How To Live With Asthma: The Naturopathic Approach
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Asthma is a long-term condition affecting the lungs of both children and adults alike. In this post, we will show the naturopathic approach to dealing with asthma.
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Asthma is a hypersensitivity and inflammatory respiratory disorder, and it’s increasing rapidly, especially in children.
The reasons for this are not entirely clear, but from a naturopathic point of view, it appears to have a lot to do with diet (peanuts, gluten, food additives, genetically modified foods, GMOs) and the environment sulphites and various preservatives and allergens such as pollen, dust, animal dander, some medications, smoke).
Asthma can also be induced or influenced by exercise, acid reflux (GERD), a woman’s menstrual cycle, cold air and stress.
Risk factors include a family history of asthma, another allergic condition, being overweight, smoking (or if your mother smoked during pregnancy), and low birth weight.
Symptoms can range from relatively mild to life-threatening.
They can be infrequent or daily. The symptoms may be exercise-induced, occupational, or allergic, or even triggered by unknown causes.
Conventional treatment includes medications and some suggested lifestyle modifications.
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The Naturopathic Approach
If you have asthma and consult with a naturopathic doctor, the approach may be a little different.
It is very likely that you will be asked many questions about your diet, your home, any animals, your personal and family history, questions related to your adrenal glands if you were breastfed and when you started eating solid foods, the number and types shots you’ve had, stomach problems, bowel movements, and general stress.
They may recommend tests for food sensitivities and adrenal gland function, as well as a panel of reproductive hormone tests.
The reason for this is that studies have shown that 92% of people who avoided all animal products showed significant improvement in their asthma symptoms.
Other studies have also shown that diet can play an important role in treating asthma.
Still, other studies have indicated a relationship between asthma with the functioning of the adrenal glands and the hormonal cycle.
Diet & Lifestyle Changes
Since asthma can be the end result of many different or interacting factors, it is very important to find the cause, and if possible, eliminate it.
This is one of the reasons why a naturopath may ask so many questions and suggest so many tests, including a food sensitivities one.
A whole food, additive and allergen-free diet are strongly recommended.
Find out what is sensitive and avoid it.
Many people with asthma actually have low stomach acid, acid reflux, or heartburn.
Use spices and herbs like onions, garlic, turmeric, and basil in your cooking.
Increase the amounts of vegetables and fruits (especially apples, as the skin contains quercetin, an anti-inflammatory).
If a child has a sensitivity to gluten or milk, she may improve within days or weeks after removing all gluten or dairy from her diet.
Try a vegetarian diet for at least 4 months if you still have symptoms.
If asthma is aggravated by hormonal imbalances, support of the adrenal glands, immune system, or reproductive system can relieve many or most of the symptoms.
If pet allergies are the problem, you may not have to get rid of your pet, but changing a few things like confining the pet to a few areas of the house or giving your furry friend a few more baths each week may be necessary.
The point is to find the cause, eliminate or limit it, and build overall health with diet and exercise.
Air purifiers can be installed in bedrooms and hypoallergenic bedding can also be used.
Exercise & Deep Breathing
Emphasis should be placed on exercise and deep breathing (deep breathing means breathing like babies and opera singers do) using the diaphragm and expanding the lungs.
You should start deep breathing exercises and take 50-100 deep breaths every day.
Soon you may begin to breathe this way all the time.
This exercises the lungs and makes the most of the oxygen that each breath takes in.
Herbal Remedies for Asthma
There are many herbs available that can help with asthma.
These should be taken with the guidance of a naturopathic doctor or master herbalist.
These professionals can provide you with a combination of herbs that is designed to be very specific to your condition.
The herbs below may have an impact on the frequency and severity of asthma symptoms:
Liquorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra)
Liquorice extract relieves symptoms and also has anti-allergic and anti-inflammatory actions.
Grindelia (Grindelia camporum)
Commonly used to treat bronchial asthma and respiratory obstructions due to phlegm build-up.
Euphorbia (Euphorbia hirta)
Good for all sorts of respiratory ailments including asthma.
Sundew (Drosera rotundifolia)
Usually taken as a tea, Sundew promotes the removal of lung secretions and has antitussive effects.
Indian tobacco (Lobelia inflata)
The most known herbal remedy for asthma, Indian tobacco comes in many forms, but tinctures are the best way to use it.
Cayenne Pepper (Capsicum frutescens)
Better taken in capsule form as the powder may trigger an asthma attack. It helps to break congestion in the lungs and prevent infections.
Tylophora asthmatica
Taking the extract daily for a week improves asthma symptoms for up to 8 weeks after treatment.
Ginkgo biloba
Ginkgo biloba extract improves asthma symptoms by blocking the action of its compounds.
Boswellia (Indian frankincense)
The extract can reduce bronchial inflammation.
Final Thoughts
Asthma patients can do a lot to control their symptoms, but it’s not always easy.
It may not be easy to give up your favourite foods and stay constantly on the watch for potential triggers, but the long-term health benefits will make it all worth it – especially if no harmful chemicals are involved in the process.
Make sure to always consult a health practitioner before undertaking any new treatment.
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FAQs
What are common triggers for asthma?
Asthma can be triggered by various factors including diet (peanuts, gluten, food additives, GMOs), environmental allergens (pollen, dust, animal dander, smoke), exercise, acid reflux (GERD), hormonal changes, cold air, and stress.
What are the symptoms of asthma?
Symptoms can range from mild to life-threatening and may include wheezing, shortness of breath, chest tightness, and coughing. These symptoms can be infrequent or daily and may be induced by exercise, occupation, or allergens.
What risk factors are associated with asthma?
Risk factors include family history of asthma, other allergic conditions, being overweight, smoking (or maternal smoking during pregnancy), and low birth weight.
How does a naturopathic approach to asthma differ from conventional treatment?
A naturopathic approach involves a comprehensive assessment of diet, lifestyle, and environmental factors. It focuses on identifying and eliminating triggers, dietary changes, lifestyle modifications, and the use of herbal remedies.
What can asthma patients do to manage their condition effectively?
Asthma patients should focus on identifying and eliminating triggers, maintaining a healthy diet and lifestyle, using herbal remedies under professional guidance, and incorporating regular exercise and deep breathing practices into their routine.
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