Asthma

When an asthma sufferer comes into contact with something that irritates their airways (an asthma trigger), the muscles around the walls of the airways (bronchial tubes) tighten so that the airways become narrower and the lining of the airways becomes inflamed and starts to swell. Sometimes, sticky mucus or phlegm builds up, which can further narrow the airways, making it difficult to breathe and leading to symptoms of asthma.

WARNING: Untreated asthma flare-ups can lead to hospitalisation and can even be fatal. It is not a condition that should be self-treated. A doctor’s supervision is required.

Asthma triggers

It can be difficult to identify exactly what triggers asthma. Sometimes the link is obvious, for example when symptoms start within minutes of coming into contact with a cat or dog. But some people can have a delayed reaction to an asthma trigger, so some extra detective work may be needed. Try to keep a diary or record of the times and situations when asthma is worse. This will help to identify what the asthma triggers are.

What can be the causes of asthma?

• A family history of asthma, eczema or allergies.
• Annatto (E160b) food colouring contains salicylic acid which has been known to cause allergies and asthma attacks. Many other E numbers are also known to cause asthma. See>> E number dangers
• Many aspects of modern lifestyles – such as diet and a more hygienic environment – may have contributed to the rise in asthma over the past few decades.
• Chemical pesticides and food additives consumed on a regular basis may be the cause of asthma.
• Aerosol air sprays.
• Household cleaning products.
• Certain types of plastics including those found in toys, vinyl flooring, sunglasses, car dashboards, CD cases, cutlery, tin cans, shower curtains, credit cards and a host of other everyday items.
• Environmental pollution can make asthma symptoms worse and may play a part in causing some asthma.
• Pets with fur or feathers.
• Strong scents of perfume and aftershave.
• Mould and fungi spores from damp in the home.
• Leaky gut syndrome caused by food allergies.
• Research has shown that smoking during pregnancy significantly increases the risk of a child developing asthma.
• Children whose parents smoke are more likely to develop asthma.
• Adult-onset asthma may develop after a viral infection
• Irritants found in the workplace may lead to a person developing asthma (known as occupational asthma)

For ways to avoid asthma and other allergies see>> Hygiene, toxins and health

House-dust mites: Symptoms brought on by house-dust mites may be reduced by following all the recommendations below:

• Using barrier covers on the mattress, duvet and pillows.
• Removing all carpets and replacing with hard flooring.
• Vacuuming often – it is better for someone else to vacuum while the asthmatic person stays out of the room.
• Using a damp cloth to dust rather than a duster.
• Freezing soft toys or soft furnishings (in a plastic bag) for a minimum of six hours every one to two weeks to kill house-dust mites.
• Hot washing (60°c) sheets, duvet covers and pillowcases at least once a week
• Using a dehumidifier.

Asthma symptoms

Asthma symptoms can range from mild, such as wheezing, to chronic coughing and wheezing during severe asthma attacks. These are some of the warning signs and symptoms:

• Wheezing and shortness of breath
• Difficulty sleeping due to shortness of breath, wheezing, and coughing
• Chest pain or tightness
• Shortness of breath during exercise
• Increased need for bronchodilators (medications that open airways by relaxing the surrounding muscles)

NOTE: Asthma can be a sign of pulmonary hypertension (high blood pressure)

Natural remedies for asthma

Ash gourd or the common stinging nettle: Any kind of severe and chronic asthma can be cured with regular consumption of ash gourd or the common stinging nettle.

Citrus fruit rinds are rich in flavonoids and coumarins. Add some grated zest of orange, lemon or lime to meals to obtain these powerful anti-inflammatory compounds.

Ginger ale. Caffeinated beverages may irritate the stomach, so ginger can help. The carbonation releases any trapped gas in the chest and the ginger helps with nausea that may sometimes accompany asthma.

Lemon balm makes a refreshing tea that calms anxiety, restores depleted energy, enhances the memory and acts as a decongestant and antihistamine, helping with allergy symptoms such as asthma and hay fever.

To make a tea, pour hot water onto a handful of leaves in a jar. Screw on the lid and then cool and leave to chill for four hours in the refrigerator then serve with ice. Lemon balm leaf tea with mint or peppermint leaves and a teaspoon of locally produced honey, can reduce asthma and hay fever symptoms and reduce bloating and flatulence. Make the tea as above but include the mint or peppermint leaves then reheat, strain and add the honey then sip slowly. Drink three cups a day.

Maqui berry is a south American ‘super fruit’ which contains the highest number of antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds than any other known natural food. Regular consumption can eliminate symptoms of asthma.

Raw juice therapy can help to reduce asthma symptoms. The best natural foods to juice or make smoothies with are:

• Apricot
• Carrot
• Celery
• Lemon
• Peach
• Pineapple
• Radish

Swede: The regular consumption of Swede can help reduce the wheezing of asthma unless it is caused by an allergy to isothiocyanates. See Pemphigus

Tea relief for asthma

Making teas with any of the following medicinal herbs can alleviate asthma:

Drink three or four cups of tea, especially green tea, (helps to dilate the bronchial airways) but avoid coffee. Herbal teas can often help alleviate the symptoms of asthma.

