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AsthmaAsthma is a serious respiratory disease that literally leaves its victims breathless. People with asthma usually have a combination of problems in the lungs: bronchial muscle spasms, swelling of the mucus linings, and increased mucus production. When a susceptible person is exposed to a trigger, such as environmental irritants, allergens, heave exertion, or even anxiety, the passages inflame further and block air from flowing freely, resulting in an asthma attack. In a severe attack, a person who doesn’t receive emergency medical care can suffocate. In America, the number of people with asthma has increased by one-third in the last decade, probably because of pollution, the effects of emotional stress, and a Western diet that’s high in additives, meat products, and fats, all of which can cause inflammation and excess mucus production. Alarmingly, the incidence of asthma continues to rise among children. It is most common in children under the age of ten. Diet, nutritional supplements, bodywork, and other therapies can go a long way toward preventing and relieving asthma, but if you suffer from this potentially life-threatening disease, you also need to be under the care of a good doctor.
Root
Causes
Triggers that bring on an attack vary from person to person but most often include:
Important: If you experience a severe asthma attack, get emergency help at once. Have someone call an ambulance or drive you to the hospital, where you will receive medication to open your air passages. TREATMENT Diet While it
may take some discipline, following an anti-asthma diet will
reduce inflammation and the clogging of air passages. If you
have trouble getting started, try the detoxifying fast recommended
further on. It will help break your addiction to unwholesome
food and will allow you to “hear” clearly what your
body needs. Recommended Food Eat a simple, light diet, based on foods that don’t promote mucus production: raw vegetables and fruits, seeds, whole grains, lean poultry, and fresh fish. Carotenoids are antioxidants that have natural antioxidant and anti-inflammatory benefits. They are found in dark-green leafy vegetables and deep-yellow and orange vegetables. Studies show that children who eat fish more than once a week have one-third the risk of developing asthma. Garlic and onions have anti-inflammatory properties and are a savory addition to vegetable dishes. A glass of clean water every two waking hours will help keep your system clean. Water is especially helpful after an asthma attack to break up mucus. Ground flaxseeds are an excellent source of anti-inflammatory omega-3 fatty acids. For children over five years of age, use 1 to 2 teaspoons, and for adults, the dosage is 1 to 2 tablespoons daily.
It is most important to discover whether certain foods provoke allergic reactions. Even if you don’t have an allergy to dairy products, eliminate them from your diet. They encourage the production of mucus that plugs your airways. For the same reason, stay away from sugar, junk food, and fried and refined foods. Do not eat foods that contain additives or preservatives. This means avoiding processed foods, dried or smoked foods, and salad bars, which are often sprayed with preservatives, such as tartazine (yellow dye number 5), red dye, sulfites (as found in dried fruits), benzoates, and monosodium glutamate (MSG). Never eat frozen or extremely cold foods, which can cause the muscles in your airways to tighten. Keep pressure off your diaphragm by eating small meals and by avoiding foods that cause gas, such as beans and cruciferous vegetables (broccoli, cauliflower, and brussels sprouts are the most common offenders). Detoxification Every three months, consider doing a three-day vegetable cleansing juice fast to expel mucus. Also, daily consumption of super green foods, such as chlorella and/or spirulina, is recommended.
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Please consult your Doctor before taking any supplements. |
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