Natural Asthma care?!
Question:
Natural Asthma care?
I was just wondering if anyone knows about any natural ways to make asthma better. I hate being on all sorts of meds all the time. It just doesnt seem healthy to me. I'm already on sublingual drops for my allergys. Anyones advice would be great!
Answers:
The supplements in the list below are meant to complement conventional asthma therapy. Never stop taking medication prescribed for asthma without consulting your doctor. People with asthma are often deficient in key nutrients, especially vitamin C, magnesium, and vitamin B6. Vitamin C, the major antioxidant present in the lining of the respiratory tract, appears to act immediately to combat inhaled oxidants. In addition, it may halt an allergic reaction by preventing the cells from releasing histamine. Furthermore, Vitamin C is very effective for exercise-induced asthma; according to various studies, taking 2,000 mg before a workout may even thwart an asthma attack. As for the mineral magnesium, it can prevent attacks by inhibiting the contraction of the bronchial muscles. Other studies have shown that vitamin B6 supplements reduce wheezing and other asthma symptoms.
The flavonoid quercetin has two main effects: It inhibits the release of histamine, and as an antioxidant, it neutralizes unstable oxygen molecules, which can cause bronchial inflammation. Don't use licorice for longer than a month.
Keep your home clear of dust and pollen. Avoid cigarette smoke.
Stay away from cats; their dander is highly allergenic.
Remain calm. Managing stress helps fight asthma.
Treat colds and the flu promptly to reduce the chances of an attack.
Wear a scarf over your mouth and nose to warm the cold winter air.
Keep an asthma diary to help you determine your asthma triggers.
Drink at least eight glasses of water a day to keep mucus loose.
Substances in green tea can help reduce the airway inflammation that accompanies an asthma attack. Taking time for a cup of tea can be soothing and calming as well. You can safely drink several cups of green tea a day in combination with other nutritional and herbal remedies.
Yoga is an excellent activity for people with asthma. Not only does it enhance breathing, it is also relaxing.
An inexpensive device, called a peak-flow meter, measures how fast and how hard you can exhale air from your lungs. Its results, compared to levels set by your doctor or to previous readings, can often predict an asthma attack, even a day or two in advance.
Eating lots of onions may help asthma sufferers. The mustard oils (isothiocyanates) they contain seem to promote healthy lungs.
Vitamin C: 1,000 mg 3 times a day. Reduce dose if diarrhea develops.
Magnesium : 400 mg twice a day. Take for 6 weeks to achieve adequate levels.
Vitamin B6 : 50 mg twice a day.Especially important if you take the prescription asthma drug theophylline.
Quercetin: 500 mg 3 times a day. Use 20 minutes before meals; often sold with vitamin C.
Licorice: 200 mg standardized extract 3 times a day. Can raise blood pressure