Herbal tea remedy one

• One teaspoon chamomile flowers
• One teaspoon echinacea root
• One teaspoon mullein leaves
• One teaspoon passionflower leaves
• One quart of bottled or filtered boiling water. 

Mix all the above ingredients and let them stand for two hours before straining then gently reheating and sipping slowly.

Herbal tea remedy two

• The freshly squeezed juice of half a lemon 
• Two teaspoons of ground echinacea root. 
• Two teaspoon of elecampane root. 
• One teaspoon of pure local honey
• Two cups of hot bottled or filtered water. 

Mix all the above ingredients and let them stand for two hours before straining then gently reheating and sipping slowly.

Nutrients that can help to reduce asthma attacks

A combination of the three below is equal to, or better than, ibuprofenfor reducing asthma-associated respiratory inflammation:

• Astaxanthin
• Vitamin C
• Ginkgo biloba herb

Natural sources of astaxanthin

Pink and red coloured fresh water and seafood such as crab, crayfish, lobster, prawns, red sea bream, red trout, salmon, salmon roe (eggs) and shrimp. The highest concentration of this powerful antioxidant is found in a type of algae (Haematococcus microalgae) and red krill oil. Taking 1000 mg of krill oil daily can help to reduce asthma attacks.

Highest sources of vitamin C in milligrams per 100 grams

Vitamin E: When consuming foods rich in vitamin C it is also important to consume foods rich in vitamin E at the same time. This can be particularly helpful if any skin rashes are apparent as well as asthma. But it is also necessary as vitamin C increases iron absorption whilst vitamin E inhibits it.

Vitamin C reduces magnesium and zinc absorption while vitamin E increases it. Therefore an equal amount of each is required to maintain a balance. That is why it is a good idea to consume fruit with nuts and seeds at the same time.

Highest sources of vitamin E in milligrams per 100 grams

• Wheat germ 149.4 mg
• Hemp seeds 55 mg
• Hazelnut oil 47 mg
• Almond oil 39 mg
• Sunflower seeds 38.3 mg
• Chilli powder 38.1 mg
• Paprika 38 mg
• Rice bran oil 32 mg
• Grape seed oil 29 mg
• Almonds 26.2 mg
• Oregano 18.3 mg
• Hazelnuts 17 mg
• Flaxseed oil 17 mg
• Peanut oil 16 mg
• Hazelnuts 15.3 mg
• Corn oil 15 mg
• Olive oil 14 mg
• Soya bean oil 12 mg
• Pine nuts 9.3 mg
• Cloves (ground) 9 mg
• Peanuts 8 mg
• Celery flakes (dried) 6 mg
• Spirulina 5 mg
• Dried apricots 4.3 mg
• Bell peppers (red), eel, olives and salmon 4 mg
• Jalapeno peppers 3.6 mg
• Anchovies 3.3 mg
• Broccoli, chicken, chilli peppers (sun-dried), cod, crayfish, dandelion greens, egg yolk, duck, goose, pecan nuts, spinach, tomatoes (tinned or pureed) turkey and turnip greens 3 mg
• Avocado, beef, bilberries, blue berries, butter, chicory greens, cinnamon (ground), crab, halibut, herring (pickled), mackerel, marjoram, mustard greens, pistachio nuts, poppy seeds, sardines, sesame seeds, Swiss chard, trout, tuna, turnips and walnuts 2 mg
• Fish roe 1.9 mg
• Asparagus, kiwi fruit and parsnips 1.5 mg
• Black berries 1.2 mg
• Chlorella 1.1 mg

Choline has been found to be useful in the treatment of asthma.

Natural sources of choline in alphabetical order

1. Oily fish
2. Organ meats
3. Nuts
4. Peanuts
5. Peas
6. Poultry
7. Quinoa
8. Rabbit
9. Rampion
10. Shellfish
11. Spinach
12. Swiss chard
13. Venison
14. Wheat germ

Coumarins are aromatic and potent antioxidants that have been found to prevent asthma attacks however, over consumption of coumarin can cause liver damage in susceptible individuals therefore supplements are not advised.

Natural sources of coumarins in alphabetical order

NOTE: Grapefruit is known to react with some medications reducing their efficacy.

Cysteine has the ability to breakdown proteins found in mucous that settles in the lungs and therefore is useful in the treatment of asthma, bronchitis, cystic fibrosis and other respiratory problems. Because the production of cysteine involves several nutrients a deficiency of methionine, vitamin B6 (pyridoxine), vitamin B9 (folic acid), vitamin B12 (cyanocobalamin) and s-adenosyl methionine (SAMe) may decrease the production of cysteine. Drinking alcohol and certain medications can cause deficiencies of these nutrients which will in turn cause a deficiency in cysteine.

Highest sources of cysteine in milligrams per 100 grams

Magnesium rich foods are commonly recommended to people who suffer from asthma issues. It can increase lung capacity and build on the efficiency of the respiratory process. Due to intensive farming techniques, the soils that plants are grown in are often deficient in magnesium. Therefore consuming sea foods or organically grown food crops ensures that magnesium levels are sufficient.

