Asthma is a common condition that affects over two million Australians, and it can start at any age, although it is more common in children. Australia has one of the highest rates of Asthma in the world with around 1 in 4 children, 1 in 7 teenagers and 1 in 10 adults affected. Allergy plays an important role in Asthma, and is one of the major factors associated with its cause and persistence.  Around 8 in 10 people with Asthma have positive allergy test results, so prevention and management of Asthma usually involves treatment of allergies.

What is Asthma?

Asthma is a hypersensitive, inflammatory respiratory disorder of the airways characterised by bronchial spasms, inflammation of the bronchial walls and excessive production of thick mucous.

Symptoms of Asthma include:

• Frequent attacks of breathlessness, chest tightness and irritating cough with symptoms usually worse at night or early morning
• Coughing up thick, stubborn mucous
• Wheezing while breathing in or out
• Bluish discolouration around the mouth
• Over inflated or 'pigeon' chest

Allergens, irritants, exercise, cold air, stress or anxiety may worsen symptoms.

Causes of Asthma include:

• Atopic (external) Asthma is related to immune system activation
• Intrinsic (internal) Asthma is related to a bronchial reaction by environmental factors such as allergens, pollutants, respiratory infections, cold air, exercise or emotional stress
• Family history is a predisposing factor

Natural remedies for Asthma

Nutrients

• Vitamin D - may enhance the anti-inflammatory properties of inhaled corticosteroid preventers used by Asthma sufferers. Vitamin D deficiency is associated with poorer lung function in children with Asthma who are treated with inhaled corticosteroids.
• Fish oil - contains important omega-3 essential fatty acids that help reduce inflammation and improve airway sensitivity to allergens, improving Asthma symptoms.
• Vitamin C -  provides anti-inflammatory properties that reduce bronchial constriction, acts a natural antihistamine for allergy support and helps improve lung function in Asthmatics.
• Quercetin - reduces inflammation and contains antihistamine properties that dampen the allergic response and improves the action of vitamin C.
• Magnesium - helps to relax and reduce bronchial spasms of the respiratory system.

Herbs

• Elecampane - reduces bronchial spasms and helps clear thick mucous from the respiratory system.
• Licorice - reduces inflammation and has a protective effect on the mucous membranes of the respiratory system. Licorice helps clear excessive mucous from the respiratory system.
• White Horehound - reduces bronchial spasms and clears excessive mucous from the lungs by reducing the thickness of the mucous or by improving the cough reflex.

Lifestyle

Identify and eliminate known Asthma triggers including food allergens

• Maintain an allergen-free environment
• Reduce inflammatory foods eg: saturated fats, sugar and artificial colourings, flavourings and preservatives
• Eat a diet high in fresh fruit and vegetables, lean protein sources and include fish, nuts and seeds for essential fatty acids

Low levels of hydrochloric acid (HCL) in the stomach are common in Asthma sufferers. Improve HCL levels by adding fresh lemon juice to water.

Health Tip for Asthma:

Steam inhalations help to break up and eliminate thick mucous.

Mr Vitamins recommends:

Herbs of Goldnutritional supplements for Natural Asthma treatment:

1. Vitamin D3 1000
2. Quercetin Complex
3. Hit Cough
4. Omega-3 Concentrate
5. Magnesium Forte
6. Vitamin C 1000 Plus Zinc & Bioflavanoids

Find out more about these powerful Asthma treatment supplements here…

Mr Vitamins Research and further References:

Bridgman, K, 2000, Naturopathic Nutrition, Sydney, Australia. Braun, L & Cohen, M, 2010, Herbs & Natural Supplements: an evidence-based guide, Elsevier, Australia. Pizzorno, JE, Murray, MT & Joiner-Bey, H, 2002, The Clinician’s Handbook of Natural Medicine, Churchill Livingstone, Edinburgh. Wu AC, Tantisira K, Li L et al. The effect of vitamin D and inhaled corticosteroid treatment on lung function in children. Am J Respir Crit Care Med 2012; published online as doi:10.1164/rccm.201202-0351OC.