licorice root is a potent anti-spasmodic, anti-inflammatory and expectorant. It helps to strengthen adrenal glands.
[3] Lobelia, also known as Indian tobacco is a natural bronchodilator. It soothes the bronchial tubes and relaxes the muscles.
Suggested dosage : 20 drops of tincture (6-7 drops of cayenne tincture can also be added) with some water at the start of an attack.
Note : Can be toxic in large doses. Do not take for more than a month. Consult a qualified herbalist.
[4] Mullein is an astringent and emollient (soothing) herb that is used to clear bronchial congestion and mucus. Add a teaspoon of herbs to boiling water and infuse for 5 to 10 mins.
[5] Green tea has antioxidant properties and plays a part in relieving inflammation. Both green and black teas contain theophylline (a close relative of caffeine) which acts as a bronchodilator. Drink a cup of hot tea at the onset of an attack.
[6] Ginger helps eliminate mucus and increases blood circulation.
[7] Iron and silica-rich nettle leaf tea helps to inhibit the release of histamine.
[8] Garlic, cayenne, astragalus, dong quai, ma huang and ivy-leaf have also been used to strengthen the lung and reduce mucus build-up in the airways and in the lungs.
- XIAO-QING-LONG-TANG (XQLT)
This is a traditional chinese medicine used for many centuries in Asia to treat asthma.
A study showed XQLT to have a relaxing effect on the bronchial tubes and actually stops the accumulation of eosinophils, a type of white blood cells which produce the allergic inflammation associated with asthma.
Source: Kao ST et al “Effects of xiao-qing-long-tang (XQLT) on bronchoconstriction and airway eosinophil infiltration in ovalbumin-sensitized guinea pigs: in vivo and in vitro studies” Allergy (2001) 56:l164-1171
- FATS
Omega-3 fatty acids can help reduce inflammation. Food source : flaxseed.
- TAKE VEGAN FOODS
In a study where 24 asthma sufferers followed a vegan diet for one year, 92% had experienced a reduction in their symptoms and the need for medication.
Source: Lindahl O et al “Vegan Regimen with Reduced Medication in the Treatment of Bronchial Asthma” Journal of Asthma (1985) 22:45-55
- BREATHING TECHNIQUES
Learning how to breathe properly can help you relax. Getting tense and panicky only use up more oxygen so it is definitely crucial to stay calm and breathe right during an attack. Sitting down or lying on the back is the best position to take during an attack.
The right way to breathe : Breathe in and out slowly using your diaphragm. That means the stomach must (just below your rib cage) ascend when inhaling and descend while exhaling (lie down and put some books on the stomach to witness this motion). But make sure you let your shoulders droop and relax (i.e. the shoulders must not move while breathing). Using the diaphragm to breathe fully expands the lungs when inhaling and empties them when exhaling.
Purse lips exercise : breathe in slowly then purse your lips and blow out air as strongly as you can.
The Alexander technique is a method that helps a person focus on breathing and maximize oxygen intake.
- EXERCISE
Take part in sports and keep fit. Staying active can strengthen the lungs.
Swimming is least likely to trigger an asthma attack, among all other sports.
Medication is recommended before any physical activity (or depending on your physician’s advice) and keep it close at hand.
Always do warm-up exercies (up to half an hour) and rest for about 10 minutes before beginning any vigorous exercise. If you still feel wheezy, your asthma might not be under control.
- ALLERGEN-FREE HOME
Opt to use non-toxic household cleaning products. Remove possible sources of mold.
Choose hypoallergenic (less irritation to skin) bedclothes and mattress. Change bedclothes regularly.
- DE-STRESS
Set aside time and effort to relax and de-stress.
- MEDICATION
Always bring your medication wherever you go.