Highest sources of magnesium in milligrams per 100 grams

Vitamin B1 (thiamine): A deficiency of vitamin B1 can lead to breathing difficulties and asthma.

Highest sources of vitamin B1 in milligrams per 100 grams

Vitamin B6 (pyridoxine): Alcohol promotes the loss and destruction of vitamin B6 in the body and the medicine theophylline, often prescribed to asthmatic children, also decreases levels of vitamin B6. Ironically, a deficiency of vitamin B6 is known to be a cause of asthma and allergies.

Highest sources of vitamin B6 in milligrams per 100 grams

NOTE: Wild salmon (0.94 mg) contains far more vitamin B6 than farmed salmon (0.56 mg) and fresh salmon and tuna are far richer in vitamin B6 than tinned.

Vitamin B15 is reported to be useful in treating asthma and other allergies.

Natural sources of vitamin B15 in alphabetical order

• Apricot kernels
• Beef blood
• Brewer’s yeast
• Brown rice
• Pumpkin seeds
• Sunflower seeds
• Whole grains

Pangamic acid (previously known as vitamin B15) is reported to be useful in treating asthma and other allergies.

Natural sources of pangamic acid in alphabetical order

• Apricot kernels
• Beef blood
• Brewer’s yeast
• Brown rice
• Pumpkin seeds
• Sunflower seeds
• Whole grains

Zinc can partially restore the proper functioning of the asthmatic airway and in a part diminish its symptom. Alcohol dimishes zinc levels in the body.

Highest sources of zinc in milligrams per 100 grams

• Oysters 78.6 mg
• Chlorella 71 mg
• Sunflower seeds 50 mg
• Wheat germ 16.7 mg
• Beef 12.3 mg
• Calf’s liver 11.9 mg
• Hemp seeds 11.5 mg
• Pumpkin and squash seeds 10.3 mg
• Sesame and watermelon seeds 10.2 mg
• Bamboo shoots, endives and gourds 9 mg
• Chervil (herb) 8.8 mg
• Lamb 8.7 mg
• Venison 8.6 mg
• Alfalfa (sprouted), amaranth leaves, Crimini mushrooms, Irish moss and tea 8 mg
• Crab 7.6 mg
• Lobster 7.3 mg
• Agave, basil, broccoli, buffalo, elk, emu, oats, ostrich, spinach and turkey 7 mg
• Cocoa powder 6.8 mg
• Cashew nuts 5.8 mg
• Asparagus, chicken livers, laver seaweed, mushrooms, parsley and rice bran 5.7 mg
• Cashew nuts 5.6 mg
• Pork 5.1 mg
• Jute (herb), lemon grass, mung beans, Portobello mushrooms, radishes and shiitake mushrooms 5 mg
• Agar seaweed, butterbur, cauliflower, chicory, Chinese cabbage, chives, coriander, green beans, lentils, lettuce, okra, rocket, spring onions, summer squash, Swiss chard, tomatoes and wasabi (yellow) 3.4 mg
• Peanuts 3.3 mg
• Cheddar cheese 3.1 mg
• Mozzarella cheese 2.9 mg
• Anchovies and rabbit 2.4 mg
• Cabbage, cucumber, jalapeno peppers, , kidney beans, navy beans, spirulina and turnip greens 2 mg
• Mussels 1.6 mg
• Arrowroot, artichokes (globe), beetroot, bell peppers, black eyed peas, borage, broad beans, Brussel sprouts, butter beans, cabbage, carrots, celery, chilli peppers, courgettes, dandelion greens, garlic, horseradish, kale, kelp, mustard greens, peas, pinto beans, potatoes, pumpkin, turnips, Swede, sweet potato, tomatoes (red), wakame (seaweed), watercress and winged beans 1.2 mg

Other ways to reduce asthma attacks

A diet rich in fibre and all the colours of the rainbow in vegetables and fruits can lessen symptoms of asthma due to the presence of flavonoids and coumarins in varying colours like black, blue, red, orange, white and yellow. Most of the powerful antioxidants are in the skins and rinds of fruit and vegetables. At least one green leafy vegetable per day..

Take a hot shower with the shower head on the most forceful setting and as hot as possible. Tying a bunch of eucalyptus branches under the shower head can help too but is optional. Sit down so that the back is to the water and allow it to beat on the back. The water will relax the person, the steam is good to breathe in and the pounding helps loosen the phlegm.

Remove chemicals. Take all perfumes and artificial chemicals out of the home. Use only natural soaps and detergents and deodorants. See Hygiene, toxins and health.

Lose any extra weight and get regular exercise between attacks to strengthen the heart and lungs 

Stress: Avoid emotional stress as much as possible.

Consume only non-processed natural organic foods. Chemicals used in pesticides, growing, processing and added to food can exasperate the symptoms of asthma. Many of the synthetic E number chemicals are known to cause asthmatic symptoms. See>> E number dangers

Related subjects

• A-Z of ailments
• Allergies
• Feed your friendly bacteria
• Respiratory disorders