Asthma is a very common respiratory condition in North America and is often linked to allergies, eczema and ear infections earlier in life. I’ve talked about asthma in other posts, but wanted to focus today on just what we can offer outside of your traditional puffer.
Common Asthma Symptoms
- Chest tightness or pressure
- Wheezing
- Shortness of breath
- Nighttime cough
- Chronic Cough
- Lots of mucous – constant clearing of throat
Contributing Factors to Developing Asthma and Airway Inflammation
- Early exposure to antibiotic medications: we are now well aware how the gut microbiome plays an important role in the development of allergies and chronic disease. Exposure to antibiotics at an early age can kill off good bacteria and alter a gut microbiome. Without probiotics, the lack of good bacteria will allow bad bacteria to overgrow and increase the need for more antibiotics. This repeats the vicious cycle.
- Exceptionally clean environment (otherwise known as hygiene hypothesis): The hygiene hypothesis largely explains why the incidences of allergies and asthma are high in developed countries and entirely absent in underdeveloped countries. The more sterile the environment in which you grow, the harder it is for your immune system to learn what to fight against. Underdeveloped countries have higher exposure to parasites and infections, which allows their immune systems to properly develop at an early age.
- Smoke and chemical exposure: Exposure to chemicals can damage the lining of the lungs and activate the immune system in an effort to get rid of the toxin.
- Family history
- Obesity
Natural Management of Asthma
No natural supplement can replace the activity of a puffer for asthma. In the event of an asthma attack, a puffer will ALWAYS be the first line of defence. These nutrients are intended to support the lungs and the immune system over a period of months to years. The goal is to reduce the overactivity of the immune system, lower the production of mucous and relax the airways.
Vitamin C: One of the key antioxidants in the lining of the lung, and can result in pulmonary dysfunction when deficient. Research on the use of vitamin C in asthmatic patients shows increased lung function. The need for steroid medication decreased. In very high doses, vitamin C can result in loose stools.
Probiotics: Probiotics are the essential good guys of the gastrointestinal tract. They are the most crucial during and after rounds of antibiotics, travellers’ diarrhea or other gastrointestinal infections. But no matter when you take your probiotic, make sure to switch up the stains of bacteria every once in a while. In the realm of asthma, probiotics decrease the inflammatory immune response. This will look like a reduction in runny nose and mucous production in the airway.
Magnesium: Magnesium is my favourite micronutrient and one that is effective for almost every health condition. It is a calming nutrient and one that helps to relax muscles in the brain, the extremities and in this case, the lungs. Magnesium citrate has been shown to increase spirometry readings in asthmatics, but must be taken over a longer period of time.
Vitamin D: Everyone needs vitamin D. We know it has long term effects on bone, but it also has an important role in immune function. Vitamin D has been found to help produce specific T cells in the immune system that fight off infection. It can also help to relax smooth muscle lining the bronchi. The best effects of vitamin D are noted when taken beyond 6 months.
Asthma Anti-Inflammatories
Fish Oil Omega-3: Known for their anti-inflammatory effects on the gut, the brain and the immune system. Omega-3’s can help to open the airways and reduce the production of mucous. Like all these supplements, omega-3’s must be taken for 1-2 months before benefits on asthma are noted.
Bromelain taken with N-acetyl cysteine: These antioxidants are powerful fighters for the respiratory system. Together, they clear out thick mucous from the lungs and lower the immune overactivity. Bromelain is an anti-inflammatory agent and has powerful effects on the lungs and all areas of the body containing smooth muscle. N-acetyl cysteine significantly reduces wheezing and chronic cough.
Food sensitivities are a huge trigger for asthma and must be considered in any treatment plan. Consider going for food sensitivity testing or discussing a hypoallergenic diet with your Naturopathic Doctor.