Asthma Natural Approach

Question 1

Asthma: Avoid

Answer 1

• Dietary exclusions: cows’ milk, eggs, rice, soy, corn,
• Salicylate
• Sulphites (alcohol, dried fruits, bagged / prepared salads)
• Nitrates: Cured meat ↑ symptoms.
• MSG and its derivatives.
• Very cold drinks (can trigger bronchial spasm)
• Sugar and processed foods
• Red meat -> AA

Question 2

Asthma: Inclusions

Answer 2

• Antioxidants: Include vitamins A, C, E, carotenes, co- factors zinc, selenium, copper, and flavonoids (particularly quercetin).
• Flavonoids —such as quercetin
• Support SIgA levels
• Optimise omega-6:3 ratio
• Ensure optimal digestive function
• Dietary fibre —anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory effects

Question 3

Asthma: Nutrients

Answer 3

Vitamin B Complex
Vitamin C
Vitamin D
Magnesium
Zinc
Probiotics
EFAs
Co-Q10
Boswelia
Ginger
Turmeric (Curcumin)

Question 4

Asthma: Vitamin B complex

Answer 4

Dose: 50 -150mg/d

• decreases histamine
• reduces cortisol - stress

Question 5

Asthma: Vitamin C

Answer 5

Dose: 2 - 3g/ day

• Antioxidant
• Anti-histamine
• Anti-inflamatory ↓ PGE 2

Question 6

Asthma: Vitamin D

Answer 6

• Modulates genes for asthma / allergy.
• Inhibits eosinophils (involved in pathogenesis of asthma).

Question 7

Asthma: Magnesium

Answer 7

Dose 200 - 400mg/day
* Relaxation / dilation bronchial airways.
* Bronchodilator

Question 8

Asthma: Zinc

Answer 8

Dose 15-30 mg/day

• Improves cell mediated immunity increases production of T lymphocytes, regulates function of white blood cells.
• Deficiency may shift Th1 / Th2 response, favouring Th2 response characteristic of asthma.

Question 9

Probiotics

Answer 9

• Balance Th1 / Th2 immunity
• butyrate / IgA production, alleviate symptoms, ↑ quality life.

Question 10

Asthma: EFA

Answer 10

Dose: 1g EPA

• Omega 6:3 ratio improvement
• PGE-1 and PGE-3 upregulation

Question 11

Asthma: CoQ10

Answer 11

Dose: 150mg/day

• Antioxidant

Question 12

Asthma: Boswellia

Answer 12

Dose: 200-500mg/day

• Inhibits leukotriene production
  5-lox

Question 13

Asthma: Ginger and Turmeric

Answer 13

Ginger 400-500 mg
Turmeric 500- 2000 mg

• Inhibitors of arachidonic acid metabolism (↓leukotrienes)

Question 14

Asthma: Other considerations

Answer 14

• Avoid potential triggers: Environmental pollutants
  (incl. tobacco smoke), household chemicals (e.g., cleaning products, paint), moulds, pollens, dust mites etc.
• Buteyko breathing exercises uses shallow breathing through the nose to correct the breathing pattern.
• Posture compression of the lungs exacerbating symptoms.
  Smartphones ― development of forward head posture.
• Tissue salts: Kali. m ur and mag. phos . 2 pills x 2 daily.
• Essential oils adding a few drops of lavender oil to a diffuser or humidifier may reduce airway inflammation and help alleviate stress.