Asthma manifests itself with persistent shortness of breath, cough and the appearance of sticky mucus-laden phlegm, prolongation of the expiration (exhalation) time, and the hearing of wheezing breath sounds during this phase. Laboratory tests show accompanying allergy findings (high eosinophils, high serum IgE, positive allergy tests).
Warning: An acute asthma attack can be a medical emergency. If you are having an attack, call your doctor or go to the emergency room.
Asthma affects 3% of the US population and, although it can occur at any age, it is more common in children (under 10 years old). Among child asthma patients, the male/female ratio is 2/1, but this ratio equalizes around age 30. Reasons for the increase include pollution in air and food, early weaning of babies from breast milk, food additives, and the increased allergenicity of genetically modified foods. There are also concerns that the whooping cough vaccine may trigger asthma: In a UK study, 26 out of 243 vaccinated children were diagnosed with asthma, while only 4 out of 203 unvaccinated children had asthma.
Classification of Asthma
Asthma is divided into extrinsic and intrinsic. Extrinsic (allergic) asthma is an allergic condition characterized by an increase in serum IgE levels. Intrinsic asthma arises from bronchial reactions caused by toxic chemicals, cold air, exercise, infection, and emotional stress.
Natural Treatment Approach
The first practice in the natural approach is to lower the allergic threshold. Allergens cause symptoms to appear with progressively increasing exposure. There are two ways to reduce the allergic threshold: minimizing exposure to inhaled allergens as much as possible and reducing the consumption of dietary allergens.
A healthy lifestyle also significantly reduces allergies. Research with Japanese factory workers showed that a healthy lifestyle lowered IgE levels, while an unhealthy lifestyle raised them. Factors that raise IgE: poor diet, alcohol, and high stress.
Although it is difficult to completely avoid airborne allergens such as pollen, animal dander, and mites, precautions can be taken. Getting rid of cats, dogs, carpets, rugs, and upholstered surfaces is the first thing to do. If this is not possible, at least the bedroom should be cleared of allergens; mattresses should be wrapped in anti-allergic plastic, and bed sheets should be washed weekly in hot water with additive-free, fragrance-free laundry detergent.
Food Allergies
Many studies show that food allergies play a major role in asthma. Adverse reactions to foods can be immediate or delayed. Studies with children observed that immediate sensitivities developed (in order of frequency) to eggs, fish, seafood, nuts, and peanuts. Foods leading to delayed sensitivity include milk, chocolate, wheat, citrus fruits, and food colorings. Elimination diets are an important diagnostic and therapeutic tool, especially in infants.
Hypochlorhydria
In a 1931 study examining the gastric acid secretion of 200 asthmatic children, it was found that 80% of the children had gastric acid secretion below normal levels. This high rate of low stomach acid can pave the way for the development of food allergies. If not corrected, it can lead to other food allergies.
Candida Albicans
Candida albicans, a common type of fungus, causes many allergic conditions, including asthma. Protease, an acid produced by Candida, triggers this process. With appropriate treatment, significant clinical improvement has been seen in many asthma patients.
Vegan Diet
In a 1985 study, 92% of 25 patients showed significant improvement after a long-term vegan diet. This diet eliminated all meat, fish, eggs, and dairy products; the only drinks allowed were water, coffee and tea were prohibited, and sugar, salt, and chocolate were not used. Herbal spices and 1.5 liters of water and herbal tea per day were allowed. Vegetables consumed abundantly: lettuce, carrot, beetroot, onion, celery, cabbage, cauliflower, broccoli, cucumber, artichoke, radish, and all bean types except soybeans and peas. Grains were extremely restricted.
The benefits of this dietary regimen were associated with three areas: 1) elimination of dietary allergies, 2) change in prostaglandin metabolism, 3) higher consumption of antioxidant nutrients and magnesium. Patients experienced a decrease in healthcare costs and developed a greater sense of responsibility for their health.
Omega-3 Fatty Acids
Population studies observed that children who consumed fish more than once a week were one-third less likely to develop asthma. Many clinical studies show that increasing omega-3 consumption improves airway response to allergens and respiratory function.
Food Additives
Elimination of synthetic food additives is vital in controlling asthma. The most commonly used colorings are tartrazine, sunset yellow, new coccine, and patent blue. Common preservatives are sodium benzoate, hydroxybenzoate, and sulfur dioxide. In predisposed individuals, tartrazine, benzoates, sulfur dioxide, and especially sulfites can trigger asthma attacks.
Vitamin B6 (Pyridoxine) Supplementation
It has been shown that there is a disorder in the metabolism of the amino acid tryptophan in asthmatic children. Tryptophan is converted to serotonin; serotonin is the compound that causes airway constriction in asthma patients. Vitamin B6 is necessary for proper tryptophan metabolism.
