Asthma...Natural Solutions

I’ve been asked to share information pertaining to natural health solutions for asthma---thanks for asking, Sharon & Colleen! This information has been a work in progress from my studies…from accomplished leaders in the field of natural medicine, like Dr. Andrew Weil, Dr. Russell Blaylock and Dr. Eldon Haas. It’s so confirming to see how in agreement these leaders are in so many aspects in natural medicine, focusing on true evidence-based medicine.

This information is for your education. You may be aware of some of the content, which is good! Work with your health care provider to see what parts, if any, are a good choice for you. Always keep in mind that YOU are the 'Owner' of your health. If your health care provider isn’t interested in working with you, don’t be discouraged---and don’t give up! If a health care provider isn’t willing to work with you except in writing prescriptions, it could be time to look for someone who is willing to work with you. Good for you in being open to learning about natural, safe options for your health!

You’re probably well aware of all the advantages---for EVERYONE---of a diet high in veggies and fruit. Some studies suggest that apples, carrots, tomatoes & leafy vegetables can be especially beneficial for people with asthma.

Asthma is an inflammatory disease. Free radicals increase (not a good thing) in your body whenever there is inflammation. Vitamins A, C, E and the mineral selenium are among the many antioxidants that help fight free radicals. Magnesium has been found to be helpful in relaxing muscle, including the muscles in our airways. Potassium and zinc assist with cell hydration. A well-rounded, whole-food multivitamin/mineral supplement can provide this nutritional support we need in addition to our healthy eating.

Bromelain is an enzyme in pineapples believed to have an anti-inflammatory effect. The herbs ginkgo biloba and licorice root help decrease inflammation in the lungs. Ginger and turmeric have great anti-inflammatory qualities as well.

Asthma control is very dependent on a proper fatty acid profile. Asthmatics can greatly benefit from a proper balance of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids in their diet. For most of us, that means increasing omega-3 intake and decreasing omega-6 intake. Omega-3 fatty acids EPA and DHA have been found to be helpful in controlling asthma and inflammation. EPA and DHA are found in cold-water fish, such as salmon and trout as well as walnuts and flax seed. It can also be obtained from good quality fish oil capsules. Vegan versions of EPA & DHA are available as well. Using extra virgin olive oil for cooking is one way to keep the healthy omega-3’s in balance.

A fatty acid known as arachidonic acid (an omega-6 that is found in egg yolks, shellfish and meat) may increase the risk for asthma and asthma symptoms. Replacing animal protein with plant protein as much as possible can prove beneficial for some asthmatics.

Sometimes a specific food can trigger asthma attacks. Eliminating wheat, corn, soy and sugar (one at a time) for 6-8 weeks to watch for changes in asthma status can identify certain problem foods/food groups. Using a quality mineral salt (RealSalt) instead of standard table salt is beneficial for overall health and has positive implications for breathing challenges.

Increasing water intake can decrease asthma attacks. Water keeps ALL of our cells hydrated. Drinking ½ our body weight in ounces is a standard goal, increasing the amount with exercise and during very warm weather. This should be good quality water---not tap water. Slightly alkaline water is best---both reverse osmosis and distilled water are quite acidic and not well absorbed. (More info in my archived blogs)

Installing a good air filtration system in the home can dramatically reduce the levels of respiratory irritants such as smoke, dust, molds and harsh chemicals. Air filtration systems that produce ozone should be avoided. Ozone is a respiratory irritant. The EPA is undergoing further analysis as to whether ozone should labeled as a toxic gas. Negative ions are good, ozone is not--except way up in the ozone layer! (More info in my archived blogs)

Magnetic technology in the form of thin magnetic pads, necklaces, etc. has been found beneficial by many in easing asthmatic symptoms. (More info in my archived blogs)

Thousands of former asthmatics have found chiropractic adjustment to work for them. A chiropractic adjustment can remove interference to the nervous system, allowing your body to heal itself and minimize symptoms. Manipulative work done on the chest can help in breaking up restrictive patterns in nerves and muscles that develop in chronic asthma (ie. osteopathic manipulation, especially from a practitioner of cranial therapy, deep-tissue massage).

As you can see, there are many avenues of safe, effective options to explore. Thanks for reading and learning---and keeping an open mind to safe options for a significant health challenge.

May you be blessed with wellness...
Sana
PS: I look forward to your comments!

What It Takes For Health...Cardiovascular and Overall Health

Another class completed---two more are waiting for me: Nutritional Influences on Health and Basic Herbology. Then it's on to Elements of Traditional Naturopathy...and yes, I'm a nerd...I think they sound very interesting and I can't wait to dive in! Oh, well, someone has to play the nerd role/I love to study & read huge books...and apply all this amazing knowledge in what I do! And it's only by God's grace that I'm moving forward with this---yes, He answers prayers!

This will be a short entry (yeah, right!) being I'm soon ready to head out the door to meet my sweet husband in Phoenix--then leave in the AM for a week! Yes, I'm taking my textbooks with me...and my highlighters...and our laptop. :)

In the middle of one of my chapters in 'Staying Healthy with Nutrition' the author ends a segment in the Special Supplements section with the following statement:

Ultimately, we'll see that maintaining alkalinity and lowering inflammation in the body with consistent good nutrition and regular exercise is going to be our best program for ensuring (and insuring) cardiovascular health.

Hmmmm.....He didn't mention a single medication or treatment for cardiovascular health...Hmmm...
I would take his statement one step further and change the words 'cardiovascular health' to 'overall health.'

The KEY is NOT waiting until something big/bad happens healthwise. Time for building prevention and a true feeling of wellness into our lives is NOW.

Taking small steps in changing what we eat...in the quality of our water...in the quality of our sleep...in making sure we get regular exercise...will pay off immensely in the long run. Remember his mention of 'alkalinity' -- check out some of my previous blogs if you're not familiar with it and how important it is to our health.

One last pointer when it comes to what we eat. Ditch the "I'm going on a diet" or "I'm on a diet" -- we're ALL on some type of diet (obviously some tremendously more healthy than others)! How about saying, "I'm changing my diet" or "I'm changing my diet for the better" (making one small change at a time, like adding a green salad every day).

May you each be blessed with great health--
Sana