In one study, the blood levels of the active form of vitamin B6 were found to be significantly lower in 15 adult asthma patients compared to 16 controls. All 7 patients who took 50 mg of vitamin B6 twice daily reported a dramatic decrease in wheezing and attack severity during the period they took it. In a study with 67 asthmatic children, the use of 200 mg of pyridoxine daily was observed to lead to a significant decrease in necessary medication dosage and symptoms; it was also seen that B6 supplementation greatly reduced the side effects of theophylline (headache, nausea, irritability, sleep disorders).
Antioxidants
The increase in asthma rates over the last 20 years is partly attributed to a decrease in the consumption of foods containing antioxidants. Vitamins A, C, and E and minerals such as zinc, selenium, and copper are important. Antioxidants activate important defense mechanisms for the lungs; free radicals both stimulate bronchial constriction and increase the response to other factors.
Vitamin C: It is the main antioxidant of the mucosa lining the airways. There is an inverse relationship between vitamin C intake and the development of asthma. Because cigarette smoke depletes vitamins C and E, children from smoking families have higher asthma rates. Supplementation with 1-2 g of vitamin C daily appears to lead to improvement in respiratory measurements and symptoms, and also lowers histamine levels.
Flavonoids: They are key antioxidants in asthma treatment. Various flavonoids, primarily quercetin, have been shown to suppress histamine secretion from mast cells and leukotriene production. Flavonoid-rich extracts such as grape seed, green tea, or ginkgo biloba may be beneficial in asthma treatment.
Carotenes: They increase the integrity of the epithelial layer lining the respiratory tract and may reduce leukotriene formation. A diet rich in carotenes or carotene supplementation may be beneficial.
Vitamin E: It benefits asthma through its antioxidant and leukotriene suppression effects.
Selenium: Low selenium levels are observed in asthma patients. The selenium-dependent antioxidant glutathione peroxidase plays an important role in the breakdown of allergenic leukotrienes. Selenium supplementation may reduce leukotriene production.
Vitamin B12
According to Dr. Jonathan Wright, "B12 therapy is a mainstay in childhood asthma." With weekly 1,000 mcg intramuscular injections, shortness of breath during exercise decreased in 18 out of 22 patients; improvements in appetite, sleep, and conditioning were seen. B12 is particularly useful in the treatment of sulfite-sensitive individuals.
Magnesium
In 1912, it was observed that magnesium relaxes the smooth muscles in the bronchi. Research with injectable forms showed beneficial results in acute asthma attacks. Intravenous magnesium is a clinically accepted measure. Oral magnesium therapy can increase the body's magnesium stores; however, this effect usually requires a 6-week period.
Salt
There is strong evidence that increased salt intake increases bronchial reactivity and asthma-related deaths. Bronchial reaction to histamine is associated with increased dietary sodium. Since asthma severity is linked to bronchial reactivity, reducing sodium consumption will affect asthma severity.
DHEA
Low levels of the adrenal hormone DHEA (dehydroepiandrosterone) are commonly seen in post-menopausal asthmatic women. Given its importance in immune functions, a positive effect is highly likely.
Herbal Treatment
Historically, the most commonly used medicinal plant in asthma treatment has been Ephedra (Ephedra sinica / Ma huang); it is used with herbal expectorants. Common expectorants include licorice root (Glycyrrhiza glabra), grindelia, euphorbia, drosera, and senega.
Anise (Pimpinella anisum): Greeks used anise tea for asthma and respiratory diseases. It contains creosol and alpha-pinene, which dissolve bronchial secretions. Parsley seed, juniper, cardamom, ginger, dill, and yarrow are also rich sources of alpha-pinene; an asthma tea can be prepared by mixing one or several of these herbs.
Tomato (Lycopersicum): In 40 extensive studies, it was found that 1,000 mg of vitamin C daily reduced asthma attacks, bronchial spasms, and other allergic symptoms.
Ephedra (Ephedra sinica): Considered one of the world's oldest medicines; the Chinese have used this plant for thousands of years to treat asthma. Its active components, ephedrine and pseudoephedrine, have a bronchodilator effect. It should be used with caution as it has side effects such as insomnia, anxiety, and high blood pressure.
Stinging Nettle (Urtica dioica): Described 400 years ago by English herbalist Nicholas Culpeper as a medicine that helps open the lungs and bronchi. Australians mixed the plant's juice with honey and sugar and drank it, strongly believing it treated bronchial problems. It is now known to be a powerful antihistamine; it is increasingly recommended to asthma and hay fever patients.
Licorice Root: Recommended for sore throat, cough, and asthma due to its throat-soothing effect. Use of up to 3 cups per day is considered safe; however, long-term or excessive use can cause headaches, lethargy, sodium retention, potassium loss, and high blood pressure.
Ginkgo Biloba: Asian healers have used extracts obtained from ginkgo leaves for centuries to treat asthma, allergies, bronchitis, and cough. Ginkgo suppresses platelet-activating factor found in the blood, which triggers bronchial spasms.
